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Dennis and the Big Decisions ISBN: 9781907585173
Sambrooks, Paul and Tani, Tommaso Levente
Published by British Association for Adoption and Fostering (BAAF), 2011
Dennis and his little sister appeared first in 'Dennis Duckling' by the same author, and in this little book, Dennis and the 'people' around him are trying to decide what should happen next. Dennis and his little sister have been living in a pond with foster carers, but should they stay there or go back to their parents, or be formally adopted by a 'forever mum and dad'? Their social worker duck, Annie, a helpful pigeon who talks to the children and gets their ideas on the subject, and their mum and dad pool their wishes on what is to happen, 'but not everyone wanted the same thing.' What to do. Clever Owl will have the answer. Having all the facts put before him, he makes a decision. We don't learn what that decision is for the excellent reason that it will be different for every child. This simple picture book will help the youngest child understand the situation he or she is in and why decisions must be made. While emphasising that the children are able to express their wishes and that those wishes will be listened to, it is clear that the adults must have the final say. When the story finishes, there are two further pages that put the story into human context, and there is also a booklet with suggestions as to how the book can be used with children. Another useful tool from the BAAF. Available from them at: Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London, EC1N 8TS (Tel: 020 7421 2604).
Age: 2+