HIGHLIGHTS

• Themes include: Gaining self-esteem after working hard toward a goal
• Building a good reputation
• Discovering the harmful effects of lying
• Learning courage by doing a frightening thing that is important to do

The popularity of the first volume of Dr. Richard Gardner’s Stories About the Real World encouraged him to write a second. For many children the first volume served as a good friend. For others it has been a reference book to help them deal with difficult situations. Such reactions served as an important impetus for his writing the second book of stories in this genre.

T he storytelling medium is one of the most potent ways to impart important messages to children. It appears to be the child’s natural mode of communication. Unpleasant facts are much more likely to be ’heard’ whenpresented in a format in which others, rather than the child himself (herself), are exhibiting the undesirable behavior.

A n important determinant of whether the child will enjoy a particular story is the capacity to identify with the protagonist. Jennifer the "Scaredy-Cat" learns some important lessons about frightening situationsand what courage really is. Beth, the girl in Camp Sights, finds out some important things about seeing naked boys. And Leo the Liar has a series of experiences that help him appreciate that honesty is the best policy. In this book, as was true for its predecessor, Dr. Gardner has tried to select themes of general interest to enhance the likelihoodthat children will become involved.

Told with warmth, humor, and realistic optimism, Dr. Gardner’s stories will encourage children to think about their behavior and the areas in which they can use their own judgment to deal more effectively with life.