These Dads Are Doing It Right – Part 155 – Dads Writing Books On Tough Topics To Help Kids & Families 

This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I wanted put the spotlight on dads who written or created books to help kids go through tough times. These books may cover tough topics, but it helps families and kids talk about it and share their feelings. If there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below. 

Terry Smith – The Tough Topic Of Divorce 

Terry Smith is the founder of Kinder Care Books, a venture dedicated to publishing books that support the emotional and psychological development of children. As a divorced single parent, he personally experienced how unsettled stress, anxiety and trauma negatively affected his children. His life mission and primary focus is to empower parents to become wholeheartedly supportive of their children and assist them in processing their emotions through difficult circumstances. His book, See You Later, is a book about separation anxiety disorder. In addition is shows the result of divorce and how to discover the language needed to give their child the strength. The book helps kids take their first steps toward independence, faith and courage knowing it isn’t goodbye, but see you later. 

Keith Negley – Tough Guys Have Feelings Too

Keith’s book, Tough Guys Have Feeling Too, is a great read for kids and families. Children will love to recognize the feelings in Keith Negley’s bold illustrations which accompany a fun-to-read aloud narrative. Parents can enjoy and engage with children in a light-hearted discussion about emotions and how they affect us all. Keith resides in Washington state with his two boys. They are surrounded by mountains and ocean and he teaches illustration at Western Washington University. 

Tom Tinn-Disbury – Lost In The Clouds 

Tom Tinn-Disbury is an experienced illustrator who started his career in film and animation before concentrating on his art. He has written and illustrated a number of picture books, including The Caveman Next Door and My Summer With Grandad. Written in collaboration with an experienced grief professional, Lost in the Clouds explores the idea of grief. In addition it teaches children how to understand and deal with their emotions surrounding the death of a loved one. With beautiful and colorful illustrations to accompany the touching narrative, this meaningful storybook is perfect for sharing and will bring comfort to both children and parents.

Gary D. Schmidt – Okay For Now 

Gary D. Schmidt is the best-selling author of many books for young readers, including Just Like That; National Book Award finalist Okay for Now; Pay Attention, Carter Jones; Orbiting Jupiter; the Newbery Honor and Printz Honor Book Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. Okay For Now follows the main character named Doug.  Once heartbreaking and hopeful, Doug has an abusive father, a bully for a brother, a bad reputation, and shameful secrets to keep. Teachers and police and his relatives think he’s worthless, and he believes them, holding others at arm’s length. Check out his book here.