Divorce is the worst

First in the Ordinary Terrible Things series, Higginbotham's debut children's book offers a frank look at the painful, confused emotions that are often a part of divorce. Set on the brown paper of bagged school lunches, the collaged artwork incorporates fabric scraps, torn photographs, and hand-lettered text as (largely unseen) parents tell their child that they are divorcing. "It can come as a surprise. When it does, it's the worst," writes Higginbotham as the child (whose gender is kept neutral) gasps. Higginbotham draws the child's features in ink, and readers follow a chain of emotions that includes shock, anger, sadness, and (short-lived) hope. "You're getting me a horse?" the child asks. "Um no," comes the response. "A divorce." The illustrations deliver a substantial emotional impact-a series of pages shows the child doing household chores while "reasons" like "We fell out of love" and "We've changed" appear on dirty dishes and thick gray carpeting. But it's Higginbotham's directness and refusal to talk down to her audience that will make this book such an asset to families negotiating divorce. Ages 4-8. (Apr.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

K-Gr 3-This insightful and attractive picture book looks at divorce from a child's perspective. The title opens on a gender-neutral and ethnically ambiguous child being told by (unseen) parents that they're planning on splitting up. The child addresses readers directly about divorce while going about daily life (riding a bike, going to the bathroom). Higginbotham is honest with kids, acknowledging unpleasant truths, such as typical emotional responses (anger, guilt, sorrow) and what to expect from parents (crying, fighting, even offering kids bribes to soften the blow). She also places the burden directly on parents: "We don't decide our parents' lives. What they decide affects our lives." The beautiful collage illustrations (backgrounds look like ripped or wrinkled craft paper with photos and other images pasted on) and hand-lettered typeface give the book a homemade feel that will resonate with children. Higginbotham's decision not to portray the parents is a wise one: because readers never see a mother or a father, the title could be used for same-sex divorces, too. Appended are instructions aimed at helping kids express negative emotions by making a collage of their own. VERDICT While divorce books are plentiful, this one stands above the rest.-Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

It can come as a surprise. We have something to tell you.    When it does, it's the worst. It's for the best.    You may feel confused,  You're getting me a horse? Um, no. A divorce. I like horses.   or betrayed. You promised to be together forever! We did. You BROKE your promise! We did.   You may want to run. I'm gonna go out now. Uh oh--why won't my legs move? You sure you're okay?   You may be heartbroken.   You may get angry, or feel guilty. If you feel all of these ways at once, lie down.    A good counselor will tell you: This is not your fault. It is never your fault. We don't decide our parents' lives. What they decide affects our lives. Excerpted from Divorce Is the Worst by Anastasia Higginbotham All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.