It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear: A Read-Together Book for Parents and Young Childre Paperback – Illustrated, 15 December 1997

Our therapist recommended this book for my young children (5 and 7). They each responded differently, but for both it was a great way to engage them in conversation in an empathetic, understanding, and open way. They so related with Koko Bear and his feelings in the book and were able to identify some of their own feelings through reading it. My 5 year old has asked to read this many times while my 7 prefers not to...not because she doesn't like the book but because it does bring up feelings that are difficult for anyone--especially a youngster--to process. If you know children affected by divorce, this book is definitely worth reading with them.There are also helpful tips on each page for parents. Ideas to help children process, ways to talk about the new realities we all experience through divorce, and conversation starters to talk to kids in a non-threatening, nonjudgmental, emotionally safe manner.

When you drop the D-bomb on your kids there is an empty silence that this book managed to fill. We were able to move on from that hideous conversation to a simple story about a bear who didn't understand either. I was able to point to pictures of how I felt and she pointed to pictures of how she felt too. Dad was able to get involved too and we were able to express our sadness as a family. This was happening to all of us. If you're considering buying this book, may I say how sorry I am that this has happened to you too.

A great book to introduce divorce to a child whose parents have split. Heartbreaking to have to read this book to my granddaughter but it helped us to discuss a day when feelings could be talked about and checked like Koko bear does. Mama bear in the first page looks a bit masculine and it made it hard for her to decipher which one was which but later on Mama bear is in a skirt.

This is, hands down, the best resource I've purchased to help my daughter handle the divorce we're going through. Her dad left our home a few months ago and I had no idea of how to begin handling the aftermath. Luckily a friend passed along information about a great co-parenting class, and the facilitator took time to highlight this book on the resource list for participants. It really does help, and with all of my own emotional upheaval and the new responsibilities that come with spousal abandonment and divorce, I need all the help I can get! I'm amazed and thrilled to see my 5-yr old daughter's strength flow back a little more each time we read it. The message and approach are right on target for her emotional needs. Sometimes I think the doll is somewhat unnecessary, but the book itself has been a lifesaver.

During my divorce, my kids seemed to be adjusting well, at least in the beginning. As time went on however, they struggled with the idea of divorce so I picked up this book and a few others. This is a great book for the younger ones (mine were 4 and 6 at the time). It really speaks to their guilt over things they think they could have done to stop it, and gives you as the parent a great way to start the conversations that are so important, yet so hard to have. Their Dad and I shared this book from house to house, and in time, the girls didn't need it anymore. I have since given it to a friend to help her situation.