Finding the Right Spot is an excellent book for foster children. It is also great for foster parents as they will be able to recognize the feelings and behaviors of a child as she has visits with her mom, phone calls that don't go well, and deals with broken promises. The issues of split loyalties, anger, disappointment, and finally hope, are woven within the story. Any child not living with her birth parents will be able to identify with this child as she struggles to feel happy without guilt.
Illustrations
Whitney Martin of Santa Fe, New Mexico has had his work appear in books, magazines, and many animation projects including Walt Disney movies. His illustrations in Finding the Right Spot show the various emotions the child and her foster care parent are experiencing. The illustrations set a mood of seriousness, but not overwhelming. Colorful and detail rich, Martin's work is the perfect compliment to this wonderful story.About the Author
Janice Levy is the author of Totally Uncool, The Spirit of Tio Fernando, Abuelito Eats With His Fingers", and The Man Who Lives in a Hat. She resides in New York with her family.Section to Caregivers
"Note to Caregivers" appears at the end of Finding the Right Spot. Here Jennifer Wilgocki, M.S., and Marcia Kahn Wright, Ph.D. have outlined a wonderful resource for foster parents. Breaking down into two sections, "The Child's Experience" and "What the Caregiver Offers;" different emotions and issues are explained along with a corresponding quote from the book, which allows for a deeper understanding of the child's experience. Each issue such as disappointment, loss, listening, and managing your own feelings are discussed in quick, easy to digest paragraphs.Final Thoughts and Information
I would definitely recommend Finding the Right Spot" to all foster homes. The story is carefully constructed so that the message does not scream out to a child. The story seems to softly reinforce and validate that the child may be experiencing a rough road at the moment, but there is a soft place to fall. There is a "right spot" for everyone.
Finding the Right Spot is recommended for children ages 4-8.
(Published by MAGINATION PRESS, 2004
ISBN 1-59147-073-0)
