Vivien Cohen – illustratör

Is there such a thing as a "normal" family? Is one family better than another? Of course the answer to these questions is no, but children are often led to believe otherwise. Young people need to understand and appreciate that when it comes to families, they are all different!One of the world's most influential and loved authors of educational children's books, Dr. Sol Gordon has created an uplifting book for young people age four and older who are curious about just what it means to be part of a family. Some children, he explains, live with both parents, while others live with one or with step- or foster parents. Nowadays, we also find children being reared by aunts, uncles, or grandparents, as well as same-sex couples. The variety of possibilities is rich in its diversity. Separations, divorce, abuse, neglect, and sibling rivalries are an unfortunate part of life, but, Gordon emphasizes, they are not the child's fault.While the many illustrations show a variety of family situations to stimulate awareness and acceptance, the text places importance on children knowing they are loved by their family members-whomever they may be-and that no one's family is perfect. But children can play a very special and important role in making their home a happier one: "It's up to you to be the best person you can be and doing well in school will help you to be a better adult, or parent, when you grow up," Gordon says.

This illustrated volume is a nonsexist sexuality education book for children ages 6 to 10.Do all boys want to become pilots or firemen? Do all girls want to become mothers or secretaries? Is blue a boy's color? Is pink a girl's color? "Baloney!" says Dr. Sol Gordon in this refreshingly candid book about gender differences and human similarities. Gordon designed this book to help parents be the primary sex educators for their children and to prepare children for mature and responsible adult attitudes. In it, he explains facts about human reproduction, the physical differences between boys and girls, and the fact that these differences have no effect on a person's choice of career or other interests.Gordon reminds children that everyone is human - even though girls are girls and boys are boys - and that it's important that everybody has equal opportunities for the jobs they want, the way they have fun, and the life they want to lead. Gordon provides space for children to write down their hopes and goals for the future and includes a teaching note for parents and educators.

Did The Sun Shine Before You Were Born? is written mainly for children aged 3 to 7. Although primarily intended to be read aloud by a parent, it has also been written and designed for use with the beginning reader in mind.The book focuses on the family and how it grows, because young children are intensely curious about their relationship to it. The illustrations show a wide variety of family situations to stimulate a child's awareness and acceptance of differences in lifestyles and cultures. This sharing of values and ideas will help parent and child communicate better with each other.Did The Sun Shine Before You Were Born? does not try to give all the answers about sex and the family to every child, nor does it presume to make choices or determine attitudes for parent and child. It is intended to be an open, comfortable book that provides a simple framework of important information without prejudicing individual growth.