New Book Helps Children Overcome Negative Self-Image

Do you know a young child with a negative self-image? Maybe they value themselves or others based on physical appearance alone, worry obsessively about how people perceive them, or withdraw from social and athletic activities. Cricket Cottage Publishing is proud to announce the publication of Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub: Funny Children's Poems About Self-Image, an early reader for ages 5 and older featuring humorous rhyming poems.

These poems take a light look at good grooming, dental hygiene, physical features, personal expression, and other important issues. By approaching uncomfortable subjects with humor from a child’s perspective, this book makes discussions about self-image more comfortable for children and adults. Charming childlike illustrations by watercolor artist Oral Nussbaum illustrate the points of each poem.     

“Approaching sensitive subjects such as a big nose or lack of confidence through the use of humor helps desensitize these issues,” said writer Leslie C. Halpern, an award-winning poet and nonfiction book author. Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub shows children they aren’t alone in their fears and concerns. Rather than being cute or sweet, these poems are funny in order to open the door to communication. First get them laughing, and then get them talking. Keeping silent about problems usually makes them worse and can lead to a lifetime of negative thinking.”

With unrealistic body ideals portrayed non-stop in the global media, children as young as five routinely worry about their weight and appearance, according to a recent report published in The Guardian. To address these issues, the author uses puns, hyperbole, and the element of surprise to delight young readers while opening their minds to new ways of looking at themselves. Instructor/parent notes in the back of the book provide teachable moments when reading with young children.

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/RubScrubCleanTheTub

Author’s Website: http://home.roadrunner.com/~lesliehalpern

Cricket Cottage Publishing, email CricketCottage@att.net

Rub, Scrub, Clean the Tub: Funny Children’s Poems About Self-Image

Written by Leslie C. Halpern; Illustrated by Oral Nussbaum

Paperback and Kindle available from Amazon.com. ISBN: 978-1478254751