Former teacher Wendy Collier knows change can be hard on kids.
The author/illustrator from Red Deer is trying to help children from five to 12 years old understand and cope with their emotions through four new books in her Self-Esteem Angel series.
Her latest How to Handle Change books deal with the stresses of relocation, losing a pet, friendships and illness.
Collier, who is concerned about youth addictions and the fact that suicide is the second highest cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24, has said her mission is to teach kids that they are valuable, and to help them discover their talents, skills and abilities.
Her book about moving offers advice from her own niece and nephew, who had to deal with the challenges of moving from Alberta to Florida.
Children can learn about handling grief in the losing a dog book. The friendship book teaches about the ups and downs of relationships and which friends are worth keeping.
The book on illness discusses how to keep the fears that come with being sick in perspective.
Collier’s previous books deal with unconditional love and about how being different is cool.
The author and her husband Kelly, with the help of local sponsors, have provided free self-esteem books to women’s shelters, hospitals, schools and youth groups.
The four new books can each be ordered for $5.75. Collier’s previous full-colour illustrated books cost $18.75 from selfesteemangel.com or by phoning 403-755-7844.