Complemented by exquisite, colorful artwork, Dr. Zelinger skillfully crafts an easily relatable children’s story using everyday situations, around the oppressive concept of Terrorism in the news. With masterful understanding of the child’s world, new and frightening concepts are introduced carefully and gently, with the child’s perspective in mind. Dr. Zelinger provides parent coaching to further the dialogue in her P-E-A-R-L-S of Wisdom section (Prepare, Explain, Answer, Reassure, Listen, Safeguard) where caregivers are given scripts to guide them, as well room for individuality. This pioneer book helps children and parents face a critical, often avoided topic with reassurance and calm.

Rating: 5 out of 5 fairies

Review: I absolutely loved this book. It’s written in a way kids can relate to, and the illustrations are cute. Terrorism is, unfortunately, part of our world today, and kids can’t be shielded from it forever. One of the best parts of the book is a section after the story with advice for parents about talking to their children about terrorism. It’s meant to help create a bond while explaining a scary subject in a non-scary way, and allows parents to reassure their kids while also making sure they know they can always come to their parents with questions and fears.

“This book provides the ‘PEARLS’ of wisdom for parents and children to discuss a scary topic like terrorism in ways that promote healthy and authentic parent-child conversations that yield to mutual respect and bonding.” 

–Marc A. Brackett, PhD., Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

“Deep and yet accessible, her remarkable deciphering of the psychological factors that hinder the free communication between parents and children on terrorism is compelling. This fascinating guide amounts to a riveting lesson of clarity and to a masterpiece in bridging the unbridgeable.” 

–Hon. Yehuda Lancry, Former Ambassador of Israel to the U.N.

“Please Explain ‘Terrorism’ to Me is a straightforward and down-to-earth treatment of a difficult subject. Dr. Zelinger uses common sense, a simple clarification of the basic issues, and reassurance to provide a deeper understanding of terrorism for kids–without a corresponding rise in anxiety.” 

–Thomas W. Phelan, Ph.D., Psychologist/Author,

Available to buy from…
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From the Growing With Love Series at Loving Healing Press

More books by the author

About the Author

Illustrator, Ann Israeli, and author, Laurie Zelinger

Dr. Laurie Zelinger, Diplomate, is a Board Certified Psychologist with a specialty in School Psychology, and a Registered Play Therapist with forty years’ experience. She is a licensed New York State psychologist who recently retired from a Long Island public school system and is now devoting her time exclusively to writing, consulting, and her busy private practice. Dr. Laurie’s previous books include: “Please Explain Anxiety to Me: Simple Biology and Solutions for Children and Parents,” The “O MY” in TonsillectOMY & AdenoidectOMY: How to Prepare Your Child for Surgery (in its second edition), A Smart Girl’s Guide to Liking Herself Even on the Bad Days for American Girl, and a chapter on selective mutism in the compendium, School Based Play Therapy (second edition). She is also credited with being a consultant for the Bitty Baby book series by American Girl where she assisted in the development of the “For Parents” sections, as well as editorial development of another American Girl book. Dr. Laurie’s interest in writing began in 4th grade, when a play she wrote was performed by students in her public school. Dr. Zelinger is a fellow and elected officer in the nationally based American Academy of School Psychology and spent four years on the Executive Board of the New York Association of Play Therapy. As a media referral specialist for the American Psychological Association, she has contributed to nearly 200 venues regarding child development. Dr. Laurie and her psychologist husband, Dr. Fred, are both certified Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteers. They have been happily married for over thirty-five years and have raised four children. You can learn more about Dr. Zelinger and her books at DrZelinger dot com. 

Ann Israeli graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and began her art career as a textile designer. She worked designing wallpaper and home furnishings before moving on to a career in Women’s and Children’s knitwear designs, where she won many awards. She began a second career as an art teacher in the Rockville Centre School District on Long Island, New York and earned her Masters of Art degree from Adelphi University (New York). Currently, Ann enjoys visiting her newest grandson in California and spending time with her husband, children, family, and friends. She also relishes her time working on oil painting and hopes to continue on her new path as an illustrator.