New books help kids deal with adversity

CHILD, HELP THYSELF-Tena Fanning, left, owner of Playdate Kids Publishing, launched her company based on a new series of books written by clinical psychologist Annie Thiel. The self-help books are geared to children ages 3 to 6 and are designed to help kids cope with transitions, social skills and other issues that can be difficult for little ones. There are some new kids in town and they're on a mission to help their 3- to 6-year-old peers navigate life's ups and downs.

The "Playdate Kids" are four lovable cartoon characters starring in a new series of books geared to the preschool set. The stories help children face transitions, including moving to a new town, the birth of a baby, divorce and other lifechanging events. Other books in the series will focus on social skills-- sharing, paying attention and helping with chores.

Author Annie Thiel, a prominent clinical psychologist who works with children and families throughout the Conejo Valley, said she developed the series because "transition themes"-especially divorce-continually crop up in her practice.

"Children don't have the verbal or social skills to deal with (these) problems," Thiel said. "I think the books are helpful."

Apparently Thiel's self-help books fill a niche. Tena Fanning, who opened Playdate Kids Publishing in Malibu to launch the series, said the books have sold well since they hit local bookstores in September.

Mona Loring, whose Westlake Village company is promoting the books, said some independent booksellers in Malibu and Santa Monica have already ordered a second shipment. The books are also being distributed to local schools and libraries.

The first series of books focuses on helping children understand their feelings about difficult or confusing family dynamics. Titles include "Cosmo's Mom and Dad are Moving Apart," "Chloe's New Baby Brother," "Danny is Moving" and "Dakota's Mom Goes to the Hospital."

The engaging, colorful characters are illustrated by W.M. Edwards. The four friends are collectively known as the "Caketown Crew."

The characters are the same in every book, but their adventures and transitions change with each story, Thiel said.

Fanning said life's big transitions can be catastrophic for children. The books, she said, lets children know that the fear and anger they are experiencing is okay.

The books are also meant to help parents work with their children. Each book includes guidelines, a DVD and workbook that takes parents step by step through the process of helping children adjust to specific situations.

A new series of books will be in bookstores in the spring. Topics will include how Cosmo handles living in a blended family, Chloe's loss of a pet, and how Danny learns the difference between good and bad secrets. Dakota's story will be about how she copes with getting lost.

Thiel and Fanning have made plans for the Playdate Kids for many seasons to come. Fanning expects to release a music series, which will come with a CD.

"The music series provides a fun and enthusiastic means of learning social skills," Fanning said. For example the "Booger Bookie" will include a catchy tune about the importance of blowing your nose. The hope is that parents won't have to constantly remind their children to get a tissue. "We're making it really fun for them to want to do the right thing," Fanning said.

Fanning, who worked in the music industry for 15 years, said she opened the publishing company because she wanted to do something more creative, meaningful and rewarding.

"The young children are the future of tomorrow," Fanning said.

For more Playdate Kids information, visit the website www.theplaydatekids.com.