The world we live in today is full of tragedy and everyone finds it difficult to process the pain and loss that comes with these calamities. Children are the most affected because they cannot explain or understand tragedies. Therefore, adults need to help guide them through these situations. Dear Children of The World by Cynthia Tatum Robinson is a conversation guide for parents and guardians of elementary school children. The book has two sections. The first has words of encouragement to children that have faced or gone through tragedies. The section also contains illustrations depicting children having fun in various situations. This reminds them of the beauty of nature and friendship. The last section is an instructional guide for adults. This section contains detailed information on how to converse with and treat children in times of calamity.

Children can be affected in their adult lives by traumatic events from their childhood. Children have fragile minds and find it difficult to control their emotions. Cynthia Tatum Robinson has done an incredible job of spreading awareness of the importance of protecting children's mental health. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. I loved how the instructions not only cater to children but are also to adults. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful, and attractive. This is perfect for elementary school children because it will grab their attention and keep them glued to the book. Justin Savior added illustrations of racially diverse children. I loved this because it prevents discrimination of children against each other. Children will find it difficult to disassociate the skin or ethnicity of someone who caused a tragedy with that of their friends. Dear Children of the World is a letter to you. Do not be afraid for you are not alone. You are with people who love and care for you. Always remember this.

We live in a big, exciting, wonderful world with many places to explore and roam. However, this world can also be a dangerous and dark place. How does a parent teach their children to enjoy life and live it to the fullest while also teaching them to be careful? Dear Children of the World by Cynthia Tatum Robinson takes on the enormous task of discussing the fearful things in this world without causing children to become overly afraid. Cynthia helps children understand it is ok to have emotions and that their feelings are real and important. Parents need to help their children focus on love and peace, not hate and chaos. By keeping one’s focus on the good, one finds peace. Teaching your child to think about the good in this world will help them cope with the bad.

Cynthia Tatum Robinson in Dear Children of the World helps parents plan for exposing their children to real life gently and slowly. Preparing our children for what they might face in the larger world outside their homes is difficult. Of course, we want our children to be safe, but we don’t want to overwhelm them, pushing them into being afraid to step outside the front door. This book teaches children about danger and how to stay safe. It encourages children to live but remain within the boundaries of safety. The resource pages and question guides are invaluable. They will help a parent successfully navigate the difficult discussion that leads our children to safety in the world. This is an excellent book for parents to read to and with their children.