When They Fight

by Kathryn White, Cliff Wright (Illustrator)

Using simple metaphors, a young badger describes how bad he feels when his parents argue and how good he feels when they are friends again, in a picture book that eloquently addresses the difficult subject of family discord.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

Badgers are an interesting vehicle to engage the subject of the instability of parents fighting as seen through the eyes of their children. The transition from fighting to friends is too abrupt, and makes it seem like fighting, a common human activity, is the opposite of friendship. Energetic and evocative drawings are slowed down by a jumbled narrative.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personal reaction: This is a great book for children with divorced parents, or children who have parents that argue. It reminds the child that no matter what their parents still love them. Arguing can be very scary for a child, and to explain that everything will be okay is really important to them.

Purpose: read aloud enrichment, 2-4 years old

[Sunny · Rating 1 out of 5]

While it's important to teach children that they are loved even if their parents are fighting, the violent, snarling badgers in the background were a little much. I personally felt like it bordered on depicting domestic violence and making it seem like a normal occurance between parents.

[Rosa Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaches that conflict is a part of life, even within the home, and that it can happen in a manageable and safe way to resolve issues with each other - definitely on my list of children's books for betterment.