King of the Playground

A boy who loves the playground keeps running into Sammy, a boy who calls himself King and threatens to bury him, cage him with bears, or tie him to the slide — so his dad helps him figure out what to do.

For the kid who freezes up at the thought of one particular kid on the playground, this book says: bring your worries home and talk them through with someone who'll listen.

• Big idea: Big scary threats often shrink once you say them out loud to someone who takes you seriously.
• Vibes: Grounded, reassuring, a little funny in how outlandish Sammy's threats get.

• are working on standing up to a pushy kid
• respond well to talking through fears with a parent
• enjoy stories set at the playground
• are learning that courage can be worked up to, not just felt

• Story & problem-solving: What did Kevin do after he told his dad about Sammy's threats?
• Feelings & empathy: How do you think Kevin felt every time Sammy said he was King of the Playground?
• Real-life connection: Has another kid ever tried to keep you from playing somewhere? What did you do?
• Imagination: Why do you think Sammy needs to call himself King and make up such wild threats?
• Feelings & empathy: What would you say to Kevin to help him feel braver about going back to the playground?