Gloria Lintermans has written a wonderful and sweet book, Sam: The Cat Without A Tail, that is engaging and easy for children to relate. Through the use of an animal, Gloria makes the parallel to children, in a safe and comfortable way, and how they feel different, and different is not always a good thing for our children. Sam is an adorable and friendly Manx (a special breed of cat that never have a tail) and comes to realize that he is different from the other cats he is meeting. Although this is the way he has always known himself, he begins to take to heart the other cats’ comments about not having a tail. It takes one person to point out how special Sam is and he quickly gains her confidence back.
As a clinical psychologist, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will make it a part of my collection of books to read to children in my practice. It will promote conversation between therapist and child about feeling different, being teased, and ultimately self acceptance for one’s uniqueness.
This book is a short and sweet way of initiating conversation with a child who is anxious and insecure for whatever reason – real or perceived. Looking forward to reading this book often!