Turtlebird's Double Dip Shuffle

How do you have a conversation with a very young child who is affected by a divorce while providing all the love and security that they need? Turtlebird's Double Dip Shuffle is a wonderful starting point. It's not always comfortable for grownups to talk about this complex subject with their young kids. But this lovely book will be welcomed by parents, grandparents and others who want to provide the basic information and support that a little one needs during this transition. Designed for the very young, it offers a balance of the truth of a new living situation without being overwhelming. This book is made for reading aloud together over and over, to look at all the beautiful illustrations and hear and say all the words. Not just for families, but also a needed addition on the therapists' or early education teachers' shelf to recommend to clients, parents and students going through this emotional time with young children. I hope there will be a sequel for older children as well! So get the book, find a comfortable place to snuggle and read this charming book with a young child who is sure to gain more confident footing with its clear message.

The actual “double dip shuffle” is sweet and simple. Oddly, the book I got is large with the right cover, but when I opened it, there is a misprint with a long book inside called “Cycle to the Moon” about menstrual cycles, at the end the actual book is there. Very strange.

Did not like this book - very very cheaply manufactured, more like a pamplet. Was looking forward to a cute story that child could relate to. Would not recommend.

In our home, we have a loving little granddaughter that has gone through much in her short life. I had ordered this short little book hoping it would speak her language, and it did that and more. I read it to her the first time, she hung on every word. The next time, she wanted to read it. Now, its a go to book for any situation. When I asked her what she liked about the book, her first response was, she likes the way it sounds. And she really likes the way it makes her feel. That spoke volumes to me. Anything that can put a smile on a little ones face is well worth the purchase. Its already getting that lovely worn book feel, she keeps it in bed with her. Need I say more?

I am not a child of divorce, did not co-parent, nor am I a therapist. I do love literature and poetry, though, and value what it can teach us about the way others live and cope with so many things. Until I read this sweet book, I had not imagined how a very young child might feel, being moved from one home to another, from one life to another, as a result of divorce. Tara Fass has created a poetic universe where feelings of sorrow, fear and insignificance, of tumbling and fumbling are explored. Her turtlebird metaphor works as a symbol for the silver lining that actually can exist off the path. There is a room here, in the shell, and another one there, in the nest. There is more to this way of being than shame. There can be a double-dip dance in joint custody. The illustrations are charming and whimsical. The gestalt makes us want to remember the children. When romantic love fails, we should all want to remember the children.

This book written by Tara Fass, LFMT, and beautifully illustrated by Alexandra Conn is a little treasure which should be required reading for anyone contemplating or going through divorce which results in a joint custodial arrangement. It should of course also be read and often to those most affected by divorce, the child or children involved. It is written in easy prose able to be understood by even the smallest toddler. What ever a parent can do to alleviate a child's stress during this difficult time should be done, and this is certainly a great place to start.

A unique book that can offer some comfort and insight to a young child in the emotionally delicate situation of parents living in different homes. The illustrations are beautiful and the main character shares his inner thoughts and feelings in a simple, but sweet and meaningful way as he goes from one home to another. The story is soothing and might provide comfort to a child who is experiencing the stresses of going back and forth. It is a nice book for parent and child to read together.

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I believe that Tara Fass has captured the essence of what children of divorce go through. The book's lyrical metaphors assist children so that they can identify emotions and really relate to Turtlebird. Therefore helping them to process their feelings a little bit at a time.