Where does a Mom's love go?

Review: Bongiorno, Patti Lynn. (2001). "Where does a Mom's love go?" Dallas, TX:  Bongiorno Books.

Our children's security has been threatened. They have seen horrific acts of violence, and they share the fears of their parents that terrorism can affect them. Very young children cannot fully separate the real terrors from the "monsters under their beds." They fear the loss of parents and loved ones in the best of times. School age children understand reality, but they lack perspective. Adolescents and adults need facts, discussion, and the feeling that they are helping in some way. Now more than ever, communication is the key for getting through this difficult time.

"Moms are full of love...," the first few words of Where does a Mom's love go? open the door for discussion and the opportunity for communication and comfort. The story is simple. It tells the story of all the ways a mother brings love into the family but then explains that sometimes Moms go away and can't come back. The story reassures children that Moms still send their love from Heaven.

Bongiorno's soothing text is complemented by the simple crayon illustrations. While Where does a Mom's love go? is developmentally appropriate for ages ages 4-7, it would also be a great read-aloud for 2 and 3 year olds. Also, older children and adults could value the book for its hopeful message.

Patricia A. Leek, Ph. D.
Professor of Children's Literature
University of Texas at Dallas

Review: Bongiorno, Patti Lynn. (2001). "Where does a Mom’s love go?". Dallas, TX: Bongiorno Books.

"Where does a Mom’s love go?" belongs on every family’s bookshelf. Children of all ages will find the illustrations visually appealing and the gentle text reassuring. In these troubled times Bongiorno’s book brings us closer together and reaffirms the strength of the human spirit.

Monique A. Blondel, M.D.,
Fellow American Academy Pediatrics

Review: Bongiorno, Patti Lynn. (2001) Where does a Mom’s love go? Dallas, TX: Bongiorno Books.

The words may be simple, but the message is powerful. "Where does a Mom’s love go?" is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book. In the complex and often turbulent society in which we live today, children are reassured that, "whether they are on earth or in heaven, Moms watch over their children."

This book belongs on every elementary school counselor’s bookshelf. It is a wonderful springboard to discussion on a prevalent but often neglected topic. With this book, Bongiorno profoundly touches the mind and the heart.

Debbie D. Dantzler
Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance
The Discovery School Counselor
Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Richardson, TX

Grandma, does God make mistakes?

Review: Bongiorno, Patti Lynn. (2001). "Grandma, does God make mistakes?" Dallas, TX: Bongiorno Books.

Once again, Patti Bongiorno demonstrates her ability to explain a complex question in simple terms. The excellent writing will help children learn to differentiate between good and bad choices. This is a welcome addition to her first book, on a much-needed subject.

Monique A. Blondel, M.D.,
Fellow American Academy Pediatrics

Review: Bongiorno, Patti Lynn. (2001). "Grandma, does God make mistakes?" Dallas, TX: Bongiorno Books.

A touching children’s book that directly addresses the important subject of making choices and decisions in life. Patti Bongiorno’s, "Grandma, does God make mistakes?" gently opens the door to decision making for the young child. This topic, often overlooked at an early age, is beautifully explained through everyday examples. Parents and children alike will relate to the common (and often humorous) experiences contained in the book.

Teaching children about the power of choice is a cornerstone in the development of responsible and accountable individuals. This book is a very helpful tool in discussing this concept with children from the age of five to ten years old.

Regrettably, the harsh reality of the world today has been brought to our doorstep and must be addressed with our children. Bongiorno’s book takes a difficult, subject and handles it in a gentle and loving manner. It is a must for every family’s bookshelf.

Debbie D. Dantzler
Masters of Education in Counseling and Guidance
The Discovery School Counselor
Canyon Creek Presbyterian Church
Richardson, TX