9 HELPFUL PICTURE BOOKS IN GERMAN ON ARGUING AND MAKING UP

We all wish we'd live in a harmonious world. And as parents we definitely hope our kids don't quarrel, for various reasons (for our peace of mind, and to protect them mostly, though I don't know in which order), but the truth is, social skills are something that need to be learned. And let's be honest, we adults have our good share of arguments and misunderstandings: With different people different priorities arise, different ways of doing things - and so conflict is bound to happen. It may even be a good thing for children, as it offers a learning opportunity.

To make the most of it - and talk about the hurt feelings, why they arise and the best way to handle them, when they do arise, here are 10 picture books we love (all can be rented out from us, of course.)

Martina Badstuber

ICH WILL DAS GROSSE

This short board book with little text is about fox and rabbit. They are spending the day together, doing fun things. Rabbit though is often a little disappointed. The fox always shouts "I want the big one", whatever they do, and since he is bigger or because he is pushy and loud, rabbit gets one piece of cake and fox the rest of it. Rabbit gets a little toy car and Fox a push car to sit in. Rabbit gets one flavor of ice cream and fox lots. But then Fox wants the biggest balloon... Bigger isn't always better.

2 years and up

Andrea Schomburg /Stefanie Jeschke

DAS GROSSE KNUDDEL

The big Cuddle shows up whenever two are about to start or in the midst of an argument. After all a hug is the best way out - in perfect rhyme this board book helps to teach the little ones to make up. Just repeat the rhymes to them.

2 years and up

Andreas König / Günther Jakobs

HASE HIBISKUS UND DER GROSSE STREIT

Even best friends can not get along sometimes. When Tom Bär visits his friends Hase Hibiskus and Maxi Maus he hears loud shouting. Apparently the two can't agree on what to play together, badminton or soccer, or anything else really. So Tom Bear suggests they all bake a chocolate cake together, they all like that. But when they forget the shopping list at home, the arguing goes on.... and on and on. Until they are left with a tiny cake (Tom Bear was licking the yummy dough.) When Tom Bär asks them why they are constantly at each other's throats they don't can't tell why. And finally make up.

Funny illustrations and a story that kids can identify with.

3 years and up

Kathrin Schärer

SO WAS DAS! NEIN, SO! NEIN, SO!

Three friends are building a tower with stones, when the tower collapses. So they start an argument. And then they can't agree who started fighting. Each of them has a different point of view and is convinced it can't have been any other way. The badger says it is fox's fault. The fox says, it was a mishap, and the tower was shaky anyways... The bear retells a very different version. Nobody listens to the other. And then the squirrel comes, who was watching them and offers a more objective telling of the event, but they don't want the squirrel to interfere.... This modern classic by the Swiss Kathrin Schärer has amazing illustrations and teaches us, that listening is important, particularly when we disagree.

3 years and up

Daniela Kunkel

DAS KLEINE WIR

Ben and Emma are friends, they do everything together and it warms their hearts. But then they quarrel. And the world suddenly seems gray and grim. They have lost a sense of belonging together, the "little us". And wherever they look, they can't find it. Only when they start looking together, it slowly grows again..

A beautiful picture books with not too many words, a good sense of humor and graphic, modern illustrations.

There are more volumes: DAS KLEINE WIR IM KINDERGARTEN, DAS KLEINE WIR IN DER SCHULE, DAS KLEINE WIR ZUHAUSE.

4 years and up

Claude Boujon / TIlde Michels

KARNI UND NICKEL

Two rabbits live door to door, and initially get well along. But then they start having issues and their relationship deteriorates, until a big fight is ahead. The fox is just waiting for it too happen. But they spot him, and quickly with a common enemy become a team.

Cute simple drawings focussing on the main aspects of this story of arguing, making up and being stronger together.

4 years and up

Jana Heinrich / Joelle Tourlonias

UDO FINDET STREITEN DOOF

Udo lives with his friends in a mansion. But somehow things are not as they used. too. Before they all did everything together, but now everybody is pursuing their own things. So Udo thinks a party will bring them all together. But nobody really listens to him... and then instead a big quarrel ensues.. Sadly elephant asks: don't you like anything about each other?

A good reminder that we should not focus on the annoying parts, but remember we all have good and not so good traits.

3 years and up

Kristina Dumas / Ina Worms

STREITEN FUER ANFÄNGER

If you are looking for a non-fiction title, this books should do it. Illustrated in graphic novel style it answers all your or your kids questions regarding the topic. How animals use conflict, why we argue and how do we make up. How did people in the past resolve conflicts? The message, of this book is: Conflicts are normal, important and it's best to discuss issues rather than ignore them.

5 years and up

Heinz Janisch / Katja Gehrmann

DER MAGISCHE FUCHS

Sometimes it is not the kids that have arguments, but the parents. Mira hears her parents shouting at each other in the kitchen. It's not the first time. Why? Is this somehow her fault? Her cozy room suddenly isn't cozy at all. When she looks out of the window, she sees a white fox and is sure: he must be magical.

A beautifully illustrated book that focuses on the feelings of the kid.

3 years and up