Mean Old Uncle Jack

Reach for this book if your child is struggling to navigate a relationship with a relative who is loud, boisterous, or loves to play-scare. It is particularly helpful for children who feel overwhelmed by roughhousing or are unsure if a grown-up is actually angry when they are making growly, mean faces. This story provides a gentle, humorous way to bridge the gap between a child's cautiousness and an adult's exuberant play style. The book follows a group of nieces and nephews who deal with their Uncle Jack, a man who delights in teasing them with monster sounds and scary expressions. Rather than staying afraid, the children collaborate to turn the games around, discovering that their uncle is just a big kid at heart. It is a wonderful tool for teaching social cues and showing kids that they have the agency to participate in family humor on their own terms.