From 9/11 and the Russia Ukraine war to the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice, Cal State Fullerton child development expert Shu-Chen “Jenny” Yen has dedicated her work to helping young children make sense of difficult events through storytelling.
Her latest book, “Fire, Fire, Go Away: A Social Story About the Wildfires in Los Angeles,” explains the California wildfires to children ages 3-8 in a simple, reassuring and developmentally appropriate way. More than just a story, the book fosters empathy, offers hope to fire victims and serves as a valuable resource for families nationwide.
When the Palisades and Eaton fires broke out, Yen, professor of child and adolescent studies, followed the news closely, recognizing the fear and confusion these events could cause for young children. Drawing on her expertise in early childhood development, she immediately began writing a social story to help children process the crisis. Working with Taiwanese illustrator Yin-Fang Wei, she quickly brought the book to life. After beta testing it in preschools, she made it available within 10 days as a free download through the Social Story Center.
As a governing board member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Yen collaborated with Gwen Simmons, NAEYC senior director of affiliate relations, to distribute the book across its 52 affiliates. It has since been widely shared by organizations such as Peace Educators Allied for Children Everywhere and early childhood publisher Teaching Strategies.
During times of crisis, children rely on the guidance of parents and educators to feel safe and secure. “Fire, Fire, Go Away” helps young readers by:
- Explaining the Los Angeles wildfires in an age-appropriate way
- Helping children identify and express their feelings in a healthy manner
- Redirecting their focus to positive perspectives and heroic acts, such as firefighters and community helpers
- Empowering them to engage in helping behaviors, like showing kindness to those affected
- Reassuring them of their parents’ unconditional love and their own safety, providing emotional security
- Instilling hope and prompting positive actions, teaching children that even in difficult times, they can contribute to rebuilding and healing
Yen emphasizes that storytelling is one of the most effective ways to help children process challenging experiences. She encourages caregivers to use this book as a conversation starter to reassure children, provide emotional support, and guide them toward resilience and compassion.
To further support educators and families, “Fire, Fire, Go Away” comes with a companion lesson plan and a YouTube video, all available for free at the Social Story Center. By using storytelling as a tool for understanding and healing, Yen continues to empower children, helping them navigate a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.