Many people suffer from anxiety…adults as well as children. But the question is: how to help kids deal with anxiety. The Show Me How program uses picture books to help young children d... so today, for Perfect Picture Book Friday, I’ve chosen a story that addresses that problem.
The Worry Glasses: Overcoming Anxiety
Written by Donalisa Helsley
Illustrated by Kalpart
Publisher: Mirror Publishing (2012)
Overcoming anxiety, worrying, family support, empowering children, believing in yourself.
“My name is Marjorie, but everyone calls me MJ. I love having fun, but I used to miss out on doing fun things because I was so worried.”
MJ doesn’t swim with her family when they went on vacation because she was worried about sharks. She didn’t ride a horse at camp because she was worried she would fall off. And she didn’t go to a friend’s party because she was worried no one would play with her.
MJ’s mother realizes there is a problem and takes her daughter to their pediatrician…who recommends they see a counselor. The counselor is able to help MJ find ways to relax and view her fears in a more realistic way.
Why do I like this book:
This is a PERFECT book for young children who are beset with worries and anxiety (as many are). I wish this book had been available to me when I was a little girl. Ms Helsley provides the actual anxiety-relieving exercises that a counselor would give to a child who had this problem. In addition, there are parenting tips at the back of the book that will be helpful, not only to a parent for their child…but also to anyone who suffers from anxiety.
If you’d like to learn more about this award-winning author and the other books she has written, please visit her at http://www.wildaboutreading.net/
Your child will have so much fun, making these ‘worry-less’ glasses. Put them on…and help your child examine carefully the things that are worrying him or her. Sometimes talking about a problem and sharing it will lessen its power.
You will need: Pipe cleaners, piece of cardboard, markers, pair of scissors.
This craft (and illustration)…and MANY other types of glasses-making projects can be found at a fantastic website: http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/howtomakesunglassescraftsidea...
Today is the last day of November…what a jam-packed month this has been. If you haven’t visited any of the websites below…and you love picture books (writing them or reading them)…click on any of the links and visit.
Young children don’t need fancy electronic gadgets…they only need a good picture book, a few simple inexpensive art supplies (like paper, crayons or markers, safety scissors and glue stick) and your positive participation. If you are looking for a great resource that will give you 100 picture book summaries and easy matching craft and cooking activities, you can purchase a copy of Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking. MoneyPenny Press (our publishing company) is offering the book for $19.95 on Amazon, this book makes a PERFECT gift for any parent or teacher of children ages 2-8…as well as for daycare providers and grandparents. No batteries required…powered by a child’s imagination! If you order from my website in the month of December, there will be THREE HOLIDAY GIFTS with each book…the price is a little more than on Amazon…but with the three gifts (FREE SHIPPING, A HAND-CRAFTED FABRIC BOOKMARK FOR THE PARENT, A SHINY NEW PENCIL FOR THE CHILD)…it evens out the cost.
This post is part of a series for parents and teachers called Perfect Picture Book Fridays hosted by Susanna Leonard Hill. Click on her link and find lots of other picture book suggestions with summaries and activities. This is an unbelievable resource for any parent, teacher or children’s librarian.