Today’s world is increasingly complex, fast changing, and confusing. This is especially true for young children whose brains are still developing and who are still learning to identify and understand their own emotions.
“We need to teach and encourage our kids to be life-long problem solvers,” says children’s author and parenting expert Julia Cook of Fremont. “The past few years have seen an increase in children’s mental health issues, so as parents and educators we must continue to be role models and help them cultivate strategies that will allow them to regulate their emotions and successfully navigate the world around them.”
Cook collaborated with renowned counselor and play therapist Dr. Rebeca Chow to pen her newest storybook, Awesome Dawson Has Big Emotions, which was released Tuesday and is available through boystownpress.org.
The story follows a young Dawson as he experiences anger, sadness, worry, and excitement. Each emotion feels gigantic and overwhelming, but with the help of a caring teacher (and a soft yet sturdy squishy), Dawson learns how to handle his big feelings in ways that are healthy and helpful.
“Awesome Dawson Has Big Emotions brilliantly illustrates every child’s journey as they learn about feelings and how powerful they can be,” says Dr. Richard Gaskill, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and an adjunct faculty member at Wichita State University. “Equally valuable, it demonstrates the importance of compassion and understanding required by adults when children struggle to manage innate emotional experiences.”
Studies show that emotional-regulation skills are associated with greater academic success. Therefore, parents and educators play a critical role in fostering the development of children’s emotional regulation, and Awesome Dawson Has Big Emotions is a great tool to foster this growth.
Growing up is not easy and through her stories, Cook offers caregivers guidance on ‘what to say’ and ‘how to say it’ when kids face complicated childhood issues, such as bullying, anxiety, friendships, self-motivation, peer pressure, fitting in, and self-acceptance.
A sought-after speaker and award-winning author, Cook has sold more than three million books in nine languages. Her popular children’s stories help young readers learn to use social skills and develop healthy relationships. Her numerous accolades include the Association for Educational Publishers Distinguished Achievement Award and honors from The National Parenting Center, Teacher’s Choice Award and Mom’s Choice Awards. Her website is www.juliacookonline.com.
