My super-power is making brain science accessible and entertaining for children and adults alike. I am living this out as an author, mental health counselor, and the founder of BraveBrains. In addition to training parents and professionals, I have the joy of sharing my passion and expertise through podcast appearances, blogs, and articles. The lightbulb moments are my favorite, and I'm committed to helping people bring what they learn back home in practical ways. I write picture books because the magic of reading and re-reading stories light up the brain in a powerful way. But don’t worry…I always include some goodies for the adults in the back of the book.
I wrote
Riley the Brave Makes It to School: A Story with Tips and Tricks for Tough Transitions
“I don’t always feel brave, confident, or strong. Sometimes it’s easier to follow others along...” are the first (very honest) words in this empowering picture book full of affirmations. We naturally pay more attention to negative messages, so it helps to have some truths you can repeat to yourself. It’s a brain thing! The genius of Garcia’s book is the short positive phrases throughout that are relatable for kids and adults alike. I also appreciate the varied cultures, races, religions, and abilities depicted in the representative illustrations. Great for any time of year, this book is a back-to-school must!
What kids tell themselves matters! It becomes their inner voice. It can help them connect with their power within.
Mindful affirmations can help children tune out the streams of messages they get about how they should be in the world so they can listen to their own inner voice. Children can learn to tap into their inner strength and find the encouragement they need.
I Can Do Hard Things reflects the beautiful diversity and connection in our world. A wonderful addition to your home or school library.
Any child reluctant for heading back to school will love the playful energy of Mo Willem’s pigeon. Readers journey with the pigeon into relatable thoughts like, “What if I don’t like school?” and “What will the other birds think of me?” The theatrics make it a fun read-aloud, and the pigeon’s realizations throughout will help settle kids’ nerves. With delightful details from cover-to-cover, this is an easy choice for 4- to 7-year-olds.
Mo Willems' Pigeon is BACK in a hilarious story perfect for those about to start school or nursery.
"There is no such thing as a bad Mo Willems book" The Times
The Pigeon is about to get SCHOOLED. Do YOU think he should go?
Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! Well ... almost everything. And what if he doesn't like it? What if the teacher doesn't like him? I mean, what if he learns TOO MUCH!?!
This colorful book makes a wonderful back-to-school read to help all students feel welcome and important, regardless of how they spent their summer. Discussions of vacations, camp, and other excitement can leave some kids feeling left out. Woodson weaves emotion and joy into the experience that many children share: a summer spent at home with siblings. The words dance off the page thanks to the vivid illustrations. Great for first through third grade.
There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael Lopez's dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when…
Many kids secretly fear the questions that come up at the beginning of the school year about their family. If you are living in foster care or have been going through something difficult in your home life, talking about family can be challenging. This playfully illustrated story helps create a safe space for all different kinds of families. Great for reading at home with your child or with the whole class to nurture a welcoming environment.
When a teacher asks the children in her class to think about what makes their families special, the answers are all different in many ways but the same in the one way that matters most of all.
One child is worried that her family is just too different to explain, but listens as her classmates talk about what makes their families special. One is raised by a grandmother, and another has two dads. One is full of stepsiblings, and another has a new baby.
As one by one, her classmates describe who they live with and who loves them family…
If you’re looking for a great way to introduce or continue the conversation about growth mindset, this book is delightful. I love that the character's problems don’t get solved in one attempt. My kids enjoyed the bright, whimsical illustrations and stayed engaged throughout (which is not always the case with books that are trying to teach something). Colombian artist Lorena Alvarez made the words come alive with her colorful magic.
A rollicking, rhyming, and inspirational picture book for fans of Oh, the Places You'll Go! andevery child who is frustrated by what they can't do...YET!
Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.
The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult,…
Making it to school is tough at the best of times! Riley Bear and his elephant parents share a peek into a grumpy morning. When big feelings threaten to ruin the day, this brightly illustrated story will help families find their way through.
The educational afterword features tips and tricks for tough transitions, a treasure trove for parents, teachers, and other caring adults.
