Tag Archives: anxiety

January 25, 2024 · 7:00 am

Popina & Slumberina by Irit Tal (Book Review)

Join Princess Popina on a magical adventure as she learns to let go of her trusty blanket, Slumberina.

With humor and warmth, this rhyming picture book takes young readers on a journey of growth and self-discovery.

When Popina starts her journey at preschool, she brings her beloved blanket, Slumberina, along but soon realizes it’s better not to do so. This realization challenges her courage and confidence as she learns to let go of her comforting companion.

Recommended by psychologists and featuring a ‘Note to the Parents’ “Letting Go with Princess Popina” is the ideal tool to help children successfully transition from using transitional objects.

 

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Oh, what a joyous day it was in the kingdom of Nimbasoy. King Popee and Queen Mina were marking the arrival of their sweet baby, Princess Popina, with a huge celebration. Unicorns, clothes-wearing rabbits, Snow White and the seven dwarves, a giant, an elf, a dragon, and many more guests attended the festivities to meet the new addition to the royal family and to bring thoughtful gifts. Popina received many unusual presents you would not typically see at a baby’s party, such as snail shells and honey. And one magical gift that would only been feasible in a magical realm. Through the beautifully drawn illustrations, it was apparent Popina adored every gift; however, her favorite present was the lime green baby blanket. 

Many parents can empathize with a child’s attachment to a single object: a binkie, stuffed animal, or blanket. As you share this story with your children, I wouldn’t be surprised if they mention their favorite item to play with or carry around. They’ll probably have it close at hand. 

Popina’s blanket was special to her; she even named it Slumberina. To her, the blanket possessed magical powers. It offered comfort and happiness and was, in her opinion, her best friend. As Popina grew older, she faced a hard decision. She discovered that taking her friend to school with her was not in its best interest, but Popina didn’t want to be separated from the blankie either. The princess had to decide what was more important to her: her friend’s safety or her own happiness. Popina realized she could help her friend without minimizing her own happiness. 

Separation anxiety from a person or object can be difficult for kids. I encourage you to share the book with your child and let them see how Popina discovers her inner strength! 

I recommend the book to children three years and older. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author

Since the third grade, I’ve known I’d be an author. Then life happened and I became a lawyer, writing countless legal documents. But I felt a lack of purpose and lack of magic. Wanting to use words to make a positive impact, I returned to my first love—writing. Popina & Slumberina is my debut book.

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December 7, 2023 · 7:00 am

A Wallop of Worries by Alyssa Hurley (Book Review)

Take a deep breath

and remember to say:

“All will be well,

and I am okay.”

It’s no secret that children experience anxiety and stress, just like grown-ups do. The only difference is that adults know what they’re feeling, and they often have the self-care techniques to cope. It’s time to give kids the same tools – and that’s precisely what Alyssa Caparaso Hurley provides in A Wallop of Worries.

This book teaches children a slew of techniques, from sensory mindfulness to positive thinking to words of affirmation, to help them through tough times. All the self-care tips and uplifting mantras come in easy-to-remember rhymes, so kids will have no trouble repeating them when they feel overwhelmed. In the end, young readers will realize they can work with their minds to let go of the wallop of worries they feel – and get back to being their happy, de-stressed selves once again.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Fear. Anxiety. Worry. Stress. Sadness. These emotions are not limited to adults; children face them as well, and they, like grown-ups, might have difficulty coping with them. 

Alyssa Hurley has created a magnificent story that offers children helpful phrases and tips that can turn negative feelings into positive ones. When a kid is consumed with worry over everything that needs to be done, the writer encourages them to say, “It will get better, do one thing at a time. I can’t get to the top, without having to climb.” 

Meeting new people and going to new places can also be overwhelming to some people. Again, the author advises on what can get you through this nerve-racking time. Whether you need a mental pep talk or an activity suggestion to redirect your thoughts, you’ll find it here in this beautifully illustrated and written storybook. Even though A Wallop of Worries’ target audience is young kids, I foresee many adults benefiting from its contents. The mental pick-me-ups and the reminders to enjoy the little things in life can pertain to readers of all ages. 

Life can be hectic and can affect us mentally. We are all bogged down with work: day job, school, or both. Then, we all experience positive and negative feelings surrounding the day’s events. If you need help dealing with your feelings, this book is for you! If you notice your child is overwhelmed but has trouble expressing their emotions, share this book with them. This calming, reassuring, resourceful children’s book would be perfect for any home, school, or therapist’s office. 

Self-care is important. I recommend sharing A Wallop of Worries with your child(ren). Practice the uplighting rhymes. Focus on your positive attributes. What makes you proud! Do something fun, like enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and a good book. This good book! 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Alyssa Caparaso Hurley has been walloped by worries for as long as she can remember. Apprehensions aside, she’s intrepidly travelled the world. She happily lives with her family in Connecticut and is always looking forward to the next adventure.

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July 14, 2023 · 7:00 am

The Wiggly, Woggly Lady by Debi K Fraser (Book Review)

A story of wiggly feelings and making friends.

Wiggling and woggling is a lot of fun, but it would be so much more fun to do with friends. Thinking about trying to find those friends makes the wiggly, woggly lady feel very nervous. But today she has decided to try!

Fun, read-out-loud rhyme, comes together with quirky and unique characters, to gently illustrate the wonderful things that can happen when our children just be themselves.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Debi K Fraser (the writer) couldn’t have asked for a better interpretation of her storyline; Stephen Stone’s illustrations were spectacular. The wavy objects and characters were fun to look at it, and the curvy text was a delight to read. Together, the dynamic duo developed a creative book that children won’t be able to resist. They wiggle in their seats as you read it. They’ll wiggle around the house. They will be the wiggly friends the wiggly woggly lady has been seeking from the start of the story.

The wiggly woggly lady is sad because she has no friends. She’s too shy to ask someone to wiggle woggle with her. Questions of self-doubt flood her thoughts. What if they run away? Asking for someone to hang out with you or to be your friend might seem like a simple task to some people, but shyness is a paralyzing condition. People of all ages become physically ill at the thought of talking to a stranger. The wiggly lady’s stomach felt strange due to her anxiety about the situation.

As the wiggly woggly lady gathered her courage to face her fears, she failed to hear a mouse (wearing a purple leotard and pink tutu) asking her to wiggle and woggle with her. The lady also missed out on other people and animals wiggling the day away around town.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” teaches young readers to be themselves and that good things will come because of it. It also stresses that sometimes it takes a little bravery to make your wishes come true. Oh, and remember that friends come in all sizes.

“The Wiggly Woggly Lady (Stories with Heart)” is a fun and humorous story that’ll get your child up and wiggling around their home. I recommend this adorable picture book for children 2-7.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

As I grew up my love of stories and the characters within them led me to create my own. Now my imagination has no off switch.

Reedsy Author Link

 

 

 

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March 1, 2023 · 7:00 am

SURRENDER – How To Break Free From Addiction by Julian Morgan (Book Review)

Do you want to break free of the shackles of alcoholism or addiction? If so, then this is the book for you. Compelling, brave, and strong, ‘Surrender’ tells the true story of how Julian Morgan recovered from crippling alcoholism, and how he stays recovered on a daily basis using a simple, straightforward process. This moving, authentic book details his journey, from his near-fatal struggle with denial, helplessness and anxiety, to a whole new commitment and faith, paving the way to years of sobriety. ‘Surrender’ is no harrowing drinking memoir – it outlines a strong, positive self-care plan for optimum recovery, including tried and tested tools and skills to keep sober, centered and calm. It also offers advice on dealing with triggers and relapses. A sequence of heartfelt and humorous poems offers further explanation and hope. Written from the heart, ‘Surrender’ will open locked doors and show a new path to freedom.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Surrender – How To Break Free From Addiction was born during the first COVID lockdown in the UK when Julian Morgan (the author) watched a documentary featuring interviews with inmates where they were questioned about the underlying root of their incarceration. The majority claimed their predicament was due to alcohol or drug addiction and their helplessness to fight its control over their body. 

Addiction can and will sink its teeth into anyone at any time. It doesn’t care about gender, skin color, social class, or where you call home. Surrender tells the true story of how Julian Morgan recovered from crippling alcoholism and how he stays recovered using a simple, straightforward process that he is now sharing with you.

Part one begins with the author opening up about his struggles with alcohol, everyone’s opinion regarding his drinking, and what led up to his time in rehab. He admitted he pretended to listen in group therapy sessions while secretly counting the hours to another sip of the ambrosia. His life became a recurring cycle of drinking, rehab, withdrawal, release, recovery, and back to drinking, each time more heavily. His addiction and the inability to keep the beast at bay caused an emergency room visit. Many readers who fight battles like Julian can empathize with every emotion the writer felt while lying alone for a week in the hospital. 

Julian had hit rock bottom and was ready for change. He was now prepared to seek help and actively participate in the process. He was all in! The healing process makes you look inwards, acknowledge weaknesses, and find ways to combat them. It’s imperative in the healing process to make amends and find a support system when you graduate from rehab. 

Those who have ever suffered from addiction will agree with Julian’s statement, “Addiction was my life, my daily existence, totally smothering me and dictating whatever I did, wherever I went, and poisoning every person I met.” Like many others, Julian reached out to a higher power to help him battle and control his addiction. However, his journey wouldn’t have been successful without going through rehab, discovering his triggers, setting boundaries, and not ignoring the three stages of relapse: emotional, mental, and physical. 

Relapses can and will happen, and feelings that arise from them can cause many addicts to give up, thinking, “What’s the point?” There might be those around you, family and friends, who feed into your self-doubt, shame, and guilt, causing you to sink further into the abyss. Julian gives sound advice on this situation, “Please do not forget that their opinion has no value at all unless you decide to give it any.”

Addiction will never completely vanish from our society. With that said, Surrender – How To Break Free From Addiction does give addicts the tools and hope that they will reach a stage where their addiction is not controlling their life, but instead, they are controlling it.

If you are suffering or have suffered from any form of addiction, I recommend you read the book. Sometimes seeing other people’s struggles and success propels a person in motion to try what they think is impossible. 

I wish everyone reading this review the best of luck! 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

I travelled extensively overseas and have had a highly successful career in the security industry. I now concentrate on writing and poetry reflecting my journey with alcohol addiction, as only one in seven people worldwide suffering from alcohol and drug use disorder receive treatment.

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December 3, 2022 · 7:00 am

Around The World with Moby- My First Trip! by Muzna Kazim (Book Review)

Around the World with Moby is about an awesome 8-year-old-boy with autism who suffers from travel anxiety. Moby is always scared to explore new things or go on a vacation. His parents were concerned that Moby is missing out on many new learning experiences as he likes to just stay at home and repeat the same schedule every single day. So, they decide to take him out on a short vacation to Minneapolis, Minnesota. A trip that includes a 3-hour flight, a hotel-stay and exploring the city of Minneapolis. The parents prepared for his trip by implementing helpful tools to cope with his fear and anxiety.

Will these tools help Moby stay calm?

Will they enable him to adapt to a brief change in his daily schedule?

Will he have fun?

Let’s find out in the story.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Adults have anxiety about traveling, so it’s not a far leap to think children would suffer from the same issue. 

In Around The World with Moby- My First Trip! by Muzna Kazim, we meet Moby, an 8-year-old with autism who fears traveling. Moby’s Mama tries to soothe his fears. She tells him the trip to Minneapolis is only temporary. She gives him a calendar so he can prepare for the upcoming event. She read him stories about plane rides. They watch videos together. His Mama’s thoughtful and helpful ideas ease Moby’s fear and anxiety. When they reach the airport, Mama has more tricks to help her autistic child through this sensory-overloading adventure. Now, Moby’s Mama wasn’t the only one helping Moby feel calm during the adventure. His Dad was there, discussing the mechanics of the plane, which kept Moby’s mind at peace. What a blessed family!

The excursion was not smooth sailing. Bumps in the road will occur whether a child is on the autism spectrum or not. However, suppose they are, Around The World with Moby- My First Trip! gives parents valuable tools to help their child prepare for a trip, helps a child handle new experiences and challenges, and even shows families all the fun you can have in Minneapolis. There are even pages dedicated to when they came home. The ‘after the trip” events were just as important as the ‘let’s prepare for the trip’ sections. You don’t have to have an autistic child to benefit from any idea in the book. All children feel stress over new situations! 

Around The World with Moby- My First Trip! by Muzna Kazim is a remarkable book. The illustrations by Rabindra Nath Barman were big, bold, and colorful and elevated an already fantastic story. 

I recommend that families and schools add this book to their libraries. 

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

Meet the Author

San Diego based author Muzna Kazim completed her Master’s in Public Health from National University in 2016. She majored in Health Promotion with a research study in Autism. She worked as a Behavior Interventionist for kids with autism and advocates inclusivity and equal opportunities for them.

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