Friday, January 25, 2019

"ABC Worry Free" - a bookwrap










Unwrapping







"ABC Worry Free"
Authored by Noel Foy
Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov

* Ages:  4-8
* Grade Levels:  PS-3
*Paperback:  32 pages
* Publisher:  National Center for Youth Issues
* Pub. Date: November 6, 2018
* Language: English 



Unwrapping some wonderful illustrations for you to enjoy







































Unwrapping the book



Neuroeducator Noel Foy has created a wonderful story and a wonderful tool to aid educators, parents and caregivers to use if a child is experiencing anxiety.  The book is a response to the rise of worry and anxiety in children from all backgrounds and its impact on learning, relationships, executive functions, and wellness.  

Max, an active little boy, can't wait to get home after school and play with his friends outside.  Their favourite game is hide-and-seek.  One day Max decides to hide in the bushes hoping nobody will detect his whereabouts.  His friends can't locate him but an angry swarm of bees know exactly where he is hiding and they target him big time.  Poor Max!  He is not only hurting from the multiple stings but he is traumatized from the surprise and painful assault on his body.  Oh my! 

The experience leads him to withdraw from outside activities with his friends and slowly isolates him indoors for fear there may be  repeat attacks if he goes out. His mother observes his reluctance to play with his friends and starts working with him to try and get him to go outside once more.  She is very concerned about his wellbeing because staying locked up inside the house isn't the answer to his overwhelming anxiety experience.  

"It must be tough watching your friends have fun without you," said Max's mom.
"I bet they'd understand how you feel.  Why don't you go out and join them?'
But all Max could think was, Why don't I jump in a beehive while I'm at it?!

Max's big brother Chris observes his little brother's dilemma and luckily he becomes Max's superhero.  They dialogue together and Chris gives Max the key that will unlock his paralyzing fears and set him free to once again go outside and freely play games his friends who miss him a great deal.  With that special knowledge and empowerment Max unleashes himself from his worries and succeeds in taking authority over his anxious thoughts.  Once again  he becomes a carefree, happy-go-lucky kid, ready to resume his normal kid-life. 

The powerful ABC lesson that Chris shares is :  "A" stands for Acceptance; "B" stands for Breathing, take time to breathe in and out slowly; and "C" stands for Change, change the way you think about your fears and think positive thoughts about what might happen rather than all the bad things that could go wrong.  The author has wisely included "Tips for Parents and Educators" at the back of the book to further their knowledge on this very important subject.  

The illustrations are full of emotion and action, colourful and meaningful to the reader.  We must teach children to calm their minds, and bodies and recognize their thoughts, words, actions, feelings, and physical symptom when anxious. I highly recommend this book to both young and old readers.  




Storywraps Rating - 5 HUGS!!!!!










Meet the author










NOEL FOY is a former classroom teacher and Learning Specialist, and the founder of AMMPE™ Neuroeducational Consulting. Her mission is to empower teachers, parents, counselors, coaches and students with quick, user friendly ways to decrease stress and boost engagement, learning, executive function and performance.






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