edlynn

This colorful illustrated journal for ages 8 to 12 helps kids manage stress and anxiety and build confidence with 50 fun writing and drawing prompts

Big feelings can be overwhelming but letting yourself be in your feels - no matter how uncomfortable-is really okay, totally normal, and even good for you

Basic emotions-happiness, sadness, anxiety or worry, and anger-are experienced by all people and make us who we are. This beautifully illustrated journal explains what a feeling is and equips middle grade readers with a coping toolbox to better identify their triggers and develop their social and emotional skills. Chapters divided by the most common emotions (including pride, fear, grief, embarrassment and guilt) allow kids to explore their relationship with each emotion and identify moments when they feel that way.

Inside, young readers will find dozens of fun activities including:

• Writing prompts such as drafting a letter to someone you trust and making lists of who gives the best hugs or what makes you proud
• Meditation and breathing practices to help kids feel calmer in stressful situations
• Drawing exercises like designing a superhero mask to wear when you are sad and imagining anxiety as a magical creature you can tame or anger as a friend.

As kids work through the prompts, they will discover how to handle their feelings like a pro and feel more confident about their relationships with friends and family. Plus parents and caregivers will feel reassured that kids have more coping strategies for when tough times come around.

Emily Edlynn, PHD, is a clinical psychologist and practicing therapist with a Master’s and Doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the child and adolescent program at Loyola University in Chicago. She lives in Oak Park, Illinois with her husband and three children.
Marisa LaScala is the senior parenting and relationships editor at Good Housekeeping and has previously written about parents and families at Parents and Working Mother. She lives with her husband and daughter in Brooklyn, New York.

Cate Andrews is an illustrator and designer based in Washington State. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Oprah, Wall Street Journal, Healthybaby, Food Culture Collective, PLANSPONSOR/PLANADVISER, Barron’s and Sierra Magazine, among others.