SERIES
Bright Start
FROM THE PUBLISHER: With simple stories and engaging illustrations, the Bright Start series of board books opens conversations about emotions and mental well-being, providing you with the tools and language needed to develop and nurture emotional intelligence in your child. Bright Start responds to recent research showing that emotional development begins in infancy, when children first bond with their caregivers. Early development of emotional intelligence helps children to form healthy and long-lasting relationships, builds the foundations for stable mental health, and lays the groundwork for academic achievement. Give your child a Bright Start for a healthier and happier life.
Feel Better, Daddy
A Story about Empathy
A big pot of “soup,” a beautiful drawing, a snuggle—a girl explores the different ways she can show empathy when her daddy is sick.
ISBN 9781786033048
My Turn, Your Turn
A Story About Sharing
Malik and Cora both want to fly the same toy plane. Watch frustration give way to joy as they try the sharing game proposed by their teacher.
ISBN 9780711244443
One More Time
A Story About Perseverance
A boy gets a beautiful, blue scooter for his birthday. At first he falls, but after about “a bazillion” tries, he learns the benefits of perseverance.
ISBN 9780711244412
A Thank You Walk
A Story About Gratitude
A dog’s tail wagging, a bird’s chirping, a horse’s neighs, a child’s smile—a mother and daughter discover different ways of expressing gratitude as they take the family dog for a walk.
ISBN 9781786033024
REVIEWS
FEEL BETTER, DADDY
2019-04-28
Kirkus Reviews
A preschool-age child models ways to help an ailing father get well soon.
While some books about emotional intelligence can be quite preachy, this "story about empathy" sets a sweet, child-friendly tone. A young, pale-skinned but otherwise ethnically ambiguous protagonist notices Daddy's red nose and sneezing and decides to take over as caregiver for the day. The child reads him a rollicking pirate story, complete with voices; draws him a picture using "every single color from my crayon box"; and snuggles up so they can nap together. These actions feel genuine and accessible, all things toddler listeners could successfully emulate in their own lives. It's not overly heavy either, with breezy line drawings that sketch round, oversized heads that draw attention to facial expressions and a limited grayscale palette with a cheerful peachy-orange accent color. A light sense of humor pervades, such as a helpful pup, tissues perched precariously on its head, or a dubiously delicious homemade soup. The child straightforwardly narrates the thought process of comforting Daddy, allowing readers to further empathize. With pages composed of unusual, coated stock, the book is sturdy and water-resistant, though its moderately rough texture isn't as welcoming as its warm story. A companion book about gratitude starring a ginger-haired family holds similarly familiar scenarios.
Unlike many didactic social-skills training texts, this kindhearted board book will resonate with its young audience. (Board book. 2-4)
A THANK YOU WALK
What a precious book about saying thank you! I love that the illustrations are simple instead of flashy, as gratitude is often the same thing.
Kailey V, Reviewer, Net Galley
ONE MORE TIME
A good book is one that causes discussion and learning and this does just that.
PCecil, barnesandnoble.com
MY TURN, YOUR TURN
The premise of the book is very easy for little ones to comprehend as I'm sure most children will be familiar with what's happening between the two and have had similar feelings and experiences. The message of the book is positive, motivating and gets results. The illustrations are adorable and expressive.
Storywraps, Amazon reviewer