DON'T BLOW YOUR TOP!

How to avert disaster?

On a beautiful day in Paradise, Big Volcano and Little Volcano stand happily beside one another. A colorful bird unexpectedly drops a small boulder onto Little Volcano. Uh-oh. Will Little Volcano explode in rage? In the past, Little Volcano has had meltdowns, but Big Volcano models helpful strategies: deep breathing, counting, and thinking happy thoughts. The techniques work—until that clumsy bird drops two more boulders. “BONK! BONK!” This time, though, fed-up Little Volcano forgets the calming tricks and BLOWS THEIR TOP. When Little Volcano apologizes for blowing it—literally and figuratively—Big Volcano gently reassures them: “Sometimes it happens” and “It’s okay. Shake it off.” Peace and happiness are restored. Wait! Is that a bird flying over the volcanoes again? Now it’s Little Volcano’s turn to share the mindfulness tactics, and all ends well. This cute, soothing story will help children learn to cope with and temper those explosive, potentially overwhelming emotions that we all feel from time to time. It also lets kids know they might even assist grown-ups when they occasionally lose their own cool. The vibrant, cartoonish digital illustrations are lively, with expressive protagonists and a tropical setting as a backdrop.

Deals with feelings in a gentle, easy-to-understand way.