Emily Grace and the What-Ifs: A Story for Children about Nighttime Fears

$16.99
by Lisa B. Gehring

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This book is a guide to showing children how to face their fears and self-soothe. Bedtime is a trigger for many kids. Fears about going to bed, worries that seem only to appear at bedtime, attempts to sleep with parents, and pleas for a parent to stay until they fall asleep are common. Having a predictable routine and being available most nights at bedtime is necessary for your child’s well-being; however, it is also important for children to learn how to self-soothe. The good news is that children can learn to cope with bedtime fears and fall asleep on their own. This book is a wonderful place to start. As soon as Emily Grace gets into bed, her mind starts running with scary “What-Ifs,” but then she takes a moment to calm down, notices the familiar details of her room, and sees that all is well. What if a big rhinoceros charges out through my closet door and pulls all my covers off and I get cold and catch pamonia? What if I wake up tomorrow and I am a princess far, far away from home, all by myself? Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information and strategies for coping with bedtime struggles. PreS-Gr 2—Emily Grace has trouble falling asleep. Her mind is busy pondering what-if questions, making her anxious. By noticing the familiar things in her room, stretching, relaxing, and imagining herself in her favorite place, she is able to soothe herself to sleep. The language used in this picture book is simple and appropriate. Emily Grace's nighttime worries are quite comical ("What if I become a pop star and make a million trillion dollars and then I lose it all?"). The nature of Emily Grace's concerns are probably less scary than what some children do worry about and would not contribute to any further anxiety. The visuals are nonthreatening, mainly employing a very dreamy purple to illustrate Emily's imagination. Back matter offers information from a psychologist describing in more depth the methods Emily Grace uses to calm herself—distraction, muscle relaxation, and imagery. The psychologist's explanations and strategies are enlightening without being overwhelming. VERDICT A useful addition to a public library's parenting collection, or for school libraries where parents seek help regarding their children's behavior.—Michelle Anderson, Tauranga City Libraries, New Zealand Gold medal, 2016 Nautilus Awards “A useful addition to a public library’s parenting collection, or for school libraries where parents seek help regarding their children’s behavior.” — School Library Journal "Perfect for introducing one's child to basic relaxation techniques, and encouraging them to be more independent at bedtime instead of crying or calling for an adult. Highly recommended." — Midwest Book Review "Anxious Emily Grace imagines some fancifully scary "what-ifs" as she tries to go to sleep. Then she notices her familiar and comforting surroundings and transforms her scary "what-ifs" into pleasant ones. This charmingly illustrated book is great for leading fearful children into finding strategies to calm themselves."—Ann Gonzales, Children's Librarian "This engaging children's book explores night time anxiety of children and could help children learn some self soothing techniques to overcome their fear and perhaps ease their suffering." —Jan Mosher, Children's Librarian What if a big rhinoceros charges out through my closet door and pulls all my covers off and I get cold and catch pamonia? What if I wake up tomorrow and I am a princess far, far away from home, all by myself? Emily Grace faces her fears and calms herself]]and eventually thinks, "What if I close my eyes now and go to sleep?" Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information and strategies for coping with bedtime struggles. Lisa B. Gehring, MLIS,  earned her master's degree from Louisiana State University's School of Library and Information Science. She has been a teacher and principal at a school for children with learning differences.  Emily Grace and the What-Ifs  is her first book. She lives in south Louisiana (Geaux Tigers!) with her husband and "granddog."  Regina Flath  is a graphic designer and illustrator with a passion for books. She graduated from the University of the Arts in 2009 with a BFA in illustration. She is the cover designer and cover illustrator for the David A. Adler series "Danny's Doodles."  Emily Grace and the What-Ifs  is her picture book illustration debut. She lives with her husband Dennis, daughter Violet, and two crazy cats. Visit Regina at www.reginaflath.com. and follow her on Twitter: @reginaflath.

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