Lotus Flowers and Superpowers takes the reader on a mindfulness-inspired adventure into science and the natural world. Generously sprinkled with humor, quirky and fascinating facts about wildlife, and the concepts and core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we are invited into the magical world of Fry, a Koi fish born into the “little pond nestled between two pine trees whose tops touch the sky.” Fry's colorful and imaginative journey teaches us that unhooking and making space for painful or challenging thoughts, feelings, and emotions and bringing our attention to what is happening in the here and now can make life a little easier. While practicing self-compassion, we can invest our energy into choosing actions that bring us closer to our values―who we want to be, and the people and things we care about―to live a happier and more meaningful life. Or, in Fry's words, “Live with all our hearts.” ​ “Beautifully written, Lotus Flowers and Superpowers is a captivating, compelling, and truly fascinating story. The book takes readers on a magical journey, introducing them to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and shows how two Koi fish, Fry, and Flex, use well-known ACT techniques to help them navigate not only unexpected challenges beneath the pond, but also the challenges of their own thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Julie Seel Renaud has written a most creative book, with lovely images, which draws readers in with its delightfulness, and teaches important life skills. A highly recommended read for adolescents and adults!” —Tamar D. Black, PhD, Educational and Developmental Psychologist and author, ACT for Treating Children ​ " Lotus Flowers and Superpower s is one of those rare stories that paints a word picture and truly makes Julie's thinking visible. Pulled from inspiration in her own life, her deep positionality in education shines through with rich vocabulary and natural clarification. The story flows while it actively teaches. The chapters create manageable pieces that can stand alone as a lesson, provide opportunities for rich discussion, and intentional vocabulary development. The incorporation of mindfulness is a natural throughline that radiates a sense of calm in learning. This is something I cannot wait to share with my students." ​ —Rachel Terlop, PhD, Educator, Author, and winner of The Henry Ford Innovation Nation Teacher of the Year Award ​ ​"Brilliant! I am 100% in love with this book! Julie Renaud takes readers on a delightful transformational journey into a world infused with ACT. Truly a must-read for all ages." —Heather DeRijke M.Ed., Director of Training and Education at Emergent Learning Academy ​ "What a fantastically-written story that checks every box of a child's imagination and creativity while also addressing a child's social/emotional health in a way that is authentic and engaging! I found myself eager to follow Izzy Delaney on her journey of discovery with little Fry and Flex and how they would need to look deep inside to find the answer to that big question of life..."What is in your heart?" I can't wait for this book to be in my hands so that I can share it at the start of every year with my new first graders! It will become a mentor text that we will revisit many times throughout the year. The imagery in the words of this story is incredible and that is without even seeing the illustrations that will be added! I know that the beautiful pictures that Julie will add will be the icing on the cake!" —Cyndi Tabor, Masters in Literacy, Language, and Culture, 1st-grade teacher ​​ “Brimming with wisdom, this lovely story lays the groundwork for working through troubling emotions, accepting feelings, and being resilient. The Koi fish Fry and Flex, along with a host of other wildlife in and around the pond, struggle, succeed, and move through life using their values as a compass. Interwoven with science and nature and a celebration of wonder and curiosity, this delightful narrative creates multifaceted, consistent opportunities for social-emotional learning in a way that is accessible and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, thoughtful book and was reminded of the power of flexibility.” —Rick Kubina, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Professor, Special Education Program, The Pennsylvania State University ​ " Lotus Flowers and Superpower s allows the reader to step into a magically crafted world while the characters explore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. The beauty and creativity of the descriptions make the story leap off the page and into the reader's lives to face their own everyday challenges as the Koi fish do in the story. This unique book takes a science-based approach to help adolescents and educators alike apply ACT as a tool to navigate their own world. You won’t want to miss this deeply inspiring read!" ​—Amy Siebold, PhD., BCBC-D, Behavior Analyst ​"Spellbinding! This is a book I highly recommend all educators use within the class