KIDS BOOK PICKS – by Lorrie Holmes
I am starting off my monthly Kids Book Picks with my reasons why I love kids books authored by child therapists and school counsellors who are masters at combining storytelling with emotional intelligence which to me, is the most important form of intelligence we can help our children develop.
MY 5 REASONS WHY I LOVE KIDS BOOKS WRITTEN BY THERAPISTS AND SCHOOL COUNSELLORS
1. THEY DRAW FROM THEIR EXPERTISE IN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
With their backgrounds in psychology and child development, these mental health experts can delve deeper into guiding children towards self regulation as this is what they do in their day jobs.
2. THEY CREATE VERY DYNAMIC STORY CHARACTERS
These authors are masters at character development as they understand the inner workings of our kiddos and can therefore create beautifully dynamic characters who can tell well rounded stories.
3. THEY ARE MASTERS AT WEAVING NATURAL CONSEQUENCES INTO STORIES
Understanding Cause & Effect, these Mental Health Storytellers can include opportunities for natural consequences in ways that are both subtle and impactful.
4. THEY ARE EXPERTS AT PRESENTING STRATEGIES FOR SELF REGULATION THROUGH THE GROWTH OF THEIR STORY CHARACTERS
Pulling from their own toolboxes, these professionals are well equipped to model strategies to promote a growth mindset in our littles by providing choices that certain story characters make that are the results of their attitudes towards problem solving and self regulation.
5. THEY ARE INSPIRING TO LITTLE PEOPLE AND BIG PEOPLE TOO!
As an early childhood educator, one of my favourite parts of the job is witnessing a child get an important self concept for the first time – especially one that will empower them, and many titles authored by these writers offer just that, a deeper story and story characters in these heart warming and thought provoking kids books.
Originally, I was going to group all my kids books written by therapists into this story but I have decided to do this as a series – the next one be shared in the coming weeks! Today, I am starting off with a very special author who is very dedicated to create stories that empower young children. Thank you Lauren for your work and I hope you all enjoy her story and the ones she is creating for our littles.
We are thrilled to be adding Lauren’s Book Collection into our Kids Books Storefront and look forward to introducing you to more of our favourite children’s authors very soon!
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OUR CONVERSATION WITH CHILDREN’S AUTHOR & THERAPIST, LAUREN MOSBACK
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Can you tell me what inspired the title of this book?
LAUREN: Absolutely! The outdoors is full of adventuring and learning. As we explore nature, we discover new things about ourselves and the world around us, we GROW! So not only can we go on adventures in the outdoors, but we also GROW on these adventures as well.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Can you tell us how and why you started writing children’s books which is a beautiful combination to be doing with your background as a counsellor for children, teens, and young adults.
LAUREN: As a therapist working with kids and teens, I saw the strategies they were drawn to and which were most effective. I also know that children learn so much more effectively when they are having fun. Writing books has allowed me to share effective strategies in a fun and creative way, which is also very accessible to many children — not just the children who have walked into my counseling office.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: How many kids books have you authored to date?
LAUREN: I have written 5 books to date and they are a combination of self-published and traditionally published books.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Are all of your kids books focused on helping children with social-emotional skills, a growth mindset, and self-esteem?
LAUREN: Many of my books are focused on these important topics and I am so grateful to be able to introduce these ideas to kids in fun ways! My books also highlight the importance of practicing mindfulness. I also have one book that helps children cope with grief and loss.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Are your story characters inspired by loved ones?
LAUREN: Yes, while no character is an exact replica of someone in my life, many characters have been inspired by bits and pieces of my own children, my clients…and perhaps, even myself.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: What do you feel are the biggest challenges for our littles today?
LAUREN: I believe that our biggest challenge today is screens – time spent on screens and the impact that screens can have on our littles’ mental health. Kids are on screens so much and naturally this takes away from time playing and being in the outdoors. Research supports the importance of play in general, and studies have shown that spending time and play outdoors can reap the most benefits for kids’ physical health, mental health and learning.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: How can we as their big people best support their needs?
LAUREN: Be a good role model and balance screen-time with green-time. Plan to put your own devices away from time to time and have one-on-one time with kids. Children need our undivided attention at least some of the time. Go on adventures in nature and try new things together. While you’re spending time together, make eye contact and talk. Learn more about their passions and interests. What makes them light up? What makes them…THEM. Validate their thoughts and feelings and show an interest in who they are as individuals and listen to their ideas.
As a therapist, I have always found that the most useful “strategy” is helping children to identify and build on their unique strengths and interests. Finding their own niche is key and helps them grow confident. As an adult, caregiver, therapist, etc. – understanding that niche is critical to connecting. When any of us do what we love, we feel happy and fulfilled. When others notice and take interest, it makes us feel even better!
Also, when spending time with kids, don’t forget to have fun together! Enjoying one another’s company, laughing and talking builds connection. When kids feel accepted, connected and valued, they thrive!
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Can you tell us what inspired this latest book of yours – which we absolutely love by the way!
LAUREN: Thank you so much! Absolutely! Kids have long school days, which are often followed by homework, after-school activities, or screen time. All of this contributes to increased anxiety because it doesn’t give kids many opportunities for unstructured play, which encourages them to explore, create, and discover. Free play is integral to a child’s social and emotional growth, creativity, and confidence. One way to foster more time for unstructured play is to help kids get outdoors! When kids play outside, it allows them to develop their creativity, take healthy risks, move their bodies, use all their sensory skills, and learn how to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Spending time in nature also helps kids connect with themselves and their surroundings, allowing them to mindfully experience the present moment and feel gratitude as they explore and discover the world around them. Going outside does not require fancy equipment or expensive electronics, yet it is often overlooked as an answer to reducing worry and anxiety. As we continue to progress into the digital age, it is critical to help children find this balance in their lives. In fact, taking time to be outdoors is a great way for all of us to take a proactive approach to our mental health and well-being.
In Let’s Grow On An Adventure, kids learn the benefits of getting outdoors, slowing down, and appreciating the beauty of the world around us. In the back of the book, there are kid-friendly mindfulness, affirmation, and gratitude activities as well as educational “Did You Know” facts about the benefits of nature that lead to a healthy and happy brain.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Can you provide me with a short background on each of your other kids books and what inspired you to write each of these as well.
LAUREN: Absolutely! In Grandpaw’s Pawprints : A Story of Loss, Life and Love – In this story, Bethany the Bear’s beloved Grandpaw dies — and she feels very sad and lost. With the help of her friends, Bethany learns that she can celebrate the life of her Grandpaw by sharing his special qualities with others.
By following in Grandpaw’s pawprints, she can carry on and expand the mark he left on the world. On her journey toward healing, Bethany discovers that Grandpaw’s love is still with her. . . AND IT NEVER LEFT!
This uplifting book explores the emotional side of losing someone who was close to you and presents themes of friendship, encouragement, healing, growth, and love. At the end, there is helpful resource section that includes suggested activities that offer hope and encouragement, and tools and tops for parents and adult caregivers on discussing grief/loss.
While this book is helpful for any type of loss, I have had many requests to make a grandmother, mother and father version of this story and will be working on this soon.
Worry Workbook for Kids : 50+ Fun Activities to Reduce Stress, Change Your Mindset, and Embrace Your Life
This workbook includes over 50 fun and evidence-based activities that help to kids and teens to reduce stress, overcome worry/anxiety and help them to develop a growth mindset! These proven techniques help kids learn how to stop their worries from taking over their thoughts so they can approach each day with a sense of confidence and adventure.
My Super Skills : Animals and Affirmations – In this story, David is having a rough day…but his emotions are no match for his older sister Lily, who swoops in to save the day with some SUPER SKILLS!
When Lily notices her brother feeling sad and irritable, she shares some useful and creative strategies to help him understand and manage his emotions. Lily connects each strategy with a relatable scenario and animal behavior that David (and readers) can practice.
Readers take deep breaths like a horse, repeat affirmations like a lion and slow down to practice mindfulness like a sloth! David discovers that these social and emotional super skills are just what he needs to turn his day around and to develop an optimistic mindset.
Transforming Anxiety : Grow Resilience and Confidence In this story, Ben struggles with a powerful feeling he doesn’t understand. And he is unable to escape it! Luckily, his friends help him understand anxiety and introduce him to Super Skills — helpful social-emotional skills and strategies that enable him to work through it! Using Super Skills, Ben learns how to transform his anxiety — instead of fighting it or hiding from his feelings.
As readers follow along and get to PRACTICE the kid-friendly strategies, they discover that they, too, have the power within them to manage feelings of worry and anxiety and grow stronger!
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Are you working on any other books currently?
LAUREN: Yes, I always seem to have something in the works. Writing and bringing a helpful story to life is a huge passion of mine! Currently, I am working on 2 new books and an SEL card game.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: How important of a role does – or should – nature play in the development and well-being of children, teens, and young adults. Can you provide us with any guidelines based on your beliefs and your knowledge?
LAUREN: Yes, playing and spending time in nature is an important part of children’s (and all of our) health and wellbeing. Spending time in nature benefits us physically with movement and exercise. The sun triggers our brains to release the feel-good hormone, serotonin which helps us to feel calm and happy. Fresh air clears our lungs, and there are even benefits of the dirt and terpenes found in plants. Additionally, playing outdoors helps children to discover and learn, enhance their sensory and motor skills, and grow their creativity and confidence. You can find more benefits of nature play in my new book, Let’s Grow on an Adventure. The physical and mental health benefits of spending time in nature are endless.
Being on screens and juggling too many activities does not give children the opportunity to go on fun adventures, spend time being in the moment, cultivating their unique strengths, making connections with others, and learning about themselves. The overuse of electronics and the decline of outdoor time IS negatively impacting the mental and physical health of our kids. It’s up to us to help children and teens to find this balance in their lives.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Who is your favorite story character out of all your books and why?
LAUREN: My favorite character is Ona the Eagle in my book, In Grandpaw’s Pawprints. While we only see a glimpse or two of her in the book, her character has a lot of strength and depth, which I hope to share more about in future kids books. While I was in college, I interned on a Navajo reservation in New Mexico, teaching and also working in the school counseling office. I created the character, Ona, in honor of my time there. My time in New Mexico inspired me to pursue a path in the counseling field. So, as you can see, Ona signifies a beautiful time in my life with beautiful people, the Navajo, who inspired me to become a therapist. And my experience as a therapist inspired me to become a writer, which has allowed me to share important ideas, skills and values with many people.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Did you write or tell stories when you were a child?
LAUREN: When I was young, I read a lot of books and liked to draw. I remember using my imagination and creating stories in my mind and spent a lot of time outside while doing so. My mom was a teacher, read a lot of books to me and my dad used to make up fun and creative stories before bed-time. I am sure they both sparked my creativity in different ways.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Did you spend a lot of time in nature as a child?
LAUREN: Yes! Summer days and nights were almost always filled with running around the neighborhood with friends playing games and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine! Without so many digital devices available, we had the opportunity to spend time playing in the outdoors, running, jumping, exercising, creating, discovering, laughing, connecting with one another and the world around us. Whether it was warm summer nights or adventures during the day, I have so many childhood memories filled with moments of outdoor fun and echoes of laughter.
KIDS NEWS & REVIEWS: Can you please offer us big people one piece of advice about how to be most supportive for our littles, whether we are an educator, a youth leader, or caregiver.
LAUREN: Absolutely! Disconnect from screens and connect with kids! While there is a time and place for screens, nothing can replace one-on-one interaction and connection. Kids need to feel seen, heard, and valued and we can best support kids when we give them our time and attention. And even better, if you can do this together on outdoor adventures!
BOOK REVIEW
Author, Lauren Mosback, LPC, shares her depth of knowledge as a counsellor for both children (and teens) with her beautifully subtle messages involving developing a growth mindset through the playful adventures these two main characters – Jay and Jasper – take and share in nature. It’s a fun and magical tale using the combination of playful & poignant words, rhymes, and gorgeous illustrations. This combination of storytelling is guaranteed to draw the children in and inspire them to embark on their own adventures with their loved ones at home and with their friends and teachers at school! Well done Lauren, with your story, and Svitlana Holovchenko, with your magical artwork!
Thank you Lauren by this interview and for sharing your intentions and processes with us.
A little more about Lauren – Lauren Mosback, LPC, NCC, is a licensed mental health therapist who specializes in child and adolescent therapy at her practice in the Philadelphia suburbs. Through her books and her counselling work, Lauren helps equip children with tools to understand and manage their emotions and develop self esteem and resilience. She helps cultivate a strong sense of self worth in children by helping them explore their unique strengths, values, and coping skills.
Lauren lives outside of Philadelphia, PA, with her husband, four children, and playful pup. She loves exploring the outdoors and adventuring with her family. She finds inspiration from these adventures and continually strives to learn, grow, and write.
You can connect with Lauren at
www.lauremosback.com
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