Review: You Are Your Strong

Sometimes feelings can be so huge, they seem to overwhelm us. When big emotions rise inside you, how can you find your Strong? In this gentle book, written by Danielle Dufayet and illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin, we see children finding their own special ways to cope with their big emotions; by finding their Strong.

In the beginning of the book, the children turn to loved ones, who guide them with calmness, bravery, love and gentleness, when worry whispers, scared creeps in, sadness sprinkles and mad stomps in. But there are times when we each need to find our Strong, all by ourselves. Here we see the children in the story following their own hearts and minds to find their Strong in so many ways.

Within the golden covers of this reassuring book, are softly-hued pages, each one showing a child finding their Strong, in the midst of big feelings. The images show the children's fear and anger transforming into comfort and joy.

Published by Magination Press, the children's publishing arm of the American Psychological Association, this book also contains Notes To Caregivers and Parents, by Julia Martin Burch PhD, which provide additional guidance for helping children to handle big emotions. This book would be enjoyed by all children, particularly anyone who has ever felt like their emotions are sometimes bigger than they are. For adults reading to children, this book provides a lovely point of connection, to discuss those big emotions in a safe and reassuring way.

Title: You Are Your Strong
Author: Danielle Dufayet
Illustrator: Jennifer Zivoin
Publisher: Magination Press, $27.99
Publication Date: 19 March 2019
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9781433829390
For ages: 4 - 8
Type: Picture Book