Emma Lou a Yorkie Poo : JUST BREATHE

Emma Lou a Yorkie Poo: Kim Larkins

Everyone worries at times and everyone wonders how to handle their fears and worries. Sometimes kids worry about taking tests and are afraid of the consequences if they don’t pass. Others fear losing the game and not scoring the winning run. But, some like Emma Lou are anxious and worry all the time. She worries about her friends; she worries about something that might happen or not happen and poor Emma Lou needs some help.

Her friends understand and tell us not to worry but for some reason that causes her to worry even more. You can see how she reacts when you look at the fantastic and colorful illustrations which brings Emma Lou and her friends to life. Her best friend Pearl is an active dog and so beautiful and white and wants Emma Lou to stop worrying. But, just like kids sometimes Pearl would get distracted and forget about what Emma Lou was saying. Poor Emma Lou!

Going to the park she saw Pearl and her friend Caleb a very high energy and athletic dog who landing in front of them. When he asked what they were doing poor Emma became upset when she saw him flying into them and said that he might have fallen, hurt them or even worse. Caleb told her not to worry to but that made her worry even more!

Caleb had a great idea, but will Emma Lou do it? Why not visit his friend Gig the Gentle Ginormous Giraffe and let Gigi help you to stop worry as she did Caleb? But just as she was about to ask her friend Pearl’s advice she disappeared, and her worries were compounded. Pearl was playing and jumping with Beatrice and her band of Merry Musical Monarchs and if you look at the illustrations you might want to jump and play with them too.

Telling Pearl, the idea that Caleb suggested brought a positive response from Pearl But, will Emma Lou try it? This might be the first step in the right direction as they all scampered to Gigi’s house and hopefully Emma Lou might get some help and stop worrying so much. Going inside was the first step and what author Kim Larkins shares with children and readers through Gigi is what she does everyday for children: Teaching Mindfulness’ which is excellent to help both children and adults relax.

Just who she does this you will have to experience for yourself as you sit down, close your eyes and follow her guidance and learn how to breathe and relax but did it help Emma Lou? What happens when one of her friends disappears again? Will she get worried or will she use what she learned to stay calm?

This is a great book for parents, teachers, clinical social workers like the author to teach children and even adults how to improve attention, emotional regulation, compassion for self and others and overall well being for teachers and students.

Teachers can use this as a kickoff point for discussions with students or even guidance counselors in groups discussions to talk about what worries the students, what fears they have and what causes them to be afraid. Lists can we made and using mindfulness through breathing or even music it might help everyone realize that worrying is something that you can handle if you just listen to your breathing and maybe find your way to someone like GIGI. This is a great series and I hope the author brings back these characters again to teach other lessons.

Fran Lewis: Just reviews