Panic and the Happy Thought
by Kelley M Likes, Anne Soderborg (Illustrator)
Even the best-laid plans can go awry...
Everything is going great as Rhyan follows her routine for leaving the house, until her Happy Thought lanyard isn’t where it’s supposed to be. Leaving her house without her Happy Thought causes her panic and anxiety to skyrocket!
With breathing basics, quick decisions, and finding someone else in need of a Happy Thought, Rhyan makes it to karate practice panic-free.
This Social-Emotional Learning Quest is filled with colorful illustrations, helpful guides, breathing activities, and a spot for your own Happy Thoughts.
In Panic and the Happy Thought, author Kelley M Likes and illustrator Anne Soderborg take you on a colorful adventure to find a lost Happy Thought and restore calm.
Kids ages: 5 and 6
Grade: 1st
Early Reader
Guided Reading Level H
Lexile Level 460L
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS
5 STARS
"Panic and The Happy Thought" really shows how children with anxiety deal with what seems like a daily routine. I'm a new parent and reading this puts a new perspective into how what I perceive as a parent, isn't always true for the kid. The artwork is nice and very neat, the color and the ambiance really help build the story. It's simple and doesn't have a lot of intricate details, but that's why it works for me personally. The artwork does a really great job of conveying the message beneath the drawing. The facial expression, emotions, and body language of each character, especially Rhyan makes every emotion readable and in turn, relatable. The story itself is very wholesome, Rhyan is a kid with anxiety and acknowledges it, and communicates it well with their mom -albeit by nonverbal cues- and the mother is very sophisticated and shows the reader how to not fuel the fire by adding unnecessary emotion or stressor to the already panicking Rhyan. Instead of scolding them, she successfully de-escalates the anxiety by holding Rhyan, and navigating their thought process, reminding them that the Happy Thought is not just a token that could be missing if they misplaced it, but a core memory that they could re-live by cherishing the thought. All-in-all, this is a very wholesome and useful book both for parents and kids alike. The template of Happy Thought included in the book is a very nice addition and makes the reading experience more immersive. Amazing!
-eBookFairs
5 STARS
Panic and the Happy Thought is a touching and well-crafted story about coping with anxiety and the strength of positive thinking. Although it appears to be straightforward, this book touches on several heavy topics that will appeal to both children and adults. With its gripping plot, likable characters, and creative storytelling, it provides useful insights into managing emotive responses and facing your fears. The plot of the book revolves around Rhyan, a young girl who enjoys karate but must also cope with panic attacks. Before her class, Rhyan is preparing but realizes that her Happy Thought lanyard, a tool that helps her manage her anxiety, has gone missing. This prompts her to go on a quest to find it before her class starts. Through this journey, Rhyan faces various challenges and learns more about herself and her condition. The major themes explored in Panic and Happy Thought are primarily children’s experiences with anxiety and coping mechanisms. Specifically, the central theme reflects the importance of finding a personal coping strategy in times of panic or terror. Other sub-themes touch on the nature of fear, personal growth, and the significance of a solid support system. Characters in the story include Rhyan as the protagonist, and the readers are likely to relate to her. The secondary characters are the mother and the karate teacher, who all contributed significantly to Rhyan’s journey to recovery. What is particularly unique or interesting about it that made it memorable or captivating It is worth noting that “Panic and the Happy Thought” stands out with its empathy, normalization, and naturalization of anxiety symptoms in children. At the same time, it does not share the most realistic depictions of a panic attack; it does so supportively and is enthusiastic about its problem-solving potential. Happy Thought, as a materialized tool, is a smart visual representation of complex psychological constructs for children to adopt easily. Simultaneously, the karate novel as a core platform within the therapeutic alliance encompasses literature with significant acuteness and happenings along Ryhan’s pathway. Personal insights or opinions about the book “Panic and a Happy Thought” is an outstanding book on support for children dealing with anxiety. The book is promising as it provides a great view for the audience, children, and parents. This book is particularly effective in the specter of encouraging positivity and self-help. Perhaps, the disadvantage behind this story would be the over-the-profile process that some children may fail to realize. The real-world experience with anxiety takes complex forms and factor sets and this plot boils down to one point. Nonetheless, the book is an excellent introduction for children to learn more about their feelings and mental health. Conclusion “Panic and the Happy Thought” is a highly informative and touching book about one of the most critical topics relevant to all people, and the younger ones among us, in particular. Soon after the first pages, Rhyan’s story develops into an essential point on the strength that remains within a person and on the necessity to use it to experience your fears and move forward. Therefore, “Panic and the Happy Thought” is not only an invaluable resource for children fighting their anxiety or fears but also for parents, teachers, and all those interested in emotionally and mentally learning about the children’s problems. It is a fine example of how storytelling can be used for addressing important issues and should be in every library.
-eBookFairs
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this story - A true delight!
Me and my 7 year old really enjoyed this book.
The heartwarming and profound message woven throughout the book truly sets it apart. The author ingeniously delivers an essential life lesson with a gentle touch, reminding us of the magic of happy thoughts even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
You can't help but feel empathy for the main character as she battles her inner struggles, making her so much more than just a fictional character and I am sure many kids with relate.
I also love how Kelley made the book interactive where kids can cut out cards at the back of the book and make their own happy thought cards. Genius!!
5.0 out of 5 stars Cute book for anxious children
This was a cute story with really nice illustrations :). It provides some advice and an activity to help children that are nervous or anxious about leaving home. It would be a great book for that type of child, but it might not be best for a child who isn't nervous, as it may give them ideas about it that they are better off without. But for the intended audience, it is great!
4.0 out of 5 stars Good lesson for kids
Good lesson to overcome anxiety / panic but the illustrations could be WAY better
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for anxious kids
This is a great story for parents to share with their anxious child. The images are vibrant and attractive. There are tips to help parents and kids to limit anxiety. Benefits kids and parents.
3.0 out of 5 stars possible chance to teach a lesson
The happy thought lesson could potentially be a good idea but It kinda seemed trimmed down and rushed. I guess if you don’t want to spend more than a couple minutes reading a story to your child this could be a quick one in the bucket.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
In a world where worries can feel overwhelming, Rhyan's journey resonates deeply, particularly for those who, like myself, have grappled with anxiety from a young age.Rhyan's struggles with anxiety are depicted with raw authenticity, making it easy for readers to empathize with her experiences. Like many, I found myself nodding along as Rhyan navigated the turbulent waters of her own mind. Her journey mirrors my own, highlighting the challenges of finding peace in the midst of chaos.
5.0 out of 5 stars Useful and fun
This colorful book provides help coping with anxiety and changes in routines. Told mostly in speech bubbles without too much narration. Should have broad appeal and be especially useful to neurodivergent kids.
5.0 out of 5 stars Recognize and manage flutters
Teaching kids to recognize the signs of a flutter is extremely important when most adults are unaware of it until it overwhelms them.
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BOOK INFO:
Author: Kelley M Likes
Illustrator: Anne Soderborg
ISBNs 9798889020165 (hardcover) | 9798889020172 (paperback) | 9798889020189 (ebook)
Publication date: 23 June 2023
Pages: 48
Book dimensions: 8.5" x 8.5"
Kids ages: 5 and 6
Grade: 1st
Early Reader
Guided Reading Level H
Lexile Level 460L
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