Catching Thoughts

K-Gr 2--A thought begins to form in the mind of a young Black girl, and at first she doesn't pay it much attention. Sure, she doesn't like the thought, but it's just a small one. But as the thought begins to grow, she is unable to think about anything else, with it growing and popping up at times, even when she doesn't expect it. After trying to run away from it, she turns and bravely faces the thought, unleashing many new, positive thoughts in place of the negative. A blue-gray balloon surrounded by dark gray represents the negative thought following the young girl around, a perfect metaphor for readers; it's impossible to shake off. Happy, positive thoughts are represented by colorful balloons floating under a sunny, clear sky. The young girl's expressions--from a worry-filled face to anger to happiness and calm--will be easy for young readers to interpret, and together with the simple but effective text and emotion-colored illustrations create a picture book that introduces young readers to a range of new coping mechanisms. VERDICT An excellent choice for sharing with children who struggle with anxiety and even just low-grade worry.--Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston

"An excellent choice for sharing with children who struggle with anxiety and even just low-grade worry." —School Library Journal

"Catching Thoughtsis absolutely the book we need right now —simple yet impactful! You can't help but go searching for more true, joyful, and calm thoughts after reading this delightful book." —Emily Kilgore, author of The What-Ifs

"Families with little big-thinkers and big-feelers are sure to find this lovely book simultaneously calming and empowering." —Britney Winn lee, author of The Boy with Big, Big Feelings

"One of the loveliest dances between words and pictures I've seen. It hits a deep, true chord within me from dealing with my own anxieties." —Shanda McCloskey, author of DOLL-E 1.0, T-Bone the Drone, and Fire Truck vs. Dragon

"Bonnie Clark gently reminds us that we have the capacity to reframe our encounter with unwanted and difficult thoughts. It is in our nature to welcome our challenges with grace and, more importantly, without shame." —Dr. Jerome Lubbe, author of The Brain-Based Enneagram: You are not A number

"This book's truth needs to get into the hands of every child: Releasing our negative thoughts allows space for things that are good and beautiful. Catching Thoughts offers a fun approach that is simple enough for every child to understand." —Vikki Fraker, Founder of Revival 356

"This book offers a practical and engaging approach to replace negative thoughts with ones that are good. Parents will quickly realize what a huge asset this little book can be in helping children understand the power they have over their own thoughts." —Elizabeth Pehrson, Mom of Eight, Women's Speaker, Founder of The Exchange

"It isn't through force or willpower that a thought is transformed, but rather through a simple 'hello.' Clark has offered us a real gift with this book, and Macon brings it to life with illustrations that are both vivid and inspiring." —William Meyer, author of Big Breath: A Guided Meditation for Kids