Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

Understanding one’s emotions can be challenging without some guidance. Happily, this Health Matters series (6 titles) volume introduces complex emotions to young readers and helps them identify healthy coping mechanisms. Topical two-page spreads define issues or concepts, offer practical action steps, and feature cheerful, digital illustrations that depict children experiencing relatable real-life scenarios. Readers will consider the ways emotions influence their relationships and daily functioning, and they’ll learn healthy ways to deal with emotions by asking for help, exercising, practicing mindfulness, and getting a full night’s sleep. The text reflects a positive view of medicine and talk therapy for children seeking further help. Throughout the book, question boxes prompt readers to think more deeply about the material or test their knowledge, and the back matter contains activities for managing one’s mental health.

School Library Journal
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Gr 2–4—By approaching health from the perspective of healthy bodies and minds, the intermingling of physical and mental health are shown as most people experience them. Focusing on everyday tasks like being safe online and taking showers, these booksdemonstrate how the small things we do each day have a great impact on our health as a whole. Light on text, the narrative gives readers occasional breaks with sidebar tips and illustrations across each page. Stock illustrations of diverse families and people with different abilities are shown modeling the ideas presented as they eat together, play together, and give one another space. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase for public and school libraries that can be used to support pre-existing health initiatives for families, like mindfulness and nutrition programs.