Our Top Picks for Kids: The Quiet Boy and the Lonely Girl, Stronger Together, Survival Guide Kids with ADHD
The Quiet Boy and the Lonely Girl by Jayneen Sanders
Illustrated by Martina Heiduczek
Published by Educate2Empower Publishing
World Rights Available
➡️ Age Range: 3 - 10 years
This heart-warming story follows two young children, Kip and Mira, who both long for friendship and connection. One is quiet and often turns inward, while the other feels lonely and isolated.
Through gorgeous illustrations and beautifully written text by award-winning author Jayneen Sanders, the children gently reach out to one another, and a special friendship begins to grow. The story reminds us that sometimes, one true friend is all we need to feel loved, seen, and valued.
Jayneen Sanders is an experienced author, publisher, elementary school teacher, mother of three and an active advocate for body safety, gender equality and respectful relationship education being taught both in homes and in schools. She has had published over 100 stories for children. Jayneen feels passionately that we can do so much more to keep our children safe by teaching them age-appropriate and empowering prevention education.
Martina Heiduczek grew up in a small fishing village on the Baltic Sea in Germany. Her illustrations are a mixture of digital and traditional media. With a passion for colour and textures she aims to create happy images to evoke emotion and thought in young and old minds alike. Martina's works are inspired by nature, people, places, and the moving and silly things she sees... For her, magic is everywhere!
Stronger Together by Ginger Healy
Illustrated by Maine Díaz
Published by National Center for Youth Issues
World Rights Available
➡️ Age Range: 7 - 9 years
A picture book about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
This gentle, heartfelt story gives children and adults a shared language to talk about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
Dash, a sea otter pup, has learned to calm the worry in his belly by wrapping himself in kelp and playing with his favorite smooth, round stone. Then he meets Sammy, a boy who feels lost and alone after finding out some big news. When their worlds collide, Dash and Sammy share a moment that reveals a compelling truth: even when life feels uncertain and scary, holding onto someone - whether it's a hand...or a paw - can make you stronger together.
In the tradition of books like The Rabbit Listened and The Invisible String, comes a tender celebration of relationship, community, and the courage to reach out when navigating big emotions.
Why parents and educators love this book:
An essential social skills development tool - This book provides a gentle, age-appropriate way to discuss anxiety and big feelings with children.
Introduces concrete coping skills - The actions Dash uses (snuggling, playing with a stone) are simple, practical tools kids can use themselves to feel grounded and secure.
A beautiful message about community - This story highlights the importance of reaching out for help and the strength found in connecting with others.
Perfect for moments of transition - The story is an ideal resource for children dealing with new experiences, such as moving, starting a new school, or navigating family changes.
Reviews
"This heartfelt book is so sweet. With all the anxious feelings our kids face, it teaches courage to reach out for help navigating these emotions. It's a great book and discussion starter for our kids to help them through tough situations. I highly recommend this one for your classroom library or your home!"—Debi Salazar, Teacher
"This sweet picture book was the perfect resource for helping my elementary students learn about coping with unexpected changes. I work with both military and foster care students who have experienced more uncertainty and change than many adults. Stronger Together reminds us that we are better when we support each other. Dash and Sammy meet at the aquarium, both feeling a bit lost and lonely at times. Dash uses some skills he has learned to help quiet the racing thoughts and calm his rumbling tummy. He shares these with Sammy who needs a reminder that there are ways and people (and otters) who can help when things seem scary and overwhelming."—Brittany Smith, Counselor
"Stronger Together by Ginger Healy can be used in your sessions in many different ways. It follows an otter named Dash who experiences worry from time to time. One day, he makes a connection with a little boy who is also experiencing worry and sadness. Dash gives ideas for coping skills, and in the end gives a great reminder about reaching out to your support system. It’s a great tool to help students open up about their worries as well."—Kylie Parpart, School Social Worker
Ginger Healy, LCSW, is a dedicated advocate for children and families with over 25 years of experience in trauma and attachment. She began her career as a child abuse investigator and hospital social worker before becoming a school therapist, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of developmental trauma. As Director of Programs at the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN), she co-hosts the Regulated and Relational podcast with Julie Beem, focusing on trauma-sensitive education and therapeutic parenting. Ginger is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer, traveling across the country to equip educators, caregivers, and professionals with tools to build resilience through brain-based, nervous system-informed, and ACEs-aware practices.
Maine Diaz was born in La Plata, Argentina, and grew up drawing and painting. At the age of sixteen, she started animating, working on films like Patoruzito and El Arca (Patagonik Film Group, Argentina). Simultaneously, she enrolled in audiovisual communication at Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP). Soon after, she started illustrating for children's books. Currently, Maine lives in a tiny green house, where she spends time with her two cats, Chula and Lola.
Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD by John F. Taylor, Ph.D.
Published by Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
World Rights Available
➡️ Age Range: 8 - 12 years
The essential guide to growing up with ADHD
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD helps children with ADHD understand what ADHD is. It also gives them tools to manage ADHD at home, at school, with friends, and more. Peppered with real-life scenarios that kids can relate to, it answers questions like: What is ADHD? How does my brain work? How can I succeed in school, get along better at home, and make great friends?
The third edition includes updated research and all-new content on important topics like screen time and sensory processing challenges.
This book:
Shows kids how their ADHD brains work, in kid-friendly terms,
Encourages readers to take ownership over their ADHD management to succeed in school, at home, with friends, and beyond,
Includes practical strategies, real-life scenarios, and fun illustrations,
Helps ADHD children cope with overstimulation, distraction, insomnia, and other common symptoms,
Discusses doctors, medications, and other ADHD treatment in simple language.
➡️ The Survival Guides for Kids series gives kids the tools they need to not only survive, but thrive. With plenty of realistic examples and illustrations, they are accessible, encouraging, kid-friendly, and even life-changing.
John F Taylor, Ph.D., has written and created many materials for young people with ADHD and their families. He is the founder and president of ADD Plus, a company that offers resources and workshops for parents and teachers of kids with ADHD. Dr. Taylor's contributions have been honored with prestigious awards, such as the Communications Award from the Mental Health Association of Oregon and the Bullard Social Interest Award for his work in parent education. He has presented hundreds of seminars across the United States, empowering professionals with cutting-edge insights into ADHD management.
