I AM!

Barbosa, an early childhood educator who specializes in social-emotional learning, provides a series of affirmations children can repeat like mantras when they are ready to move on from emotions that are affecting them negatively.

Acknowledging that negative feelings exist, the author asks children to consider if they are ready to move on. All too often children may in fact be ready but do not know how to do so. The book aims to provide readers with the tools they need to make themselves feel better. For example: “When you are feeling scared of something new, stand tall, put your hands on your hips, and say: I AM BRAVE!” The author suggests body stances and affirmations for common emotions most children will experience: lack of control, jealousy, anger, guilt, frustration, impatience, feeling ignored, low esteem, or loneliness. The suggested postures and affirmations are simple and straightforward, encouraging mindfulness. The affirmations are presented in bold, block lettering, stressing their importance. Equally assertive, brightly colored illustrations reinforce the positive message. The book is best read and practiced by children and their adult readers together, but children on the upper end of the target audience who are already readers may also find it a valuable tool to read and repeat on their own.