A tender (and humorous!) look at the way tough emotions can make us feel stuck and how the presence of a good friend and a deep belly laugh can make it easier to get through stormy feelings. Complete with back matter to help stuck readers feel better through noticing, smelling, talking, and taking a deep breath, this is a perfect pick for those who loved Grumpy Monkey and The Rabbit Listened.
“Stuck?” asks Duck. Yep, Turtle is flipped over on his shell and can’t seem to get un-stuck. Duck suggests wiggling his feet, Kangaroo wants him to wag his tail, and Armadillo says rolling into a ball always does the trick. But Turtle is STILL. STUCK.
Is there anyone who can help?
This wise and humorous story reminds us that when we’re feeling down, sometimes what we need most is a friend by our side—and a deep belly laugh—to help us get back on our feet again.
- A social-emotional learning story about how to navigate frustrating emotions.
- Features a sweet and funny friendship.
- Charming artwork depicts adorable, instantly lovable characters.
- Includes tips for practicing mindfulness.---from the publisher
48 pages 978-0358695332 Ages 4-8
Keywords: dealing with feelings, dealing with emotions, friendship, humor, duck, turtle, helping others, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old, 8 year old
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“Oh, you can depend on me
Over and over, over and over
Know that I intend to be
The one who always makes you laugh until you cry
And you can call on me until the day you die
Years may come and go
Here's one thing I know
All my life
You're a friend of mine”
– Jeffrey Cohen / Narada Walden (1985)
“‘Hey! Are you playing possum?’
‘No. I am stuck.’
‘Does it hurt?’
‘It doesn’t hurt. But I feel scared, frustrated, and alone.’
‘You don’t have to be alone.’”
A turtle is stuck on its back. After several animals passing by offer passing advice, a possum happens along. The possum expresses empathy, chooses to keep the turtle company–even through a downpour–and then totally cracks up the turtle, causing the shelled reptile to laugh hard enough to flip right side-up.
“‘You did it!’
‘We did it!’ [The pair high-five.]
‘Getting stuck isn’t so bad when you are here.’”
The turtle has a beautiful watercolor shell that particularly stands out against the mostly-white backgrounds. The author/illustrator concludes with advice for those feeling stuck–use your senses; talk about it; and take a deep breath.
I AM STUCK is upbeat, uplifting, beautiful, and offers inspiration for those who are in need or encounter a friend in need.
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA
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