If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? is a very special book. ALL of my books are *special*…but this one holds a very special place in my heart.
When I created If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I?, I knew I wanted the end result to be something to be 50% coloring book, 50% journal, and 100% thought-provoking and inspirational.
I am proud to say that I feel I achieved that with this very special book for ages. It also helps reinforce (and share) my belief as a therapist that journaling is an amazing tool for mental health for ALL ages. Especially kids.
Why Journaling is a Great Tool for Kids
Journaling helps to Hone Writing Skills: Writing doesn’t always come easy for many kids, but those who have a firm grasp of reading with comprehension and writing with fluency will have a far easier time at school and college.
Journaling Helps Kids Deal with BIG Feelings: Remember how hard it was for you when you were navigating school and life? Fast-forward about 30 years and the tween and teen years are even harder thanks to social media, racism, and real-world fears of guns in schools. Kids who learn to actively write about their feelings learn to process better and are less likely to bottle big feelings like fear, loneliness, lack of inclusion, anger, sadness, and anxiousness.
Journaling Teaches Communication: Journaling helps kids clearly communicate ideas and issues through writing and sometimes they can “find the words” needed to express how they feel via words instead of verbalizing. Developing a knack for written communication skills will be an asset as your child moves forward in school, life, and adulthood.
Here’s how If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? can Help.
This book is a coloring and an activity book. Kids struggle with screen time and esteem issues at a higher rate than ever before. This book helps parents and caregivers discuss these issues in a way that kids will be more receptive and open to hearing this message. There are many activities to help guide children through an internal dialogue that reinforces how special they are.
Many schools have used this book in their girls’ groups as a fun, therapeutic, and creative way to discuss sensitive topics that are facing our children today.
Through my work with children as a therapist, I have recognized two major areas of concern affecting the esteem of today’s youth:
#1-Emphasis on how the world sees you (or worse, approves of you) through social media.
#2-A lack of focus on goals and a real belief that it is possible to achieve them.
This journal is a fun and thought-provoking reminder that it is never too early for kids to begin working toward their dreams. Help teach children and young adults the value of being self-aware which fosters greater resilience, increases dreaming and motivation, and improves relationships with the people in their lives who matter most. It’s not only a roadmap but a time capsule of hopes and dreams for tomorrow’s future leaders!
All people and ages enjoy this book, but the overall content is traditionally geared more towards women and girls.
Thoughts and Praise from Reviewers
If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? urges the reader to put down electronics, be in the moment and live with gratitude. My favorite page in If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? talks about boredom. If a Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? touches on some deep themes yet never comes across as preachy. It emphasizes striving for your dreams while not being afraid to make mistakes. Having goals is extremely important and asking for help is not something to be ashamed of. Notes to the reader from Ms. Cummings and Ms. Busse are a motivational, sweet surprise at the end of the book. This journal is intended for children to look back on for years to come. I think we should all take a whirl at one at the start of every decade. It would be quite fun to see what 20-year-old me dreamed of in detail. If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? soars like a butterfly in my opinion!~Michele Carroll
Grab your copy of If A Caterpillar Can Fly, Why Can’t I? in the MakeAWayMedia bookstore and on Amazon.