"Traveling with Em: Overcoming the Fear of Fear of Flying" by Alexa Cabrera and Veronica Vasquez is a heartwarming and helpful illustrated book for children aged 5 and up, as well as adults. The story follows Alex and her anxious "monster friend," Em, as they prepare for a trip. Em's overwhelming fear of flying threatens to derail their adventure, but Alex learns to understand and support Em, employing coping mechanisms to manage anxiety. Reviewed by psychologists, the book tackles the issue of anxiety in a relatable and accessible way, offering practical strategies and self-regulation tools. Interactive activity pages reinforce learning, encouraging readers to create their own Em, write affirmations, and pack for a journey. This book is a valuable resource for parents, professionals, and anyone facing the challenges of aviophobia.
Review Traveling with Em
"Traveling with Em: Overcoming the Fear of Flying" is such a charming and helpful little book! I absolutely adored the way Alexa Cabrera and Veronica Vasquez approached the sometimes daunting topic of anxiety surrounding air travel, making it accessible and even fun for young children. The illustrations are truly delightful; they're bright, expressive, and perfectly capture the emotions of both Alex and Em, her anxiety monster. Em's size literally growing and shrinking based on her emotional state is a brilliant visual metaphor that children will readily understand and relate to. It's a clever way to show how anxiety can feel overwhelming, but also how it can be managed.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly the authors blended a captivating story with practical coping mechanisms. It’s not a preachy self-help manual; it’s a genuine story about friendship and adventure, with anxiety woven into the narrative in a natural and relatable way. The authors cleverly avoid overwhelming the reader with technical terms or complex strategies. Instead, they introduce simple, age-appropriate techniques that children can grasp and utilize. Alex's approach to befriending Em and helping her manage her fear is both heartwarming and insightful, teaching young readers (and adults, I might add!) the importance of acknowledging and validating their feelings.
The inclusion of activity pages is a fantastic touch. It transforms the book from a one-time read into an interactive experience. The opportunity for children to draw their own Em, create personalized self-assuring phrases, and even pack a pretend suitcase, reinforces the lessons learned within the story. These activities allow children to actively engage with their own anxieties and develop personalized coping strategies. It’s a truly thoughtful addition that elevates the book beyond a simple story and into a valuable tool for emotional learning.
Beyond the engaging narrative and practical exercises, the book is beautifully produced. The quality of the illustrations is superb, the paper is sturdy enough to withstand little hands, and the overall presentation is simply lovely. It feels like a book you'd cherish and want to read again and again. I especially appreciate the fact that it's been reviewed by psychologists; it lends a level of credibility and reassurance that the techniques presented are sound and effective. This adds a layer of confidence for parents and educators who might be looking for resources to help children navigate their anxieties.
In short, "Traveling with Em" is more than just a children's book; it's a valuable resource that approaches a challenging subject with sensitivity, creativity, and a healthy dose of fun. It's a book I wholeheartedly recommend to parents, educators, and anyone working with children who experience anxiety, especially around travel. It's a sweet, comforting, and ultimately empowering read that helps children understand, acknowledge, and manage their emotions in a positive and constructive way.
Information
- Dimensions: 6.14 x 0.1 x 9.16 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 39
- Publication date: 2024
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