I Got This!: I Have Bounce Back Superpowers

by Julia Cook, Michele Borba, Dale Crawford (illustrator)

"The path you will take is steep and bumpy. There are no shortcuts. To make it to the top, you'll need to use your BOUNCE BACK SUPERPOWERS."

Charlie has wanted to be a rescue dog since he was a puppy. But getting his certification as an official Rescue Dog requires a climb to the very top of the tallest mountain!

With the help of his friends, Charlie sets out on a big adventure. Soon enough, obstacles begin to show up that test his determination. Charlie learns six Bounce Back Superpowers that allow him to overcome challenges and stay on the path. Through this story, readers will learn ways to:

- approach difficulties with calm resolve
- think creatively about possible solutions
- break problems into manageable steps
- take a "paws" now and then to recharge before moving forward

With friendship, encouragement, and wisdom, the next new Rescue Dog might just grow up before your eyes - and have an immediate opportunity to make a difference.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books, Parenting, Animals

32 pages, Hardcover

Published August 1, 2024

About the author

"In order to teach children, you must enter their view of the world."
~ Julia Cook

JULIA COOK, M.S. is a national award winning children’s author, counselor and parenting expert. She has presented in thousands of schools across the country and abroad, regularly speaks at national education and counseling conferences, and has published children’s books on a wide range of character and social development topics. The goal behind Cook’s work is to actively involve young people in fun, memorable stories and teach them to become lifelong problem solvers. Inspiration for her books comes from working with children and carefully listening to counselors, parents, and teachers, in order to stay on top of needs in the classroom and at home. Cook has the innate ability to enter the worldview of a child through storybooks, giving children both the “what to say” and the “how to say it”.

Reviews

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the IBPA for the advanced reader copy of this book. All views and opinions are my own.

IT'S SO FLUFFY I'M GONNA DIE!!!! The most fluffy, adorable puppykin of all time strikes out up a mountain with his sled. Objective? To become the goodest boy rescue dog and earn his place on the rescue team.

He is joined by a wise eagle who teaches him problem-solving strategies, how to calm himself when he starts to panic, and how to persevere through adversity.

I am impressed how this book incorporated such essential skills as teaching a child how to deep breathe when they get stressed. I'm a psychiatric nurse, and I often feel demeaning when teaching people how to deep breathe. Everyone knows how to deep breathe, right? Wrong. Many, many people don't, and I wish this was taught at a young age to small children. Now it can be! Thanks to our goodest boy and his wise eagle friend.

Adorable artwork. Adorable friends. Clever backdrop to essential life lessons. Well done, team!

I'd rate this a G.

Original review posted on 7/29/24.

[Christine B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved I Got This! so much! This adorable picture book is beautifully illustrated and written so well! We follow a rescue dog in training as he goes on his final test! While his path is hard, he perseveres with the wise guidance of a friend and by finding inner strength! This character is so positive for young readers to emanate in their lives. I loved how the dog collects feathers after each struggle to build his superpowers! The advice given is so great and inspiring! Absolutely loved this and would love to buy it in the future to read to kids! I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in trade for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.

[Ankit Saxena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book for Children to learn on building their own survival techniques. Often times we faced the problems, even as an adult, and got stuck, so how does young kids got know what to do? That's all this book is guiding on.

Charlie is a puppy who wants to become a rescue dog because he was once saved by one. Ever since, it wanted to be one of those rescue dogs and save lives. Charlie was on the track to win the certification test to get Rescue Dog title. Hazel, a little squirrel went along with Charlie on the snow track. It got all the problems but there was a guiding Eagle to let them learn the ways that will help them as an instructions to make their way clear.

Every single such instruction is actually something we ought to keep in our minds :-

👃🏻Breathe - Get relax with deep breathing and save breathes for long run.

🧠Brainstorm - Every problem has a solution, we only have to consider all the possibilities to think on.

🦾I can do it! - Make yourself always believe that you can do it and find way with brainstorming on how to do it. Always be positive about outcomes.

🗝Chunk it - Break down your problems into smaller ones to keep track and resolve easier way.

🤝🏻Ask for help - No shame or shyness in asking for help. We all are social animals and required each-other's hand to walk a better way. So, ask for help and always make yourself ready to help others too, in time of any hurdle.

😴Recharge - Do not run non-stop to chase dreams, always take rest, think on further steps and the move ahead. Both our body and mind need rest and that recharging helps us to stay strong all through out mission.

For me it is 5.0/5.0 in terms of content, inspiration, guidance and colorful illustrations too.

My NetGalley review

[Sarah * Between the Lines Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could rate this book more than 5 stars I would!

This is such a wonderful book for kids, and even adults, (yes, sometimes we need some reminders).
Teaches you not to give up and gives you steps to help you be successful!

Thank you Netgalley for the honor of reading this book first!

Set for publication in just a few short days, July 31,2024!

#

[Shayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Cook can do no wrong! I loved books like this when I was teaching elementary school SEL lessons to either kick off a unit or wrap it up. I think this one does a really great job of introducing how to be resilient and get through challenges. Cook talks about 6 “superpowers”: breathe, brainstorm solutions, positive self talk, chunk a problem into smaller problems, ask for help, and recharge. As Charlie, the cute little puppy, goes through his journey, he gets a chance to use all of the skills and they come with a cute little rhyme. Great book!

Thank you to Julia Cook & the National Center for Youth Issues for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great beautiful story to let the kids know that it’s okay to ask for help whenever they need and keep learning things.

The little pup is afraid to do things without making mistakes when it wants to become a rescue dog which helps those in need. He becomes one through asking help and keeps on trying to help those around him.

The extra tips towards the end of the book will help kids to gain confidence and become a good citizen growing up!

Thank you, National Center for Yourh Issues, for the ARC.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I loved this book so much! To start, the cover is ADORABLE!

What a cute, fun story to teach kids about dealing with adversity and how to overcome obstacles! What better way to do this than through rescue dogs. I loved the step by step nature of how to deal with problems they may have. I loved the illustrations and would definitely read this with my kids!!

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable book about resiliency and overcoming obstacles. This book is geared for children 5-12 years old.

Thank you to NetGalley and National Center for Youth Issues | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

I talked about this book in a weekly wrap-up: https://youtu.be/WYc7QRUDhUk (starts at 1:14).

[Kara Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My children struggle with their inner voice and this book, with its adorable illustrations and strong message is just what they need to hear (over and over!). I love the thought-out structure of how to not give up rather than just saying "don't give up". The words on the images (like the feathers ) were a creative way of structuring key points. This is definitely a book we will reread! Thanks for sharing!

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! What a fantastic teaching/guiding tool attached to a fun story. Children (and adults) can also benefit from the advice within, so a double win. Toss in great illustrations....my favorite was Hazel the squirrel and Charlie the wannabe rescue dog looking ever so human and dejected, sitting in the snow.... and you know children will enjoy the story. The story follows Charlie's quest to become a certified rescue dog by completing the difficult journey of climbing the tallest mountain. It's full of challenges and, even better, hints on how to overcome the obstacles her (and we) meet sometimes. I loved the eagle as the wise one, guiding Charlie along, offering suggestions but not telling Charlie specifically how to achieve his goals. I must admit, too, the illustrations are well done and realistic, even to the one of the "oops" in the slippery, deep snow.

Eagle helps Charlie and his squirrel friend Hazel reach their destination. It isn't easy and he learns how to use his "Bounce Back Superpowers" to reach the top of that mountain. Step-by-step, obstacle by obstacle, they show us that we do have the power within us to overcome obstacles by staying calm and using our heads. They're presented to Charlie in a believable way via the dialogue and illustrations. And, hey, Charlie, I've seen some real life mushers tackle getting around a downed tree to keep moving forward, so, yes, quite realistic. I definitely liked that Eagle reminded Charlie that while the journey is his, there is no reason he can't ask for help, something even we humans tend to forget at times when we're so focused on the target we lose sight of the big picture. The helpful suggestions shared with Charlie and nicely summarized at the end, too, with some suggestions on how to help children grasp what they actually mean.

Bottom line, I adored this book. Not only was the cover adorable, but the illustrations throughout managed to capture both the whimsical personalities of Charlie and Hazel but the reality of the winter scenes. You'll feel like cheering at the end, trust me. Teachers and parents, this is a book you should have. I'll be a quite valuable resource for you to bounce back, too, as you guide your child through ways to stay strong and keep their eyes on the goal, not the momentary frustrations we all feel at times when things don't go just right. Thanks so much #NetGalley and #NationalCenterForYouthIssues - #IBPA for sharing this early peek at this great resource that has the benefit of also being a great, fun story with an adorable dog and its squirrel friend. With this books help, we can all look forward to that virtual downhill sled ride at the end. Wheeee.....

[Debra Gaynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Got This!: I Have Bounce Back Superpowers
Julia Cook, Michelle Borba
Dale Crawford Illustrator
Charlie has always wanted to be a rescue dog, even as a puppy he dreamed of being a rescue dog. Not just any rescue dog but the very best Rescue Dog. There is just one problem, to be certified as a Rescue Dog he must climb to the top of the tallest mountain pulling his sled. He has tried and tried but can’t pull his sled up the mountain.
An eagle explains problem-solving strategies to Charlie. Difficulties stand in Charlie’s way. He uses the six Bounce Back Superpowers to help him overcome the challenges that stand in his way.
Children can learn the same six lessons that helped Charlie. The Bounce Back Superpowers:
1. Approach difficulties with calm resolve. Deep breathing helps relieve stress.
2. Think creatively about possible solutions. Think out of the box.
3. Break problems into manageable steps. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
4. Take a break now and then to recharge before moving forward.
With help and support from family and friends and understanding you too can overcome difficulties that stand in your way.
This is an adorable book. Charlie is so cute and sweet. This is a positive book for your kids.
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy of this book.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely adorable, meaningful, and perfect book! I'll start by talking about the illustrations. The lines and colors were soft, matching the snowy theme of the book, yet still full of life. All of the physical details on the animals (feathers, fur, etc) were done flawlessly, and really helped to immerse me into the story. Bravo, illustrator!
As for the story, it was utterly perfect! This book teaches kids a multitude of useful skills that will help them throughout life. These skills include problem-solving, brainstorming, paced breathing, and asking for help. Charlie the dog sets such a good example for young readers, and kids will definitely have an easy time applying these skills to their everyday lives. Additionally, the ending was so sweet and heartwarming, it shows readers that these skills actually do pay off. I have no doubt that kids will enjoy reading this book, and will learn so much from it.
Bravo!

[Nicole Loos Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Got This!" is a great book for counselors, social workers, and parents to start a discussion and/or review strategies for overcoming frustration and persevering through challenges. Could also be used for an SEL lesson in the classroom setting and could have students act out the story as a group after reading it. Setting the story against a sweet background of a pup trying to become a rescue dog leads a fun narrative arc to these lessons and provides examples that kids can understand. I love how the pup "collected" his perseverance skills (or "Bounce back Superpowers") as feathers throughout the story so the reader could visually account for all the strategies and work the pup put in to reach his goal. The back matter at the end provides a great touchpoint for review and for further discussion after the story has ended. Best for elementary age but could even be used with more verbal preschoolers.

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read and review this book prior to its release date (this is an ARC review)

This book was adorable! I actually read it to my three-year-old son, and he loved the illustrations and I think it gave a great message.

Before reading this book, I gave him a heads up that this book would be about problem-solving, and he was cheering on Charlie and Hazel and all their other other friends as we read this book, which I thought was adorable as he cheered ‘Stay strong! You can do it!’

The problem-solving techniques this book offers to help with helping Charlie leaning how to be a rescue dog (with Bounce Back Superpowers!) are as follows
1) Breathe
2) Brainstorm
3) I got this
4) Chunk it
5) Ask for help
6) Recharge

I am looking forward to buying a copy of this book after it is released.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

If the pretty decent narrative of this self-help-styled lesson doesn't get you, the illustrations will – they're cute and then some. The canine hero of this piece was once involved in an incident demanding a rescue dog, like a St Bernard, and so is training in becoming one himself – alongside a mute, squirrel friend. Tasked with hauling his rescue sled to the top of the mountain he finds there are no end of problems and hindrances in the way. Luckily the mountain comes with a resident eagle, who can spout rhyming advice, telling us to breathe, think outside the box, recharge, ask for help, etc. But surely the sled is never intended to reach the top?

It's a simple narrative, simplified if you like by the obvious metaphor, but the story here isn't at all bad to hang a lesson on. What the eagle has to say might not be the best verse in the world, but it's all sound stuff when it comes to making a resilient young reader, and end-matter addressed to parents and guardians will help get the message across. Oh, and did I say it's cute to look at? A strong four stars.

[Reading Adventures · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really uplifting and powerful book for families. In this heartwarming story we follow Charlie, who wants to become a certified rescue dog. However this means he has to complete a hard task, the climb to the top of the tallest mountain. Charlie is worried that he can’t do it. With the help of his friends who encourage him along the way and work to reach his goal.
This book was so encouraging. The story shares with us six Bounce Back Superpowers that can help us all overcome obstacles in our life. An absolutely adorable way to teach children that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to.
The precious illustrations really added to the feelings in the story. The cute puppy really shows his emotions on his face.
A well written story perfect for little ones. I loved the encouragement and the kids love the story. Your family will treasure it too.

[Judi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm always on the hunt for a children's book to share with others that has a powerful message. I Got This! by Julia Cook and Michele Borba is one that I will definitely buy for others to read.

Let's start with the cute illustrations. They are done well and are definitely appealing to children, especially with the wintry backdrop. I enjoyed the steps to overcome your problems, and teaching kids to breathe when they are feeling anxiety. It was told in a way that children will understand. I do think it would be a better story for 5 year olds and up. I'm not sure anyone younger would understand, although they would still enjoy the basics and the illustrations.

I gave this book five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, National Center For Youth Issues, and Cook and Borba for my free copy. This is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet story about a rescue dog in training learning to overcome challenges by breathing, asking for help, and brainstorming. My kids enjoyed this but I felt it was a little too complicated for my three year old and it didn’t hold my six year olds attention as well as other similar stories like “Hattie Harmony, Worry Detective.” I love books that help teach kids tools they can use in times of stress, but this might be better suited for slightly older kids. Based on the cover, I was expecting it to have more information about what it was like to be a rescue dog and there wasn’t much about that. That all being said, my daughter loved it and said “I liked when they helped each other. It was so much fun. I liked how they asked nicely for help. I think I can use superpowers too!”

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy to read and review!

[Kritikal Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the idea of introducing kids to matters of overcoming obstacles - through the rebranding of resilience as “Bounce Back superpowers” its such a lovely and befitting metaphor.

The illustrations and arc of the story together also pack a punch - the plot progresses, makes an educational point for the kids, moves on to the next. The dog has a backstory, too!

The book lists some problem-solving, anxiety management, and emotional management techniques, and it's always good to have such positive reinforcements early on in life — for kids to identify when to push through, when to brainstorm, when to ask for help, and when to rest. It's a brilliant children's book, probably one of my favs I've read!

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy!

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, Julia Cook, and Michele Borba for the ARC.

I Got This! is a beautiful Children's book that tells the story of Charlie, a puppy eager to earn his Rescue Dog Certification. As a Rescue Dog, Charlie will have the opportunity to help other animals through their toughest times.

It's been awhile since I've read a picture book, and I am so glad I picked this one up. The story is sweet and easy to follow. Charlie is shown working their various obstacles with the support of a friend and guidance of a mentor. There is challenge and exhaustion, but not despair.

While I'm not the target audience, I felt very encouraged reading this story. A great set of reminders for all ages. I would have loved reading this as an early reader.

[Jan]

The story appears simple enough, yet it highlights the life skills of critical thinking, psychological resilience, and developing self-worth in a context nearly everyone can relate to. All this is beautifully packaged in the delightful illustrations by Dale Crawford which are brilliantly colored, positively adorable, and fun.
Well suited for reading alone or WITH someone of any age including ESL, and perfect for gifting to everyone, but especially to a school, worship center, or your public library!
I requested and received a free temporary digital advance review copy on Adobe Digital Editions from
National Center for Youth Issues | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Amiee Guranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie wants to get his certification to become an official rescue dog, but in order to do so he must first complete his training. With his friends by his side, he learns strategies to overcome the hurdles and challenges he is faced with in order to achieve his goal.

A great book for children to gain courage, self-confidence and resilience and to encourage them to find solutions to the challenges and problems they face.

The illustrations by Dale Crawford are delightful and represent the story perfectly.

Thank you to the National Center for Youth Issues and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this picture book in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Julia Cook. Her books are SO fantastic at teaching kids about all sorts of skills that they may not ever learn without her books. They can be a bit corny but they are corny in a very enjoyable and ridiculous way that even kids (at least at the elementary level) can relate to.

The "bounce back superpowers" are so perfect for students. This is a great companion to Bubble Gum Brain and is something that every teacher could use in their classroom.

I will have to add this to the library and share the title with our counselor as well.

Thank you Net Galley and National Center for Youth Issues for the eARC!

[Sharlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.50 - Average
Direct message that lacks flair and style. Strong character motivation and character growth. Choppy dialogue, slow pacing, and unmemorable characters. Well-executed acts of resilience and adaptability. Hollow illustrations that feel static and not dynamic. Relaxing colours and shading give a calming mood. Simple plot glides along with a variety of emotions. Inspires curiosity in how rescue dogs are trained and attain the profession. Recommended for those searching for a no-nonsense story with straightforward morals.

"Now I want to be a Rescue Dog so I can save lives too!"

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with a group of pre k students and with several individual children 5-7. All loved the puppy who used his smarts and his friends to reach his goals and help others. Each child found a message that they recognized and decided they would be just like Charlie. The story and illustrations are so well done, these children not only learned from it, they wanted their own copy to share with their families. An excellent book for any child or classroom.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I Got This!' is an absolute delight. The illustrations are soft and will make kids wish that these characters were real. I adore the lesson of learning your passions through your own experiences. The strong themes of self confidence, perseverance, and problem solving are crucial and by learning these skills through adventure to attain superpowers it'll engage kids on a greater level. Such a lovely read.

[Gould Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the easy to follow steps for kids as they work to overcome problems. I thought it was presented well with great illustrations and characters. I did find that it was hard to follow who was speaking most of the time. I also wish that the steps flowed into a story better. The transitions from one step to the next sometimes felt abrupt. Overall I did like the way this information was presented in a kid-friendly way.

Thanks to NetGalley for this copy to review.

[Samantha | samanthakreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a cute and sweet read! I loved the artwork and adorable animals and the great messages (superpowers!) along the way from how to face a hard situation, thinking of different ways to solve the problem, being resilient, believing in yourself, and asking for help when needed. I think kids are going to really enjoy this one and parents will have fun reading it alongside them.

[Kami Mauldin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This is an adorable book about not giving up. The illustrations were so cute! I was thrown off by the style of narrative without stating who specifically was talking, but it was easy enough to figure out.

Hang in there, parents. We can do this job of guiding our children. We can do this!

3.5

[JudyAnnLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an adorable and uplifting read! 𝗜 𝗚𝗢𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗦 is an entertaining read that imparts a very important life lesson to young children. It teaches them to approach obstacles in their way as just that, an obstacle to be tackled and overcome. With its easy to follow dialogue and lovely illustrations it is a lovely read. A great addition to any personal or classroom library.