1-2-3 a Calmer Me

by Colleen A. Patterson, Brenda S. Miles, Claire Keay (Illustrator)

Introduces readers to a simple rhyming mantra to help children slow down their immediate reactions and replace them with responses that are more comforting. Based on the psychological principles of relaxation and mindfulness, the mantra can be used anywhere, anytime. Includes a "Note to Parents, Teachers, and Other Grown-Ups" with more information about the steps of the "1-2-3-" rhyme and advice for working on them together with a child.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Emotion, Mental Health, School

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2015

Reviews

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot of this book is really just a vehicle for conveying the core mantra, but it's hard to fault the author for that given how effective it is. I read this book to scores of kindergarten kids who were absolutely spellbound by it and quickly caught on to the self-soothing routine. (Say to yourself: "1, 2, 3, a calmer me. 1, 2, 3, I hug me. 1, 2, 3, relax and breathe. 1, 2, 3, a calmer me.") My students like having the independence to be able to calm themselves down without adult intervention and I have seen many of them doing the routine by themselves unprompted and reminding their friends of it as well. A lot of my students have trouble managing their emotions and this book is empowering for them. In fact, I think many adults would benefit from reading it and taking it to heart as well!

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick coping mechanism is suggested in order to reset when they feel out of control.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very useful book for teaching a calming technique that is actually accessible to kids and has examples of times they get upset that are widely applicable. It has really helped my 5yo and it even helps me! It’s repetitive which helps teach it more. It’s published by the APA and has a section in the back that goes into more detail how the mantra works. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Jes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short, but useful book to talk about emotions and how we can calm ourselves down. Having quite the temper myself, I appreciated the simple and relatable text to focus kids on something more productive. The resources in the back of the book are good beginner's explanations of ways the chant and movements help calm a child.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conor really loved reading this book. I try to do the rhyme with him now when he's getting frustrated and mad.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book for kids up to about age 8.

[Roark Chadwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick reminder that if you are not in a good mood to calm yourself down.

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

SUCH a need for this type of book!

[Patricia Tilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A girl becomes angry when she lets go of her balloon. Her friend tells her it’s okay to feel mad, but there is something she can do to feel better. He shares with her a rhyme he uses to calm his body and mind. “1-2-3 a calmer me. 1-2-3 I hug me. 1-2-3 relax and b-r-e-a-t-h-e…1-2-3 a calmer me.”

I was delighted to discover Colleen A. Patterson and Brenda S. Miles’ book which helps children with relaxation and mindfulness when their emotions spin out of control. We need more books like this to use at home and at school to help upset kids regain control so that they don’t act out in a harmful way. Claire Keay’s illustrations are rendered in warm and comforting pastels and capture the emotion of the story. The book includes a “Note to Parents, Teachers and Other Grown-Ups” with more information about the steps of the “1-2-3” rhyme, and advice for working through the steps with your child.

[Abby Peskin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I wish this book had a few other coping strategies for dealing with uncomfortable emotions, it is very simple, and so child friendly as a technique for teaching breathing and relaxation to children. Rhymes like this are sometimes easier for children to remember.

[Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book to help kids deal with feeling overwhelmed by emotions. 1-2-3 a Calmer Me provides kids with the tools to slow down and repeat a mantra that will help them feel better and have control over their emotions.

[molliekay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to help young kids regulate their emotions. I'll probably be using it in storytime, since we've had a few instances of needing to calm down and regroup.