Benny Gator

by Chrissie Kahan, Blueberry Illustrations (Illustrator)

Benny Gator is a story about a loving, black lab who suffers from anxiety. When he feels anxious, he opens his mouth like an alligator. Together, he and his family learn ways to help him cope with his anxiety. It is intended to be a great resource and discussion starter for kids to learn about anxiety, manage anxiety, as well as for families to learn how they can help.

32 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2017

Reviews

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Benny Gator to be a really cute story for children, while at the same time, it addresses the nervousness and anxiety that many children have. As the story shows Benny has not always had a fun and easy life and he has memories that cause him anxiety. His new family has noticed that he has behaviors that show this anxiety. He bares his teeth and they ask him to put his choppers away.

This family has been very helpful to Benny in the story, by providing counseling for him and teaching him tips for dealing with his bad memories and the anxiety that follows. Chrissie Kahan, the author, provides proven methods for dealing with anxiety and other anxious behaviors and conditions for children as well as this pup. The language is appropriate and there is a helpful glossary in the back for those trickier words. It is a really well researched and written book. This is a book that my granddaughter read and enjoyed and even paid attention to the exercises that can help a child when anxious. I am very glad I picked this up and I will make it available to her on those days when anxiety rears its head here in her life.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benny Gator was written as a tool to read to a child then discuss their fears or anxieties. Plus it gives tips, through the story of the dog, Benny, on how to deal with anxieties. I think this book was meant as a beginning tool to address the stresses a child may face, not the soul answer.
Chrissie Kahan has been an educator for thirteen years. She is familiar with children and understands that when a child is reacting poorly it could be caused by an underlying fear. Because of the lack of material available, she decided to write her own book as a solution.
The information in this book is worth using. I liked the acronym for STOP. But I did disagree with adding the sentence “The trusty Internet”. Children need to know discretion is needed when using the Internet.

[Chanda Shae Curry · Rating 5 out of 5]

STOP

I needed this book, just as much as Benny does!! Anxiety in anyone, animal or human ,especially children, is a very hard topic to discuss. She hit it on the head, taking a dog, whom kids love and putting their thoughts and feelings into words and photographs they could understand. So,next time you feel anxious, be like Benny, and remember to S.T.O.P.

[Denise Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Benny Gator written by Chrissie Kahan is a cute children’s book about a black lab named Benny. Benny suffers from anxiety. He opens his mouth wide when he is anxious and thus his nickname of Benny Gator was born. This cute story has some wonderful information for children and adults alike on what anxiety is and some different ways to help those who suffer from it. I love this story and am so happy that the author wrote this book. There are so many children (and adults, like me) who suffer from anxiety and this book does a wonderful job at explaining it and making it seem not so bad. This is a wonderful book to share with children who do have anxiety and I’m sure Benny will be their new favourite hero. The book is well written and the illustrations really add to the story. The author did a wonderful job with explaining ways to help those suffering with the acronym “STOP”. I highly recommend this to those who suffer from anxiety or those who may know a child who does, read this with them, I’m sure it will make a difference!

[LyndaVee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always on the look out for useful P.S.H.E books for young children and this is sweet little book which aims to help children combat anxiety through the story of an anxious black Labrador. Every time Benny gets scared he can’t help opening his mouth and showing his teeth in a huge yawn. After going to a pet therapist Benny learns to manage his anxiety with the useful acronym STOP:
S cared - What is happening in your body?
T houghts - Think about your thoughts. How are they making you feel?
O ther - helpful thoughts? Think about something happier – a favourite place, a happy memory, a good T.V.show etc.
P raise – yourself. Say something good about yourself. You are amazing.