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Nova's Missing Masterpiece
Nova’s Missing Masterpiece uses a girl’s bond with her dog to address the themes of anger, self-regulation, problem solving, resilience and persistence .
When Nova realizes the artwork that she created for her dad’s birthday present is missing her tummy flip flops and her heart ker-thumps. She and her dog, Harley turn the house upside down but the missing masterpiece is nowhere to be found. Inevitably, Nova loses her temper. But Harley remains calm. Together, they continue searching for the missing masterpiece and eventually Nova starts to pay attention to Harley and his calming strategies. Just when it seems the artwork will never be found Nova tries one last strategy, which leads her directly to her missing masterpiece!
Learning to self-regulate, persist, problem solve, and be resilient are essential skills that need to be taught and modelled to children to support their social and emotional growth. Nova’s Missing Masterpiece gives children useful coping strategies to deal with anger and frustration, making the book an invaluable tool for parents, educators, health professionals and counsellors.
With vibrant, well-observed illustrations, this is the perfect story to show children how anger and frustration affect their brains and bodies, and how simple techniques can help them self-regulate and reset.
When Nova realizes the artwork that she created for her dad’s birthday present is missing her tummy flip flops and her heart ker-thumps. She and her dog, Harley turn the house upside down but the missing masterpiece is nowhere to be found. Inevitably, Nova loses her temper. But Harley remains calm. Together, they continue searching for the missing masterpiece and eventually Nova starts to pay attention to Harley and his calming strategies. Just when it seems the artwork will never be found Nova tries one last strategy, which leads her directly to her missing masterpiece!
Learning to self-regulate, persist, problem solve, and be resilient are essential skills that need to be taught and modelled to children to support their social and emotional growth. Nova’s Missing Masterpiece gives children useful coping strategies to deal with anger and frustration, making the book an invaluable tool for parents, educators, health professionals and counsellors.
With vibrant, well-observed illustrations, this is the perfect story to show children how anger and frustration affect their brains and bodies, and how simple techniques can help them self-regulate and reset.
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 25, 2024
One of the beautiful things about being a children's author is getting a sneaky peak at stories before they hit the bookstores. Brooke is one of my critique partners and I had the good fortune to see early versions of this story before it became the polished gem it is today. Brooke is a teacher and is passionate about supporting kids to achieve good mental health. This book provides clear tips on how to regulate emotions without being preachy. Nova is upset that the wonderful painting she made for her dad's birthday has gone missing on the day of his party. As Nova hunts she becomes more and more frustrated - surely an experience all of us can relate to. But with her helpful hound Harley by her side, she takes time to control her breathing, have a drink of water and listen to some soothing music. This book will be a great tool for children in the lower to middle primary years where emotional rollercoasters are everyday occurrence. It's bound to be particularly helpful for families with neurodiverse children. Highly recommended.
February 26, 2024
It's Dad's birthday - but there is a problem!
Nova has been working hard on a portrait picture for her Dad. She has spent hours and hours on it, and she knows it's her best artwork yet. The party decorations are going up, and time is ticking down to party time. But where is Nova's Missing Masterpiece!
Nova begins to search, at first believing she will locate it quickly. After searching her bedroom, Nova can't find it. After searching the lounge, the bathroom and the laundry, she still can't find it. Her belief morphs into rage.
"Where is it?' she roared.
Mum isn't stressed, assuring Nova it will turn up. Harley the dog doesn't seem fazed either. In fact he is lying calmly at Nova's feet. Nova takes his quiet advice and takes some deep belly breaths. They begin their search again...
Here, there, everywhere and still no masterpiece. Nova begins to despair, until Harley gives her another idea to help her think.
Again, they begin to search, this time outside. Will they ever find her father's gift? Rage turns to grief and Harley is close by with a snuggle on the couch. Suddenly, Nova's eyes widen and her hope soars. She's found her masterpiece... and just in the nick of time.
This brightly illustrated hardback picture book is a story of a lost item, a guide on dealing with anxious feelings, and a search and find activity all in one!
I particularly loved the full spread illustrations depicting Nova's frantic search around her home, as she looks for her missing artwork. Toys tumble, books fly, puzzles tip and rugs slide out of cupboards. I also loved the side panels clearly portraying Nova's changing emotions throughout her search.
Dogs teach us humans many things, and in Nova's missing Masterpiece, her pet remains calm, confident and supportive throughout. This reminds Nova of possible coping mechanisms when stressed. A wonderful lesson indeed.
Author - Brooke Graham
Illustrator - Robin Tatlow-Lord
Picture Book
Nova has been working hard on a portrait picture for her Dad. She has spent hours and hours on it, and she knows it's her best artwork yet. The party decorations are going up, and time is ticking down to party time. But where is Nova's Missing Masterpiece!
Nova begins to search, at first believing she will locate it quickly. After searching her bedroom, Nova can't find it. After searching the lounge, the bathroom and the laundry, she still can't find it. Her belief morphs into rage.
"Where is it?' she roared.
Mum isn't stressed, assuring Nova it will turn up. Harley the dog doesn't seem fazed either. In fact he is lying calmly at Nova's feet. Nova takes his quiet advice and takes some deep belly breaths. They begin their search again...
Here, there, everywhere and still no masterpiece. Nova begins to despair, until Harley gives her another idea to help her think.
Again, they begin to search, this time outside. Will they ever find her father's gift? Rage turns to grief and Harley is close by with a snuggle on the couch. Suddenly, Nova's eyes widen and her hope soars. She's found her masterpiece... and just in the nick of time.
This brightly illustrated hardback picture book is a story of a lost item, a guide on dealing with anxious feelings, and a search and find activity all in one!
I particularly loved the full spread illustrations depicting Nova's frantic search around her home, as she looks for her missing artwork. Toys tumble, books fly, puzzles tip and rugs slide out of cupboards. I also loved the side panels clearly portraying Nova's changing emotions throughout her search.
Dogs teach us humans many things, and in Nova's missing Masterpiece, her pet remains calm, confident and supportive throughout. This reminds Nova of possible coping mechanisms when stressed. A wonderful lesson indeed.
Author - Brooke Graham
Illustrator - Robin Tatlow-Lord
Picture Book
March 17, 2024
Wow, the warm, bold cover and vibrant internal illustrations in this glorious picture book sure are a masterpiece of colour and life! The text is imbibed with alliterative phrases and scintillating words that will delight young readers and stretch their vocabulary.
Nova can’t find her masterpiece – the special drawing she has created for Dad’s birthday. As she upends the house looking for it, Nova’s emotions flare, threatening to overcome her. But Nova’s loyal dog, Harley, is there to show her the way to stay calm so she can continue searching for her missing masterpiece.
Sometimes life, your house, and your head get messy but with the calming strategies in this book, everything will turn out in the end. Take-home lessons woven into this lovely narrative include self-regulation and resilience.
Nova can’t find her masterpiece – the special drawing she has created for Dad’s birthday. As she upends the house looking for it, Nova’s emotions flare, threatening to overcome her. But Nova’s loyal dog, Harley, is there to show her the way to stay calm so she can continue searching for her missing masterpiece.
Sometimes life, your house, and your head get messy but with the calming strategies in this book, everything will turn out in the end. Take-home lessons woven into this lovely narrative include self-regulation and resilience.
November 21, 2024
Brooke Graham is fantastic at writing heartfelt, relatable stories for little ones. This is the second book by Brooke Graham and Robin Tatlow-Lord. We also have Go Away Worry Monster! on our bookshelf, which had been a long-time favourite.
Nova's Missing Masterpiece captures the big emotions associated with losing something precious and is full of practical, calming strategies. So, basically a must-have book for all parents! The beautiful text is brought to life by gorgeous, bold illustrations.
Nova's Missing Masterpiece captures the big emotions associated with losing something precious and is full of practical, calming strategies. So, basically a must-have book for all parents! The beautiful text is brought to life by gorgeous, bold illustrations.
January 8, 2025
Useful techniques for kids to apply in times of aggravated anxiety. Interesting eye catching artwork.
November 22, 2024
Nova can't find the artwork she has made for her dad's birthday present. In this highly relatable scenario - of feeling frustrated after losing something - for adults and children alike, Nova's emotions start to rise as she scrambles around the house looking for her masterpiece.
The emotive art and colour palette of vibrant ruby red perfectly captures Nova's feelings which escalate to rage, as she returns empty-handed from her search. But Nova starts to notice how calm and collected her dog Harley is and lets Harley's behaviour guide her - such as taking deep breaths and sipping some cool water - so she can resume her search even though she is still frustrated.
This is a clever story that introduces techniques children can easily learn to self-regulate big emotions. Little readers of 'Nova's Missing Masterpiece' are sure remember these techniques because they are part of an engaging story.
The emotive art and colour palette of vibrant ruby red perfectly captures Nova's feelings which escalate to rage, as she returns empty-handed from her search. But Nova starts to notice how calm and collected her dog Harley is and lets Harley's behaviour guide her - such as taking deep breaths and sipping some cool water - so she can resume her search even though she is still frustrated.
This is a clever story that introduces techniques children can easily learn to self-regulate big emotions. Little readers of 'Nova's Missing Masterpiece' are sure remember these techniques because they are part of an engaging story.
November 5, 2024
Nova’s Missing Masterpiece is the new collaboration between the CBCA award winning Brooke Graham & illustrator Robin Tatlow Lord.
SEL focused like The Worry Monster— but instead of purple for anxiety this one is red for anger! Nova has made a magnificent masterpiece to give her Dad as a birthday present but now she can’t find it. And it’s nearly time for his party!
This assured text allows the young reader to feel in safe hands, even as the vibrant, expressive illustrations, drawn on a background of fiery red, draw us right into Nova’s emotional rollercoaster. Nova goes from increasing frustration to anger and panic as she looks everywhere for her missing masterpiece that is nowhere to be found. Luckily Nova has her faithful staffy, Harley by her side throughout. Not just a source of comfort and support that all pets give us, Harley also provides a model of calm. By watching him, Nova learns effective strategies to self-regulate and help smooth out her bumpy emotional ride.
Nova’s Missing Masterpiece will be a great resource for parents, teachers and TLs and will help young readers learn to manage big emotions like frustration and anger, as well as problem solving under pressure.
SEL focused like The Worry Monster— but instead of purple for anxiety this one is red for anger! Nova has made a magnificent masterpiece to give her Dad as a birthday present but now she can’t find it. And it’s nearly time for his party!
This assured text allows the young reader to feel in safe hands, even as the vibrant, expressive illustrations, drawn on a background of fiery red, draw us right into Nova’s emotional rollercoaster. Nova goes from increasing frustration to anger and panic as she looks everywhere for her missing masterpiece that is nowhere to be found. Luckily Nova has her faithful staffy, Harley by her side throughout. Not just a source of comfort and support that all pets give us, Harley also provides a model of calm. By watching him, Nova learns effective strategies to self-regulate and help smooth out her bumpy emotional ride.
Nova’s Missing Masterpiece will be a great resource for parents, teachers and TLs and will help young readers learn to manage big emotions like frustration and anger, as well as problem solving under pressure.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews