Just Feel: How to Be Stronger, Happier, Healthier, and More

by Mallika Chopra, Brenna Vaughan (Illustrator)

Overview

From the author of Just Breathe, Mallika Chopra, daughter of Deepak Chopra, comes a full-color guide empowering kids ages 8-12 to problem solve, harness inner strength, and gain grit and emotional awareness.

Featuring full-color illustrations, Just Feel is an engaging and easy-to-read guide that introduces kids to the building blocks of resilience and grit. The U.S. and other nations are quickly becoming aware of the importance of children's ability to be independent and meet challenges head on; parents are eager for resources that help kids learn how to navigate life on their own. Just Feel is one of the very few books on social and emotional health that speaks directly to kids. Designed specifically with kids ages 8-12 in mind, the book clearly addresses important topics such as flexibility, responsibility, communication, creativity, and self-knowledge. Written by the respected writer and wellness expert Mallika Chopra, Just Feel will effectively teach kids how they can balance their emotions and make positive choices for themselves.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780762494743
Publisher:	Running Press Book Publishers
Publication date:	10/22/2019
Series:	Just Be Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	384,164
Product dimensions:	10.00(w) x 7.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	8 - 12 Years

About the Author

Mallika Chopra is a mom, media entrepreneur, public speaker and published author. She is the author of Just Breathe: Meditation, Mindfulness, Movement and Moreand Just Feel: How to be Stronger, Healthier, Happier and More, accessible, fun, how-to books filled with full-color illustrations written for 8-12 year olds. In Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy, Mallika shares insights she gained while seeking meaning and balance as a mom and entrepreneur who felt she was overwhelmed by work, family and too many responsibilities. Mallika has taught meditation to thousands of people, and enjoys speaking to audiences around the world about intention, balance and living a life of purpose.

Brenna Vaughan's work is a blend of digital and traditional media that combines watercolor, ink, and acrylic with digital techniques. She has a BFA in illustration from Memphis College of Art and lives in the St. Louis, Missouri, area.

Editorial Reviews

11/04/2019

In a follow-up to Just Breathe, Chopra, a wellness expert and daughter of author Deepak Chopra, writes an intuitive guide for young readers in search of empowerment as well as greater self-knowledge and self-efficacy. The main idea—“If you know how you feel, you can make smart choices and act to create the life you want”—is organized into three sections of reflections and exercises: “Know” (one’s interior and exterior world), “Choose” (one’s outlook, goals, communication, etc.), and “Act” (the expression of the former two). Each exercise comes with a suggested time frame and location. Chopra calls upon the reader to be deliberate and mindful, addressing her young audience respectfully, without condescension. While this resource is aimed at preadolescents, its advice is timeless; caregivers will find much application for themselves. Attractive half-page spreads and spot illustrations break up the text, making for an easily digestible visual experience. Vaughan’s digital illustrations mostly depict flat yet appealing portraits of young people of various skin tones engaging in meditative activities, such as reading and making music. A useful self-care resource that offers various strategies and balms for coping with existential growing pains. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

"[W]ith such a wealth of material from which to pick and choose, this resource stands out in offering something for everybody. An empowering guide to finding more satisfaction and calm in life."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Chopra calls upon the reader to be deliberate and mindful, addressing her young audience respectfully, without condescension. While this resource is aimed at preadolescents, its advice is timeless; caregivers will find much application for themselves.... A useful self-care resource that offers various strategies and balms for coping with existential growing pains."—Publishers Weekly

"This is an excellent tool for tweens to turn to when discussing their feelings with parents or counselors, as well as a resource to use on a day-by-day basis. This engaging guide empowers readers to connect with their emotions and make positive choices." —School Library Journal

"Mallika Chopra has become a trusted voice as an author and public speaker. She and Vaughan make an excellent team. Their two joint offerings so far, Just Breathe and Just Feel, provide a stable basis for children to face into a challenging world with plenty of creativity, flexibility, caring, and self-understanding."

—Spiritualityand Practice

From the Publisher

10/18/2019

Gr 4–8-This companion to the author's Just Breathe encourages young readers to become more comfortable and aware of their feelings. Divided into three sections—"Know," "Choose," and "Take Action"—this accessible book offers short, informational passages and quick exercises with step-by-step instructions. Exercises encourage thoughtful reflection about body awareness, managing uncomfortable emotions, self-esteem, personal identity, and personal responsibility. In addition to meditation and breathing exercises, Chopra recommends writing in a journal, carrying out acts of kindness, making a weekly planner, and creating art. Full-page illustrations break up the text. Chopra urges young readers to reach out to adults when feeling physically or emotionally unsafe and emphasizes that situations are often out of one's control. This is an excellent tool for tweens to turn to when discussing their feelings with parents or counselors, as well as a resource to use on a day-by-day basis. VERDICT This engaging guide empowers readers to connect with their emotions and make positive choices.-Kathryn Justus, Renbrook School, West Hartford, CT

School Library Journal

★ 2019-08-26
Adolescence may not come with a user's manual, but this resource offers information and practices that can help readers feel in control of their emotions, behaviors, and decisions.

In a friendly, encouraging tone, Chopra guides readers on a journey of self-discovery. The text is divided into three sections: "Know," "Choose," and "Take Action." Within, readers will learn about their emotions and their impact on thoughts and behaviors, and they'll find dozens of practices with which they can experiment to deepen their self-knowledge. The presentation of this material is notable in its approachability and its respect for its intended audience. The informational sections are brief, practices require no special materials, and consistent guidance is offered on when and how to reach out to trusted adults for help. Breaking up the text are line drawings that clearly express diversity through hair styles and facial features. Undoubtedly, some lessons will resonate with readers more than others. Some may balk, for example, at the emphasis placed on personal responsibility or at a practice that guides readers through the colors of unseen energetic centers in the body. However, with such a wealth of material from which to pick and choose, this resource stands out in offering something for everybody.

An empowering guide to finding more satisfaction and calm in life. (Nonfiction. 10-14)

Kirkus Reviews