BUBBLES, BALLOONS AND BIRDS
Learning To Thrive—Helping Kids To Cope With Adversity
by Mary McCluskey written and illustrated by Mary C. McCluskey , illustrated by Vicki Stevens and Fi Hailyn
A group of children travel with two famous historical psychologists to learn mindfulness practices in this children’s story and guide from McCluskey.
Dr. Alfred Adler returns to the same group of contemporary third- and fourth-grade students he time-traveled to visit in the author’s earlier book, The Leader of the Parade (2022). After learning how they’re all connected to both the cosmos and each other, the students are prepared for a new lesson from Adler’s friend, Dr. Pierre Janet. Dr. J, as the children call him, is from Paris, a fact that delights the students almost as much as his time-traveler status. While strolling, the group encounters their animal friends: Robin (a cardinal), Peace and Justice (rabbits), and Social Interest (a horse). As the children walk, they and the psychologists converse about Dr. J’s life during his childhood and the war that loomed over France. The times inspired Dr. J to become a doctor; he asks the children, “What makes you feel better when you have a big feeling like being scared?” The children, diverse in backgrounds, ethnicities, and genders, give different ideas about what to imagine and how to connect to the world around them. Space provided for writing encourages readers to take part in the conversation along with the students. Dr. J gives the students ideas about sending negative feelings—or their own good intentions for the universe—away like letters carried by hot air balloons or pigeons. The children also imagine their negative feelings floating away like bubbles. Talking while walking, the students are able to express themselves clearly, which may inspire readers to do likewise. Additional exercises within the text provide further opportunities for interaction. McCluskey defines terms within the text (especially emotions) in an approachable way. The mixed-media illustrations by three generations of illustrators seem, at first, to be an odd combination; Hailyn’s cartoon images initially seem out of place with the watercolors by Stevens and McCluskey. But the mix of styles effectively implies a child’s perspective when surrounded by a larger, more abstract world.
A conversation starter for social and emotional learning.