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by Jenise Greene (Author)
A Magical Day with Gracie is a gentle, supportive picture book that helps young children understand and manage big feelings on the first day of school. Gracie feels nervous about riding the school bus, meeting new friends, and walking into a brand-new building. Just when her tummy starts to flutter, she meets Luna, a sparkly butterfly who teaches her simple coping strategies to calm her worries.
With Luna's guidance, Gracie practices "Butterfly Breaths," positive self-talk, and other kid-friendly tools that make her feel more confident as she moves through her day. She learns that feeling nervous is normal and that she can face new situations with courage, one breath at a time. By the end of the day, Gracie discovers that she is braver than she realized and even able to help a classmate feel brave too.
Written by Licensed Professional Counselor Jenise Greene, this story introduces mindfulness, emotional regulation, and confidence-building skills in a way that is easy for children ages 4 - 7 to understand and use. The book is ideal for easing first-day-of-school anxiety, teaching calming strategies at home or in the classroom, and supporting social emotional learning (SEL) in school counseling, therapy, or early childhood settings.
Featuring soft watercolor illustrations and a comforting message, A Magical Day with Gracie encourages children to breathe deeply, think happy thoughts, and remember that they are capable of handling new experiences. This book is a helpful resource for parents, teachers, and counselors who want to give children practical tools for managing worries and building emotional resilience.
