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by Rachel Nee Hall (Author), Willow Amelia (Illustrator)
A powerful, trauma-informed story of resilience that gives children the tools to "thaw" the sting of big changes, displacement, and family separation.
When Miguel the Penguin and his little sister, Maria, are forced to flee their home at the "bottom of the world," they carry more than just their luggage. They carry a heavy weight of confusion and fear. After a "scary ice serpent" takes their papa away, Miguel feels a cold, sharp pain in his heart-a feeling he calls frostbite.
Through the wisdom of new friends like Sanchia the Snow Owl, Polar Bear Paulo, and Pasco the Puffin, Miguel learns that while we cannot always control the "serpents" in our world, we can control how we take care of our hearts.
Why Educators and Clinicians Need This Book:FROSTBITE is more than a story; it is a practical toolkit for children ages 5-8 navigating the "sting" of trauma. Drawing on real-world parallels-such as the widely reported headlines of family separations in Minnesota-this book provides a safe, allegorical space for children to process complex emotions.
Inside, readers will discover proven somatic grounding techniques, including:
- The Butterfly Hug: A rhythmic tapping exercise to help the brain process stress and find safety.
- The Balloon Breath: A simple breathing tool to manage panic and calm a racing heart.
- Healthy Emotional Release: Encouragement to share "stuck" feelings through talking or safe physical outlets.
Complete with comprehensive notes for adults, this book offers parents, teachers, and counselors the exact language needed to discuss forced migration and systemic unkindness with sensitivity and hope.
"FROSTBITE" is an essential resource for fostering empathy in the classroom and providing a lifeline to children who need to know they are safe, loved, and not alone.
