Additional information
by Tiffany James (Author), Suzanne Pell (Illustrator)
JJ's Journey: Are You OK?
What happens when the funny one isn't feeling funny anymore?
John Jr. (JJ) is known for making people laugh. He's the class clown, the joke teller, the kid who always has a silly answer ready. At home, he loves teasing his little sister Olivia and asking his favorite question:
"Are you OK?"
But one morning, everything feels different.
JJ doesn't want to get out of bed. He isn't sick. He doesn't have a fever. He doesn't know exactly what's wrong. He just doesn't feel like himself.
When Olivia notices that her usually cheerful big brother is unusually quiet, she asks him the same question he has asked her so many times before:
"Are you OK?"
Through the love of family, the support of caring adults, and the persistence of a little sister who refuses to stop checking on him, JJ begins to understand something important: it's okay not to feel okay.
JJ's Journey: Are You OK? is a heartfelt and beautifully illustrated children's book that gently explores emotions, mental wellness, grief, self-awareness, resilience, and the importance of talking about feelings. Written in a warm and age-appropriate way, the story helps children recognize emotional changes, understand that difficult feelings are a normal part of life, and learn that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Filled with humor, compassion, and meaningful life lessons, this story encourages important conversations between children, parents, grandparents, teachers, counselors, caregivers, and anyone who wants to help young readers better understand their emotions.
Young readers will discover:
- How to recognize when something doesn't feel right
- That feelings don't always need a clear explanation
- Why talking about emotions is important
- That being strong doesn't mean hiding how you feel
- How family, friends, and trusted adults can help during difficult moments
- That everyone has hard days sometimes-even the funny ones
This special hardcover edition also includes:
- Bonus coloring pages featuring JJ and Olivia
- A fun maze activity
- A reflection page where children can write about their own feelings
- A "Where To Get Help" resource section with family-friendly support information
- Additional reader and author content designed to encourage discussion and emotional growth
Inspired by real-life family experiences and written to promote empathy, kindness, and emotional well-being, JJ's Journey: Are You OK? reminds children that they are never alone and that healing often begins with a simple question.
Are you OK?
Perfect for children ages 4-8, families, classrooms, libraries, counselors, therapists, churches, and social-emotional learning programs.
