Additional information
by Ginger Healy (Author), Maine Diaz (Illustrator)
A picture book about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
When your knees feel wobbly...
When your heart feels lonely...
When your tummy feels scared...
This gentle, heartfelt story gives children and adults a shared language to talk about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
Dash, a sea otter pup, has learned to calm the worry in his belly by wrapping himself in kelp and playing with his favorite smooth, round stone. Then he meets Sammy, a boy who feels lost and alone after finding out some big news. When their worlds collide, Dash and Sammy share a moment that reveals a compelling truth: even when life feels uncertain and scary, holding onto someone - whether it's a hand...or a paw - can make you stronger together.
In the tradition of books like The Rabbit Listened and The Invisible String, comes a tender celebration of relationship, community, and the courage to reach out when navigating big emotions.
Why parents and educators love this book:
- An essential social skills development tool - This book provides a gentle, age-appropriate way to discuss anxiety and big feelings with children.
- Introduces concrete coping skills - The actions Dash uses (snuggling, playing with a stone) are simple, practical tools kids can use themselves to feel grounded and secure.
- A beautiful message about community - This story highlights the importance of reaching out for help and the strength found in connecting with others.
- Perfect for moments of transition - The story is an ideal resource for children dealing with new experiences, such as moving, starting a new school, or navigating family changes.
Author Biography
Ginger Healy, LCSW, is a dedicated advocate for children and families with over 25 years of experience in trauma and attachment. She began her career as a child abuse investigator and hospital social worker before becoming a school therapist, where she witnessed firsthand the impact of developmental trauma. For 15 years, Ginger served as a social service supervisor at an international adoption agency, further deepening her expertise in attachment and the complex needs of children.
As Director of Programs at the Attachment & Trauma Network (ATN), she co-hosts the Regulated and Relational podcast with Julie Beem, focusing on trauma-sensitive education and therapeutic parenting. Ginger is a nationally recognized speaker and trainer, traveling across the country to equip educators, caregivers, and professionals with tools to build resilience through brain-based, nervous system-informed, and ACEs-aware practices. Her work emphasizes supporting emotional regulation through co-regulation, honoring neurodivergence, prioritizing educator well-being, and creating healing-centered homes, classrooms, and communities.
Ginger is also the author of 15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation and accompanying workbook, along with two titles in the 30-Minute Groups series - Managing Big Emotions and Navigating Family Dynamics. Her books offer practical, compassionate resources for caregivers and professionals. A mother of four, her personal journey with developmental trauma and neurodivergence brings deep empathy to her work. She is committed to fostering safe and connected environments that heal all things human.
Maine Diaz was born in La Plata, Argentina, and grew up drawing and painting. At the age of sixteen, she started animating, working on films like Patoruzito and El Arca (Patagonik Film Group, Argentina). Simultaneously, she enrolled in audiovisual communication at Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP). Soon after, she started illustrating for children's books. Currently, Maine lives in a tiny green house, where she spends time with her two cats, Chula and Lola.
