Additional information
by Janet A. Courtney (Author)
The Magic Rainbow Hug is a heartfelt story designed to help children overcome fear and anxiety and learn methods of calming and relaxation. The story is about Sophie and Jesse, two young, curious siblings who, along with their lovable puppy, discover the joyful magic of a calming Rainbow Hug. This book provides an optional activity element where parts of the uplifting story can also be told by drawing it on a child's back. Each page gives simple instructions on how to do the activity motions that follow along with the storyline. It is an innovative form of storytelling that will inspire, entertain and enlighten children of all ages. Positive suggestions are interspersed throughout the book to help children learn methods of relaxation and how to draw upon their inner strengths and abilities. The vibrant illustrations were drawn by two talented siblings, Grace, age 8, and Benjamin, age 10, who were inspired by hearing the creative story, and also by feeling it sketched on thier backs.
Author Biography
Janet A. Courtney, PhD., LCSW is Founder of FirstPlay(TM) Therapy and is a Registered Play Therapy Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy. She is Director of Developmental Play & Attachment Therapies in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida specializing in expressive therapies with children and families. The Magic Rainbow Hug was inspired by her years of clinical experience and research into early parent-child attachment and bonding. Her TEDx Talk, The Curative Touch of a Magic Rainbow Hug, elaborates about her unique interactive and multi-sensory approach of Kinesthetic Storytelling(R). She is the author of, Touching Autism through Developmental Play Therapy in the book, "Play-based Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders," and her research is published in the American Journal of Art Therapy and the International Journal of Play Therapy. Dr. Courtney believes that children's lives are profoundly enriched through contact with nature; respectful and caring touch; and the power of story. Dr. Courtney is an internationally recognized workshop trainer and has presented in the Cayman Islands, England, Ireland, Morocco, Russia and the Ukraine.
