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The Children’s Book Review
Brody the Lion: Sometimes I Roar
Written by Dr. Kristin Wegner
Illustrated by Alexandra Garcia
Age Range: 3-6
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Autism and Behavior Center (April 27, 2020)
ISBN-13: 978-1734655414
What to expect: Emotions, Behavior, Coping Strategies, Autism, and Rhyme
Dr. Kristin Wegner, also known as Dr. Roo, is the Clinical Psychologist at the Autism and Behavior Center in Altoona, Wisconsin. She has worked with young children with special needs for over 30 years and has expertly used this experience to inform her new book, Brody the Lion: Sometimes I Roar. This picture book teaches behavioral regulation for children and families in need of coping strategies in an inviting and enjoyable manner. While particularly beneficial for children with Autism, any child with big feelings will benefit from this relatable and helpful story.
Brody is turning three and he is very excited about his upcoming birthday party. However, when Bear, Snake, Hippo, and Monkey do not arrive right at 9 AM, Brody has big feelings and lets out a giant roar. Throughout the celebration, Brody will need to learn to tolerate a series of unexpected events, such as opening birthday presents and coping with the overwhelming sound of everyone singing the Happy Birthday song. His Mama and Dad remind him to take deep breaths. With consistent advice and repetition of a breathing reprise, Brody discovers that he knows what to do when he feels the need to roar.
“Mama said Brody you know what to do; take a deep breath and count to 2.
Brody took a deep breath and blew a big blow, he said, okay Mom, I’m ready to go.”
The author’s expertise has allowed her to create an effortless story that will provide both enjoyment and emotional support for many. The rhyming text bops along fluently, allowing young readers to readily catch on to the repetitive breathing refrain that is sure to become a useful tool for many. The picture book includes insightful and valuable parent and therapy pages, including a guide on how to read the book to children with varying listening and speaking abilities. This information is presented in a factual and digestible format, including bullet points that present tips on identifying pictures, asking questions, and involving the reader in turning the pages.
Brody the Lion: Sometimes I Roar is a helpful resource that will engage young readers, while also feeling like a bright guiding light for those families that might need some new coping strategies. Recommended.
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About the Author
Kristin Wegner holds a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Dr. Wegner has worked with young children with special needs for over 30 years. Dr. Wegner worked as a Birth-to-Three Teacher, a Special Education Teacher, and a Senior Therapist providing one-to-one ABA. Dr. Wegner is the Clinical Psychologist at the Autism and Behavior Center in Western Wisconsin. In 1995 and 1999, Kristin was the head coach for Team USA-Wisconsin Special Olympics Aquatics Team. Dr. Wegner’s passion is to provide the highest level of therapy for as many kiddos as possible. She wrote the Brody the Lion Series to try and help even more children and families.
For more information, visit Brody’s website: https://www.brodythelion.com/.
About the Illustrator
Alexandra “Alex” Garcia is an Illustrator located in the Greater Milwaukee Area. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD). She also holds an undergraduate degree in Interactive Media Design with an emphasis in Animation. Alex has been drawing ever since she was young and her favorite things to draw are characters, animals, and big emotions! She is so honored to be able to join the team to bring Brody to life!
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