Teacher Testimonials

What are teachers saying?

This series is brilliant at giving children and adults the language to describe, and practice, emotional, calming, and social skills.

Adults can discuss with children the “invisible” challenges of learning and succeeding at school and in our culture. Children can discover that they can “grow” important survival skills, that these skills aren’t simply innate or absent.

It’s difficult to unpack these skills and Mary Catherine has done so brilliantly.
Liz Spittal, Educator, Alberta

This book on recess strategies for children to survive and thrive is AMAZING! Recess is perhaps for many the most challenging and daunting times of the day.

What a great resource for teachers to do a read-aloud with their children, and then discuss the strategies children can use at recess. Children could work in groups and come up with some of their own strategies in a given situation. Groups can present to the class and place the charts around the classroom. Congratulations!
Madeline Delorey, Teachor, Ontario

As an educator, I believe that these books are a valuable tool for teachers to use with students. They reflect everyday challenges that students encounter and provide strategies which can be readily implemented.

The books provide a platform for teachers to talk about social emotional well-being to help students deal with school related stressors. These books would be of value in every elementary teacher’s library.
Chris, Educator and ELL Consultant, Calgary, Alberta

What people have said
My daughter (going on 4) is younger than the intended age group but she loves the “I Series”, she calls them her “Happy Face Books”. I love that even though she may not fully understand all of the content, there is a lot that I have been able to relate back to situations where she has been playing with her cousins and with other kids at the playground. The techniques demonstrated in these books have been a great guide for me as a parent to teach my pre-schooler emotional regulation skills and prepare her for future social situations." Ainsley Painchaud Instead I ... and What if I ... and So then I ... and Why Can't I ...

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I highly recommend [Instead I...'s] use in homes as well as in schools, where these concrete skills can be effectively modeled by adults and practiced by children.
W. Dale Heide, MSW,
Clinical Social Worker, AB,

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! “Instead I...” will help children navigate the many challenges of a school day.
Madeline DeLorey,
B.A., B.Ed. Teacher, ON

[Instead I ...] really helped my son with his behaviour in school and at home. He is now in Grade 5 and is making better choices and is a better student. Thanks for the AMAZING book!
Robert Parent Entrepreneur, AB

What If I … teaches skills to calm the worried mind. These skills that are foundational to good mental health in childhood AND adulthood.  What If I … draws the reader into the day-to-day realities of children and young students.
  Van McGeein, MSW, RSW
AB

This book is exceptional in helping quiet worriers build language around their feelings and develop simple strategies to begin to find new patterns.
  Dr. Jennifer Batycky,
Principal, AB

So then I… is a book that children will identify with and that adults will find invaluable in helping kids to ‘have a great week.’ Mary-Catherine ... weaves straightforward and research-based strategies for dealing with ... challenges into the story.
Craig Harper, M.Sc.
Psychologist, AB

So then I… is a great companion to the first two books. My daughter engaged with them immediately.
I know she will love this one too! Heidi Grogan, M.A.
Writer, Instructor, AB

This beautiful little book is a much needed resource for kids and the adults in their lives. ...   Why Can’t I helps every child to understand what they’re feeling, and to take simple, practical steps toward a healthier and happier state of being.
Tam Lundy, Ph.D.,
   Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative

This series is exceptional at giving children and adults the language to describe, and practice, emotional, calming, and social skills. ... Children can discover that they can “grow” important survival skills, that these skills aren’t simply innate or absent.      Liz Spittal, B.Ed., M.Ed.- TESL, English Language Learning