Quieting Hazel’s Heart

THUMP-THUMP! THUMP-THUMP! There it is again! Hazel feels a “THUMP-THUMP” in her chest every time she starts to think about being away from her mom and starting preschool. Can she calm her scared feelings? Will she have fun at school? Quieting Hazel’s Heart, by Kirsten Henry, is a picture book about children learning to separate from their parents. Hazel experiences what many children do when they leave their parents for the first time, fear and nervous feelings. With the help of her teacher and a little creativity, Hazel slows her pounding heart and adjusts to going to school on her own. This uplifting and sweet story is a great read for children ages 3-6 who are working through separation anxiety and starting something new.Why readers will love Quieting Hazel’s Heart:Children will be able to relate to the feeling of not wanting to leave their parent/caregiver and the physical feeling of their hearts pounding.Children will learn about self-regulation and learn ways to calm themselves in stressful situations.Families will understand the feeling of being worried for their child.Educators will use it to help children adjust to being in their classroom.It gives everyone an opportunity for discussion.