Can I play with you?
Building resilience - social skills, strategies for developing quality relationships
| Author | Eva Brlek, Julija Kukec |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Ljiljana Kuruca |
| Original Title | Mogu li se igrati s vama? |
| ISBN | 978-953-385-027-6 |
| Format | cardboard |
| Pages | 20 |
| Size | 21x21 cm |
| Age range | Early learning (2 – 6), Beginning readers (5 – 7) |
| Categories | Resilience, Socioemotional learning |
|---|---|
| Tag | Building resilience picture book series |
WRITTEN BY EXPERTS IN CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
Mona arrived at kindergarten. Her friends were already playing in the yard. The teacher invited her to join a group of friends who were already playing hide-and-seek. But Mona felt insecure and shy and didn’t know how to join the group or participate in ongoing group activities. She needed the help of adults to empower and encourage her to build social skills and connections.
Many children are familiar with such situations—some easily join the group, while others have insecurities that prevent them from spontaneous play and socializing. The picture book “Can I play with you?” helps children recognize and understand their own feelings and gently guides them through the process, strengthening their psychological and emotional resilience and engaging in play with their peers.
Due to the fear of rejection, little ones often avoid such situations. However, socialization and the experiences gained through socializing with peers are key to a child’s healthy development.
Through a simple story, children will:
– understand the unpleasant emotions associated with insecurity and fear of rejection
– develop social skills – how to approach a group and initiate interaction
– strengthening psychological resilience and self-confidence through everyday situations
– learn that they are not alone in their feelings and that there are ways to deal with challenges in social situations.
This picture book is not just a story – it is a practical tool to help adults understand children’s emotional and social challenges. At the end of the book, there is an additional educational section with useful guidelines written by children’s psychology experts. This section provides support to adults who want to support their children in challenging situations.
Author: Eva Brlek
Dr. sc. Eva Brlek is a professional in educational rehabilitation and psychotherapist. Following her dreams, she opened a private practice, Kabinet Nueva, where she can enable the maximum stimulation and realization of the potentials, abilities and possibilities of both children and adults. With an interdisciplinary approach and innovative therapeutic methods, she provides diagnostic, counselling and therapy services in the field of educational rehabilitation, psychology and psychotherapy. Eva is mostly fulfilled in her role of a mother to a wonderful boy, with whom she grows and develops to her fullest possible extent.
Author: Julija Kukec
Julija Kukec has a master’s degree in psychology, she is a practitioner of reality therapy and an ECHA specialist for education of the gifted. She is a professional assistant in a kindergarten, where she works with children to monitor their development, identifies difficulties and potential giftedness. She also provides educational programs through lectures and workshops, diagnosis and support for children and parents in the form of counselling. She is the mother of two children, who are her biggest and most important inspiration in every area of her work. In her free time, Julija enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and children.
Illustrator: Ljiljana Kuruca
Ljiljana Kuruca is a self-taught illustrator based in Serbia. Drawing animals and animal-like creatures is her thing. Her style is gentle and playful, drawing makes her soul sing and it is her place of serenity. When she was a kid, her world pretty much revolved around animals and drawing. However, at one point in her life she got the impression that she needs to choose between these two, to live a decent life. So, she decided art career was not for her and chose veterinary medicine instead. And it felt right for a while. However, by the end of her PhD studies she started drawing again… She is currently working as university professor and illustrator in Novi Sad.
