I want to introduce myself
Building resilience - meeting new friends, strategies for dealing with frustration
| Author | Eva Brlek, Julija Kukec |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Ljiljana Kuruca |
| Original Title | Želim se upoznati s tobom |
| ISBN | 978-953-385-031-3 |
| 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 didn’t want to go to her friend’s birthday party because she knew that there would be some other animals she has never met before. She felt ashamed and a little afraid. She didn’t know what to expect from meeting others and what it would look like. She needed the help of adults to gain self-confidence, overcome her fear of the unknown and learn the most common way to meet someone she wants to get to know.
Such situations can be challenging for many children – discomfort when meeting new people, shyness or fear of the unknown are completely natural feelings. Picture book “I want to introduce myself” helps children recognize and understand their emotions more easily and supports them in building self-confidence and social skills.
The story will speak to children who feel uneasy when meeting new peers, avoid events with unknown people, feel hesitant to make new friends or withdraw in situations that require interaction.
Meeting new friends and navigating new environments are important social skills that can be learned and developed. That is why children need support in building self-confidence and security in interactions, with a gentle approach that encourages them to open to others.
Through a simple story children will:
– understand one’s own shyness and discomfort in new situations
– develop social skills – how to start a conversation and meet new friends
– strengthen resilience to unpleasant emotions and better cope with new experiences
– encourage a sense of security and self-confidence in social situations
This picture book is not just a story – it is a practical tool to help adults understand child’s emotional and social challenges. At the end of the book there is an additional educational section with useful guidelines written by experts in child psychology. This section gives 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.
