Review sponsored by Regina E. McCarthy
The Children’s Book Review | February 26, 2016
Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog
Written by Regina E. McCarthy
Illustrated by Sue Dettman
Age Range: 5+
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Blue Stone Healing Books (2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0986230417
What to expect: Animals, Emotions, Bullying, Courage, Friendship,
Gilbert is a shy groundhog with many interests. He loves to collects things like cars, action figures, and rocks; and he also loves music and singing. Peter Opossum, a fellow schoolmate, teases Gilbert about his singing and no one ever makes space for him at the lunch table. One day when Gilbert is feeling very upset, he runs across the playground and climbs an oak tree in an attempt to escape the situation. To his astonishment, the wise tree talks. The tree encourages Gilbert to not focus on changing Peter, but to find a way to feel better inside and out. The tree begins with teaching him how to breathe deeply through a special rhyme and works on building Gilbert’s self-confidence. As Gilbert practices his new skills, his world begins to open up and a new friendship blossoms.
Regina E. McCarthy’s experience as a Holistic Psychotherapist shines through in this fictitious story that is designed to educate children in a safe and enjoyable way about navigating emotions and standing up to bullies. The author carefully crafted her story to show that the process of identifying and expressing feelings, and building self-confidence takes time. Parents will find her message at the end of the book a useful resource. The colorful pictures illustrate Gilbert’s emotions clearly, making it easy for the reader to digest the information and empathize with him.
Anyone, ages 5 and up, that has trouble with emotions or that is experiencing bullying will feel empowered by Gilbert. Through his experiences they will be able to see themselves and hopefully begin their own path to self-confidence.
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About the Author
Regina E. McCarthy, LCSW, is a Holistic Psychotherapist with a private practice in Elgin, IL. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston College, Boston, MA, and her master’s in social work from Loyola University, Chicago, IL. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the Wellness Institute, Issaquah, WA. She is an Advanced Heart-Centered Hypnotherapist®, an Integral Breathwork therapist, a Trim-Life® provider, and a Reiki Master. She is also a member of the SCBWI and the Independent Book Publishers Association. She lives with her husband and has three adult children and a cat named Bob. Courageous Gilbert the Groundhog is her first book.
About the Illustrator
Sue Dettman lives with her husband, Tom, in Elgin, Illinois. Sue has been illustrating children’s curriculum and story books for over 40 years. She also writes children’s curriculum and does watercolor and graphic design.
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