Josh Langley's Blog, page 12
October 23, 2017
5 Star review on Goodreads
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“Langley’s little books with BIG messages of self-help and self-esteem are a house favourite here. Neither overtly moralistic nor sermonic, they present beautiful messages of love, understanding and hope, accompanied with novel, cartoon-esque illustrations.
This one encourages kids to acknowledge their self-worth and stick by themselves, 100% of the time. It explores feelings, emotions that all kids experience but can’t always name or comprehend. Pride and anger sit side-by-side in this little compendium of inspirational explanations that allows kids to recognise and embrace ALL of their feelings and understand their source and the outcomes of experiencing them.
In the end we are all full of feelings, not all of them always welcome or pleasant but they are who we are and what makes us uniquely human, nonetheless. I love the take-home idea that if we all made friends with our feelings rather than kept on suppressing or ignoring them all the time, then we’d have much more time for fun. Brilliant!”
Where to buy the book.
October 18, 2017
Book Review: The Bottom Shelf
It’s OK to feel the way you do
Josh Langley
Big Sky, 2017
90pp., pbk., RRP $A14.99
9781925520965
The buzzword in many personal development programs these days is resilience and phrases such as “Eat cement and harden up”, “Build a bridge and get over it”, and “Suck it up, princess” are often heard bandied around. It’s as though expressing our emotions, particularly ‘negative’ ones, is becoming unacceptable and we are supposed to bottle up anger and disappointment and fear and let it fester away inside, becoming bigger and bigger, in case we offend or hurt someone else’s feelings.
This can be very confusing especially for young children who are recognising their range of feelings and learning how to control their actions in response to them. Our emotions are controlled by chemicals in the brain such as dopamine, serotonin and adrenalin and we cannot control their release although we are expected to control and even suppress their consequences. So a book written and illustrated especially for young children that explores the natural feelings of happiness, anger, sadness, loneliness, pride, fear and anxiety and shows that is OK to have the whole range of such emotions – in fact, it is unhealthy not to – is welcome, particularly as mindfulness programs gather momentum.
Understanding that emotions are what makes us human and that certain things trigger certain emotions, even though there are different triggers for each person, is a huge step in understanding ourselves and we need to do that if we are to understand others. Acknowledging our feelings is the first step in dealing with them appropriately, developing responses and reactions and then being able to move on to choices is part of natural maturity. Langley tells his own story of how a negative comment in his childhood spurred him on to greater things rather than sending him into a downward spiral and so children can learn it’s not the emotion that is the issue, but how we can deal with it for the better -do we express it or suppress it?
The bright, bold colours and cartoon-like illustrations will capture the young reader, the text that talks directly to them and the affirmation that feeling feelings is natural and OK will help to empower our young students and help them from feeling overwhelmed even confused. In the past, health curricula have included exploring feelings and children have completed a zillion sentences starting “I am happy when…” but in today’s world we need to take this further and show that feelings are natural, that they are shared, that disappointment and anger are OK and can lead us in a new direction, that everyone has fears and doubts and highs and lows and life is not necessarily the glossed-up television version.
Indeed, it’s OK to feel the way you do.
Barbara Braxton, Teacher Librarian
M.Ed.(TL), M.App.Sci.(TL), M.I.S. (Children’s Services)
Dromkeen Librarian’s Award 2003
COOMA NSW 2630
AUSTRALIA
http://thebottomshelf.edublogs.org/2017/10/18/its-ok-to-feel-the-way-you-do/
October 15, 2017
Conversations with flowers and other ways of being real.
I haven’t always liked flowers.
For most of my life I couldn’t care less about them, thinking they were only for old ladies to tend in their garden or what mother’s demanded on mother’s day.
It’s amazing how you can go through life missing out on something so extraordinary, so wonderful, so amazing, so uplifting and so inspiring. I was blind to a beauty that maybe I wasn’t yet ready to appreciate or understand.
But a few years ago when I started doing the Frog and the Well cartoons, I noticed I was drawing flowers, lots of them. They became my ‘go to’ thing to draw to represent what I was trying to say.
When life gets too complicated, too busy, to full of bullshit and I feel I’m losing touch with my inner core, I’m drawn to flowers again. To either look at them, talk to them, sit with them, think about them or draw them.
Simple
Beautiful
Uncomplicated
Effortless
Yes, I did say talk to flowers. Flowers talk, actually they can sing too, but more about that another time.
I don’t know the names of most flowers, I don’t need to. They don’t refer to themselves by a name, so I don’t feel I need too either. I know ‘daisies’ though. The delicate white petals and yellow inner heart that radiates joy directly into my soul.
I mainly like flowers in situ. Where they want to grow, especially wildflowers. You’ve seen the vacant lots, where wild grasses are left to spread untamed and their flowers dot the scene with yellows, pinks and purples. Fuck I love that. I love the idea that when we as humans unlove something, mother nature will grow a flower in that place to show that it is still loved.
Flower arranging is bit too deliberate, too serious, to contrived for me. A simple flower popping up from a crack in the concrete is enough.
Keep it simple. Keep it pure, keep it honest.
Spend time with a flower, maybe even talk to it and you’ll understand what I mean.
October 14, 2017
5 Ways to Trust the Universe
Suspend your judgements. If something isn’t going your way, just step back and avoid getting mad and frustrated and think to yourself, ‘there’s something much bigger happening in the background that I can’t see’. Don’t be too quick to judge people. Just allow your thoughts of them to float away and get back to doing what you were doing.
Be open to the magic of life; be open to what’s going on around you without judging it as good or bad. By doing this you’ll start to see the synchronicity between events and things, and have lots of those little beautiful ‘aha’ moments.
Put worry aside. Worry only causes us to feel awful. How many times have you been so worried or stressed about something only to have it turn out ok? Remember that and trust everything will turn out OK again and again.
Don’t hold back on enjoying life because you’re waiting for some reason to enjoy it. The universe wants you to be happy now, so give up waiting and simply enjoy life. Trust the universe, that magical unseen force, is helping you all the time. Lie down on the grass and know that you are supported.
October 12, 2017
Interview with Creative Kids Tales
It’s OK to feel the way you do
Written by Josh Langley
Released: October 2017
Book title: It’s OK to feel the way you do
Author: Josh Langley
Illustrator: Josh Langley
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing
RRP: $14.99
Intended Audience: 4 and up
ISBN: 9781925520965
Author’s website: joshlangley.com.au
Tell us about yourself
I’m a daydreamer, eternal optimist and idealist. I’ve also been known to talk to trees and flowers to seek their counsel on important matters of the heart. They’re great listeners.
What is your book about?
Getting kids to recognise and make friends with their feelings and emotions. Often we get so engulfed by them, we feel powerless and often feel a victim to such intense emotions especially as we get older. I wanted to show kids that if they get a ‘feel’ what anger actually feels like and notice the emotion as it comes on they may be able to recognise the feeling earlier next time so they don’t get so caught up it.
It’s also about showing kids that having feelings and emotions comes with being human and it’s only natural. It’s important to get kids to open up and talk about what’s going on the inside. To get the inside, out and share their feelings. Hopefully by getting kids (especially boys) to talk openly when they’re young, we might avoid a tragedy later in life.
Who is your target audience for this book?
Children 4 to 11. However, everyone will get something out of it. I’m hoping parents will sit down with their kids and read it together so they can discuss the different aspects that come up.
What aspects did you find challenging about this book?
I had to really explore the relationship I have with my own feelings and emotions first. I’m not totally ‘friendly’ with own feelings either, but I’m always working on it. It’s an ongoing process. I know what approach works for me and that’s what I’ve put in the book. It’s what I would have told my 7 year old self which would have been something, warm, understanding and encouraging.
What does your book offer the reader that differs from others covering similar subjects?
I don’t beat around the bush. I talk straight to the child about what’s going on, what they maybe feeling and then give them something easy to do that may help. The illustrations are the extra element that helps kids engage with the messages.
How did the idea for this book come about?
It was mainly my partner’s idea. He highlighted the idea that feelings are such a huge thing these days and invited me to explore it as follow up to my previous book ‘Being You is Enough’. I was hesitant because I didn’t have a degree in psychology or childhood behavioural issues and felt I couldn’t talk from point of authority. However, after encouragement from a few other people and my publisher I felt I didn’t need to try and be anything I’m not. I could speak honestly from my own childhood experience, share what I know works for me and a come from a genuine heart centred space.
Find out more about Josh Langley
Josh Langley’s website: joshlangley.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/joshlangleywriter
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshlangleyauthor
Publisher: www.bigskypublishing.com.au
Bio:
After failing high school twice and spending a ridiculous amount of time being unemployed, Josh went on to create a successful career as an award winning radio creative writer spanning 20 years. He’s published 5 nonfiction books and now give gives talks at primary schools and festivals and runs workshops on creativity.
In early 2016, Josh left his career in radio to run his own Advertising Creative business and pursue his love of writing and illustrating. He’s currently working on two new book concepts and a novel. He lives on 7 and a half acres in the South West of Western Australia with his partner and a bunch of neurotic chickens.
October 9, 2017
Interview with Readings
9 OCT 2017
In recognition of Mental Health Week (8 October to 14 October), we chat to Josh Langley, an Australian author/illustrator who has written two picture books that can open up discussions with young kids about taking care of their mental health.
It’s OK to Feel the Way You Do is designed to get kids talking about their feelings. What inspired you to write this book?
It was my partner’s idea. I initially thought the topic of feelings and emotions was too big for me to tackle as I’m not a psychologist or child behavioural expert, but after gentle encouragement from him and a few other people I decided to take it on. The book is based on my own learned experience and a common sense approach on how to cope with emotions. I also collaborated with teachers, parents and grandparents to get their real world view on the topic. In the end, It’s OK to Feel the Way You Do is the kind of book I would have given my 7-year-old self to help him make friends with the myriad of feelings he was grappling with.
Talking about feelings is often cited as being more difficult for young boys than girls. Do you agree with statement? Why/why not?
Yes, I think it is harder for boys. Our society in general is still geared towards men being less likely to be in touch with their emotions and there’s little encouragement to do so. Having said that a lot of younger men are more emotionally intelligent than a generation ago, but a lot of work still needs to be done. I’m hoping my book will change that and encourage boys to talk openly about what’s going on in the minds and hearts.
Can creativity play a role in managing mental health?
I think it’s essential. It’s so important for our mental health to express ourselves creatively, to get feelings and emotions out in a safe, creative and cathartic way. I know from personal experience that if I’ve been sitting in my head for too long, I feel heavy and disconnected from life, but as soon as I start to write, draw or paint I feel lighter and life seems less serious and intense. All people are born with a need to express themselves.
You’ve had an unusual path to becoming an author, overcoming some early challenges. Can you tell us a little bit about how you got here?
Both parents suffered from various mental health issues, including depression, severe anxiety, panic attacks and extreme bouts of anger. So I retreated into my imagination and thankfully it’s been my saving grace. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I wasn’t very academically minded and didn’t get to pass high school, and spent a few years being unemployed, then working menial jobs to pay the rent. In my early twenties I stumbled across an ad for a radio course and instantly quit my job, spent the next 3 months studying and soon after I got a position as a breakfast radio announcer in a small town. That launched a twenty year career in radio, which then enabled me to explore many of my other creative interests, such as writing and illustrating picture books.
What is your favourite part about being an author of children’s books?
Getting emails and messages from parents saying how much the books have made a difference to their kid’s lives. Nothing beats that. I even have parents saying they’ve cried while reading them.
Who are some authors and illustrators who inspire you?
Maurice Sendak is a big influence. I adore his gentleness and imaginative style. His life story is also really interesting and at times heartbreaking. I challenge you to not cry while reading about his life, especially his later years.
Also Michael Leunig is a favourite. I love how his mind doesn’t play gatekeeper to his heart. He’s not afraid to upset some people by just saying what his heart feels. He speaks a deep truth through his disarming use of whimsical characters.
Browse our suggestions for children’s and YA books that tackle mental health below.
https://www.readings.com.au/news/josh-langley-on-exploring-mental-health-in-childrens-books
October 5, 2017
Jnr Book Worms Book Review
October 3, 2017jnrbookworms
By Josh Langley
Phillip Aged 5
5 stars
Phillip was enthralled with this and I was surprised as it was a lot to take in for a 5 year old. But he told me about breathing in when you feel mad and the mad feelings float away when you breath out, so you don’t feel mad anymore. To telling me its ok to cry everybody cries
Jnr Book worms Book review 5 stars
This is a truly wonderful book that opens up the dialogue with children about feelings and why its ok to Feel.
With direct, simple vocabulary, humour and gorgeous illustrations Josh Langley explains different feelings and reassures kids that its ok to feel them, giving examples on how to deal with them in a subtle reassuring way.
One of the best books I have read about feelings and it opened up some wonderful conversations between myself and my son whilst reading. I recommend it to anyone especially kids who struggle to deal with their feelings it will be a permanent addition to our reading library.
October 1, 2017
Just Kids Lit – Book Review
Review: It’s OK to feel the way you do, otherwise you wouldn’t be you by Josh Langley
Posted on October 2, 2017 by Nicole Madigan
It’s OK to feel the way you do, otherwise you wouldn’t be you, Josh Langley (author and illustrator), Big Sky Publishing, 2017.
“Everyone has feelings… happy, sad, lonely, angry, anxious, proud, scared – and they’re all OK!
But sometimes we just don’t know what to do with them. Until now that is!”
There are myriad children’s books that strive to teach a life lesson, deliver a message or simply inspire.
While an abundance of beautifully written picture books do just that, the message is most often woven within a fictional story – particularly common for books which are targeting young readers.
Josh Langley gets straight to the point in his latest picture book, It’s OK to feel the way you do, otherwise you wouldn’t be you.
The book does three things: explains what different feelings mean, reassures children that it’s okay to feel them, and provides tips for dealing with more challenging feelings.
Sounds like a lot for young kids to take in!
And it is. Yet, through brilliant use of language, clever metaphors and gorgeous illustrations, Langley has created an endearing and fun picture book that children will want to read.
My 6-year-old son loves his books, but generally stays away from non-fiction – it’s all about stories for him. So when I handed him this one I wondered whether he’d even open the first page.
When I peeked into his room a few minutes later I found him enthralled. When he’d finished I asked him about it, and was surprised by how much he’d taken in.
He went on to tell me what he was going to do next time he felt angry and that there was a name for that feeling of having your stomach tied up in knots.
What’s special about Langley’s book is that it uses humour and fun to deliver a serious message; keeping kids entertained through fabulous illustrations, while also providing practical, actionable tips.
Using stunningly quirky, (yet direct and simple) vocabulary, this delightful picture book easily opens the door for discussions about feelings and how to navigate them.
It’s OK to feel the way you do, otherwise youwouldn’t be you will appeal to the youngest readers, right through to older children.
BUY NOW
Available at all good bookstores throughout Australia.
As well as online.
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Kid’s Book Review
I am extremely humbled by the review for It’s OK to Feel the Way You Do by Kids Book Review.
“Here is the follow up to Josh Langley’s fabulous book Being You is Enough. I have an eight year old daughter, who is socially a bit awkward and a reluctant reader. She gobbled up Being You is Enough, took it to school to share with her class, cuddled it in bed, and read it multiple times. So I was really keen to get my hands on It’s OK to feel the way you do–I was not disappointed. My daughter instantly recognised the format of the book, grabbed it and immediately began to read.
It’s OK to feel the way you do is about feelings. Good feelings, such as, happy and proud, and more difficult feelings, such as, angry and anxious are presented in a very easy to read style. The ideas are displayed with minimal words, bright colours and simple illustrations–making difficult feelings easy to digest. There is a lot of white space (and coloured space) on the pages that leaves room for thinking and talking–or just being!
The book gives children the important message that all feelings are valid and offers simple, practical ways to cope with and accept these feelings.
My daughter is very sensitive and is often overwhelmed by her feelings, leading to a lot of crying. I asked her what she thought of this book. She said, “I like how it talks about feelings and it is OK to feel like that. It made me feel happy.”
I am very happy that I have found these two books by Josh Langley. I love how my daughter, who has struggled with reading and emotions, is able to read the messages in this book independently. It has given her an avenue to talk about her feelings and it has uplifted her, knowing that her feelings are OK.
I highly recommend this book for everyone–parents, children, schools, public libraries–anyone or anyplace that involves feelings!”
Title: It’s OK to feel the way you do
Author: Josh Langley
Illustrator: Josh Langley
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $ 14.99
Publication Date: October 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-925520-96-5
For ages: 5-12
Type: Picture book
http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2017/10/review-its-ok-to-feel-way-you-do.html
BUY NOW
Available at all good bookstores throughout Australia.
As well as online.
[image error] BOOK DEPOSITORY.
[image error]ANGUS AND ROBERTSON
[image error] BOOKTOPIA
[image error] DYMOCKS
September 29, 2017
Interview on 882 6PR
Had a really interesting radio interview with Chris Iisley on 882 6PR about ‘It’s Ok to Feel the Way You Do’
Take a listen here: https://www.6pr.com.au/podcast/book-its-ok-to-feel-the-way-you-do-josh-langley/
