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Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions: How to Calm Anxiety and Conquer Automatic Negative Thoughts
Does your child struggle with negative thought patterns, stress, and anxiety? Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions! encourages children to live a happier and healthier life with a more positive outlook. This motivational picture book by Dr. Daniel Amen, New York Times?bestselling author and board-certified child psychiatrist, offers children a way to address their negative thoughts. Don't let ANTS steal your happiness! That is what Captain Snout says loud and clear in this playful and encouraging book about living a positive life without the stress of negativity. What exactly are these ANTs? Automatic Negative Thoughts … and Captain Snout says we can use his super power questions to be mindful of our thoughts and be heroic too? Written with easy-to-read text for children ages 4 to 8,?Captain Snout and the Super PowerQuestions! This quirky and comical picture book is a valuable resource
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 12, 2017
About the author
Daniel G. Amen
186 books1,559 followersThe Washington Post called Dr. Daniel Amen the most popular psychiatrist in America and Sharecare.com named him the web's most influential expert and advocate on mental health.
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
Daniel Amen is a life-long Christian and graduate of Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He is a double board-certified psychiatrist and multiple NY Times bestselling author, with such blockbuster books as Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Healing ADD, Change Your Brain, Change Your Body, and The Daniel Plan, co-authored by Pastor Rick Warren and Dr. Mark Hyman. In November 2016, he and his wife Tana published The Brain Warrior's Way.
Dr. Amen is the founder of Amen Clinics, which has 6 locations across the United States. Amen Clinics has the world's largest database of brain scans related to behavior, totaling more than 125,000 SPECT scans on patients from 111 countries.
Dr. Amen's research team has published more than 70 scientific articles on a wide variety of topics related to brain health. He is the lead researcher on the largest brain imaging study on active and retired NFL players and was a consultant on the movie Concussion starring Will Smith. In 2016, Discover Magazine named his brain imaging work for psychiatric diagnoses as one of the top 100 stories in all of science.
Dr. Amen has also hosted 11 national public television shows about the brain, which have aired more than 80,000 times across North America and raised more than 75 million dollars for stations.
You can connect with Dr. Amen on Facebook and Twitter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 26, 2018
What a Fantastic Book! What a great message told in such an exciting way. Captain Snout is a Superhero aardvark.
ANTs are Automatic Negative Thoughts. These negative thoughts pop up quickly and we have to fight them quickly. A group of children are raising money for a puppy with a car wash. Business is slow and the kids get negative. The ANTs are swarming their thoughts and they start fighting until Captain Snout shows up.
The way to fight against these thoughts is to ask 2 questions: 1. Is that thought in your head true? 2. Are you 100% sure it’s true?
By using these questions you can get ride of words like never, always, nothing, no one, all. It will scare the 5 main evil ants away: 1. All or nothing Ant, 2. Just the bad ant, 3. the Fortune Teller Ant, 4. the Mindreader Ant, and 5. The Blaming Ant. After the children defeat the negative ants, they are able to see the positive in life and they can move forward.
It is a great story about the power of our thoughts and intentions. We talk about this subject all the time at school and it is a big tool we use to help people move when they are stuck in a rut. We say “Upset is optional.” No doubt sometimes upset is necessary and often it does nothing for us. Both kids had fun with this book too. The nephew really got into it and the niece gave it 4 stars so the nephew followed her lead.
I adore this book and I hope that everyone will read this to their kids. I can see it being so helpful. It's a blend of superhero and Self-Help. Daniel Amen was really smart to do this.
ANTs are Automatic Negative Thoughts. These negative thoughts pop up quickly and we have to fight them quickly. A group of children are raising money for a puppy with a car wash. Business is slow and the kids get negative. The ANTs are swarming their thoughts and they start fighting until Captain Snout shows up.
The way to fight against these thoughts is to ask 2 questions: 1. Is that thought in your head true? 2. Are you 100% sure it’s true?
By using these questions you can get ride of words like never, always, nothing, no one, all. It will scare the 5 main evil ants away: 1. All or nothing Ant, 2. Just the bad ant, 3. the Fortune Teller Ant, 4. the Mindreader Ant, and 5. The Blaming Ant. After the children defeat the negative ants, they are able to see the positive in life and they can move forward.
It is a great story about the power of our thoughts and intentions. We talk about this subject all the time at school and it is a big tool we use to help people move when they are stuck in a rut. We say “Upset is optional.” No doubt sometimes upset is necessary and often it does nothing for us. Both kids had fun with this book too. The nephew really got into it and the niece gave it 4 stars so the nephew followed her lead.
I adore this book and I hope that everyone will read this to their kids. I can see it being so helpful. It's a blend of superhero and Self-Help. Daniel Amen was really smart to do this.
February 22, 2018
I strongly suggest reading this book to your kids at a very young age and through out childhood. It helps them process their thoughts.
April 27, 2026
This is an encouraging, but very odd story for children. The ANTs are 'Automatic Negative Thoughts' and the story gives examples of different ANTs, reminds the reader that these thoughts are not true, and gives some positive strategies to combat them. The concepts are part of the psychotherapy practice called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
The book is well meaning, but somewhat heavy handed and filled with CBT jargon, and I'm not sure if it will appeal to children. Nevertheless, it maybe a great tool for therapists, caregivers, and teachers to read with children who are struggling or anxious.
The book is well meaning, but somewhat heavy handed and filled with CBT jargon, and I'm not sure if it will appeal to children. Nevertheless, it maybe a great tool for therapists, caregivers, and teachers to read with children who are struggling or anxious.
October 12, 2017
About the Book:
Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions; Don’t Let the Ants Steal Your Happiness, written by board certified child psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, playfully encourages children to correct their negative thinking patterns in order to live happier and healthier lives. Comical illustrations bring the story alive as our main character, Captain Snout, reveals the super power questions that can rid us of our automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and lead to accurate and truthful thinking.
This picture book, based on a popular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy technique, will help readers do just that.
My Review:
The Pennypepper children decide that they want a puppy but in order for them to get a puppy they need to raise or earn money to get one. So they decide to have a car wash. Each child sets out to do a job to help get this bright idea underway. Soon the customers trail off and they bright idea starts to grow dim. The children start thinking negatively and pretty soon they are ready to throw in the towel.
It's not long before someone comes along to help, Captain Snout. Captain Snout points out to the children that the bad thoughts aren't really helping their situation. That all of their negative thoughts could actually make things worse. He describes the negative thoughts and feelings as ANTs. He then proceeds to show them how to look on the brighter side of things and how to overcome negative thoughts and feelings that we sometimes face.
A great book that reinforces positive thinking and positive behavior.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions; Don’t Let the Ants Steal Your Happiness, written by board certified child psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, playfully encourages children to correct their negative thinking patterns in order to live happier and healthier lives. Comical illustrations bring the story alive as our main character, Captain Snout, reveals the super power questions that can rid us of our automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and lead to accurate and truthful thinking.
This picture book, based on a popular Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy technique, will help readers do just that.
My Review:
The Pennypepper children decide that they want a puppy but in order for them to get a puppy they need to raise or earn money to get one. So they decide to have a car wash. Each child sets out to do a job to help get this bright idea underway. Soon the customers trail off and they bright idea starts to grow dim. The children start thinking negatively and pretty soon they are ready to throw in the towel.
It's not long before someone comes along to help, Captain Snout. Captain Snout points out to the children that the bad thoughts aren't really helping their situation. That all of their negative thoughts could actually make things worse. He describes the negative thoughts and feelings as ANTs. He then proceeds to show them how to look on the brighter side of things and how to overcome negative thoughts and feelings that we sometimes face.
A great book that reinforces positive thinking and positive behavior.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
July 13, 2018
Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions is a picture book that appeals to children ages 4-8. I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because of the subtle and impressive way that it addressed stress and negative thoughts.This book is about three siblings who start a car wash to raise enough money to get a dog for their family. At first, their idea was extremely successful and the three children were thrilled! Suddenly, their business became takes a slow turn and the children become discouraged and begin thinking that their idea was terrible. Captain Snout comes and warns them of ANTs or automatic negative thoughts. He teaches the children about how to turn a negative situation into something positive and how to manage these negative thoughts. The content of this book is easy to understand for a wide range of ages. I think that this book can be used for preschoolers as well as first graders. I believe that books are most successful when they can appeal to multiple audiences. The illustrations in this book are colorful and bright which makes it more appealing for young children to read/listen to the story. The choice of making Captain Snout a superhero with powers was a smart, intended choice. The topic at hand is something that is really important for children to understand and feel safe to talk about. Negative thoughts and stress are something that everyone experiences; some more than others. Presenting these topics through this story is appropriate, fun and relatable. I LOVED this book and plan on buying this for my classroom.
7/13/18
7/13/18
October 5, 2017
CAPTAIN SNOUT AND THE SUPER POWER QUESTIONS is a book written for preschoolers to early elementary students, but it is appropriate for people of all ages to encourage them to think positively.
This is not a Christian book, there is no faith message in it. But there is a strong message of "You can do it" and "Don't think negatively" to encourage you on your path -- whatever it may be. A too-hard spelling test you are studying frantically for, or a college research paper with footnotes, whatever it is, prepare for it, think positively, and you can do it.
A strong message of encouragement for people of all ages, not just young children,
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
This is not a Christian book, there is no faith message in it. But there is a strong message of "You can do it" and "Don't think negatively" to encourage you on your path -- whatever it may be. A too-hard spelling test you are studying frantically for, or a college research paper with footnotes, whatever it is, prepare for it, think positively, and you can do it.
A strong message of encouragement for people of all ages, not just young children,
I was given a copy free. All opinions are my own.
January 12, 2018
I purchased this after reading one of Dr. Amen’s books on Alzheimer’s disease. It trains the brain in the art of combatting negative thoughts. It’s a great tool for kids who have small setbacks turn an ordinary day into the worst day ever. My girls also enjoyed the story. Don’t let the ants steal your happiness.
January 26, 2025
This is so good, I love this book
February 20, 2025
CBT for kids. Beautiful!
October 5, 2017
I am with Karen on this one! With an 8 yr. old son with significant ADD, this book was a win! We're fans and cheering this book on!
May 15, 2018
Great book to read for kids and adults alike to show how to deal with our negative emotions.
August 2, 2018
For ages 4-8 a short clever book about questioning negative thoughts (ANTs) by a child psychiatrist.
Is it true? Are you 100% sure it is true? A good message for everyone!
Is it true? Are you 100% sure it is true? A good message for everyone!
July 13, 2023
Ooh, is this my lucky day as a book reviewer for Goodreads? Earlier today I reviewed “Too Shy to Say Hi.” That's a thinly diguised self-help session, published by a press run by the American Psychological Association. While now? I'm all set to read another kid's book about "Captain Snout -- whoever that is -- which sounds lighthearted and funny.
Only now I'm viewing the full title and subtitle:
"Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions:
How to Calm Anxiety and Conquer Automatic Negative Thoughts."
Uh-oh!
Back on the psychiatric couch again: This time our guide is Daniel G. Amen, aka "the most popular psychiatrist in America."
What Captain Snout Proceeds to Teach Seems Sooooooooooo Simple
"You can get rid of [Automatic Negative Thoughts]" simply by asking yourself his "Amazing Super Power Questions."
Seriously, Captain Snout Is Teaching Kiddie-Sized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
No doubt he means well. As if childen with the cognitive ability of picture book readers will find his instructions a cinch. Certainly works in this storybook.
Such a happy ending ensues, as if proving that Dr. Amen's technique works as promised.
How to Rate this Book?
First I'll put myself in the head space of enthusiastic parents who believe that books like this can help, and definitely can't hurt a thing.
I disagree, but will save that for my comments below.
Meanwhile, such parents would likely give this book FIVE STARS. So that's what I'll give this book too.
Only now I'm viewing the full title and subtitle:
"Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions:
How to Calm Anxiety and Conquer Automatic Negative Thoughts."
Uh-oh!
Back on the psychiatric couch again: This time our guide is Daniel G. Amen, aka "the most popular psychiatrist in America."
What Captain Snout Proceeds to Teach Seems Sooooooooooo Simple
"You can get rid of [Automatic Negative Thoughts]" simply by asking yourself his "Amazing Super Power Questions."
Seriously, Captain Snout Is Teaching Kiddie-Sized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
No doubt he means well. As if childen with the cognitive ability of picture book readers will find his instructions a cinch. Certainly works in this storybook.
Such a happy ending ensues, as if proving that Dr. Amen's technique works as promised.
How to Rate this Book?
First I'll put myself in the head space of enthusiastic parents who believe that books like this can help, and definitely can't hurt a thing.
I disagree, but will save that for my comments below.
Meanwhile, such parents would likely give this book FIVE STARS. So that's what I'll give this book too.
October 22, 2021
We all have ANTs or Automatic Negative Thoughts that inconveniently enter our minds. They must be challenged or they continue to get in our way. This can be a hard concept to explain to children, let alone for children to understand. Amen does a wonderful job presenting this in a way that children will be able to not only understand, but relate to. Highly recommend this to anyone who has children, works with children, and even those were at one time were a child!
August 14, 2023
A wonderful message to children😊😊😊.
Me and my family liked the theme of the book. Also how captain snout was an ant eater. And it explains what ants are and how to get rid of them. 😊😊😊😊😊
I would recommend this book to my best friend who has mental illness like me.
I gave this book a five star rating because it can change children and their families life so much this is very helpful for us kids.
Me and my family liked the theme of the book. Also how captain snout was an ant eater. And it explains what ants are and how to get rid of them. 😊😊😊😊😊
I would recommend this book to my best friend who has mental illness like me.
I gave this book a five star rating because it can change children and their families life so much this is very helpful for us kids.
July 14, 2026
I love this book! My son has constant automatic negative thoughts. This book helped us name his ANTS and our own as parents. It helped our family challenge these thoughts to see if they are really true, 100% true. When my son was younger, I gave this book to all his teachers to help them understand him better. I highly recommend that all families read this book. We all have automatic negative thoughts, so we all need to learn about them!
April 8, 2023
I recently had the pleasure of reading "Captain Snout and the Super Power Questions: How to Calm Anxiety and Conquer ANTs" and I must say, it was an absolute delight! This engaging and beautifully illustrated book tackles the complex issue of anxiety in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
May 14, 2026
I believe we've all met at least one of these ANTs. We've all had negative thoughts that make us feel bad. This book effectively, with lots of humor, heart, and memorable examples, can help anyone feel less like a downer or victim and more like a problem-solver and hero.
Heck, read it just for fun, even if you don't think it applies to you or yours.
Heck, read it just for fun, even if you don't think it applies to you or yours.
November 26, 2019
Excellent read for the child that may give up too soon and might be discouraged easily. Written by an incredible child psychiatrist with easy to digest concepts of dealing with Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANT's). Adults will benefit from this book as well!
February 17, 2023
This is a great book for showing children how to question our automatic thoughts, how to ask ourselves if those thoughts are really true, and how to find resilience in thoughts that can he hopeful and helpful.
August 12, 2024
very helpful for anxious children !
I found it very useful and well explained for worried and anxious children that are afraid of everything that is going to happen in new situation where they can afford it .
I found it very useful and well explained for worried and anxious children that are afraid of everything that is going to happen in new situation where they can afford it .
October 23, 2019
Loved the art and the practical advice to help kids think positive. Lost a star for inferring that being “sad” or “mad” is a bad thing and should be avoided.
February 22, 2020
This was great (100% true) - Cognitive behavioral therapy in picture book form that can benefit kids and adults.
May 21, 2022
Not what I was expecting.
A great resource for all libraries, schools, parents and children.
Even us adults should stop and ask The Super Power Questions.
A great resource for all libraries, schools, parents and children.
Even us adults should stop and ask The Super Power Questions.
May 21, 2022
This is a great story! Great for kids and adults alike in regards to Automatic Negative Thoughts and how to deal with them. Illustrations are great as well.
June 26, 2022
Good book
November 10, 2022
powerful
This book helps all realize their own power over their thoughts! Just 4 or 5 simple words can help reclaim the power within!
This book helps all realize their own power over their thoughts! Just 4 or 5 simple words can help reclaim the power within!
October 13, 2023
Excellent book I use with kids in therapy.
March 16, 2024
Has a really good message about being positive.
February 13, 2025
amazing!
My daughter said this is the best story she’s ever read, thank you so much! Looking forward to more stories!
My daughter said this is the best story she’s ever read, thank you so much! Looking forward to more stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews