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How to save the dragon Intrument book for teaching impulse control to children
This kids impulse control and children behavior book is written based on the interpersonal biology, attachment parenting psychology, and no-drama discipline and it is written in verse. The story explains the benefits of brain integration and celebrates the role of connection with the primary caregiver.
Also, this impulsivity book for kid helps with your conscious parenting effort, by offering a scientific perspective on temper tantrums. The story line supports mindful parenting by explaining what happens during a tantrum.
▶Characters
Wrinkles is an adorable and well balanced elephant, and Flappy is a cute and energetic dragon who live together in wondrous world, filled with mysteries. They are special in their own way and they have super-powers. When the alarm gets triggered, Wrinkles and Flappy get separated, and their mission is in jeopardy.
▶How it works?
Through these characters, this story helps children to learn about their brain, to understand their brain dynamic during a challenging situation whey big emotions are involved and a technique of integrating the 'upstairs brain' with the 'down stairs brain' which becomes the brain game for kids calm.
In this book, you will learn the two secrets that brought Flappy & Wrinkles back together, and helped them accomplish their mission.
▶What is the message in this childrens behavior book?
A message for the parents: children's brains are developing and during this time, they learn everything, including how to deal with emotions. Learning and growth can only happen once the need for safety is fulfilled.
Big emotions that arise everyday are not a palpable thing, but they are perceived and felt as a very real threat. This is why kids need help in learning how to deal with 'big emotional situations'
▶How can this book help?
It is easier for children to create coping strategies, when they have some practical things to represent abstract notions. So children will get in touch with their more evolved part of their brain, symbolically embodied by Wrinkles; they will get to know his strengths and how to tap into this resource (an oversimplification of the prefrontal cortex).
Second, children will learn that they also hold a marvelous part of the brain, symbolically represented by Flappy, aka the reptilian brain, primarily concerned with survival.
The story line gets them separated (this is when the alarm happens); and this happens to children and parents every day: when leaving the park, when not getting the second ice-cream, when the favorite pajamas are not available etc. You know it! This story gets to see behind the scenes of a temper tantrum.
This book will enable you to look at the situation from another angle: the benefits of brain integration.
The dialog between Wrinkles and Flappy is intended to create the habit of digging deeper into finding out what happened and telling the story.
Lyrics are a fun way for kids to learn to 'tell the story' & learn to process events and emotions. The beauty of it all - with practice, Wrinkles gets stronger, meaning your child improves in self-regulation
Also, this impulsivity book for kid helps with your conscious parenting effort, by offering a scientific perspective on temper tantrums. The story line supports mindful parenting by explaining what happens during a tantrum.
▶Characters
Wrinkles is an adorable and well balanced elephant, and Flappy is a cute and energetic dragon who live together in wondrous world, filled with mysteries. They are special in their own way and they have super-powers. When the alarm gets triggered, Wrinkles and Flappy get separated, and their mission is in jeopardy.
▶How it works?
Through these characters, this story helps children to learn about their brain, to understand their brain dynamic during a challenging situation whey big emotions are involved and a technique of integrating the 'upstairs brain' with the 'down stairs brain' which becomes the brain game for kids calm.
In this book, you will learn the two secrets that brought Flappy & Wrinkles back together, and helped them accomplish their mission.
▶What is the message in this childrens behavior book?
A message for the parents: children's brains are developing and during this time, they learn everything, including how to deal with emotions. Learning and growth can only happen once the need for safety is fulfilled.
Big emotions that arise everyday are not a palpable thing, but they are perceived and felt as a very real threat. This is why kids need help in learning how to deal with 'big emotional situations'
▶How can this book help?
It is easier for children to create coping strategies, when they have some practical things to represent abstract notions. So children will get in touch with their more evolved part of their brain, symbolically embodied by Wrinkles; they will get to know his strengths and how to tap into this resource (an oversimplification of the prefrontal cortex).
Second, children will learn that they also hold a marvelous part of the brain, symbolically represented by Flappy, aka the reptilian brain, primarily concerned with survival.
The story line gets them separated (this is when the alarm happens); and this happens to children and parents every day: when leaving the park, when not getting the second ice-cream, when the favorite pajamas are not available etc. You know it! This story gets to see behind the scenes of a temper tantrum.
This book will enable you to look at the situation from another angle: the benefits of brain integration.
The dialog between Wrinkles and Flappy is intended to create the habit of digging deeper into finding out what happened and telling the story.
Lyrics are a fun way for kids to learn to 'tell the story' & learn to process events and emotions. The beauty of it all - with practice, Wrinkles gets stronger, meaning your child improves in self-regulation
52 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2018
7 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 16, 2020
Nope. The message was important but not really well deliver, the illustration were way too soft and eastern like and the story not much greater. Didn't like it!
April 1, 2019
A book about teaching kids emotion control
This book is designed to reach emotional control to children. There are some useful ideas in this book on how to teach self control of emotion and impulse. There are also some more advanced, slightly complex strategies that can be used. I found this book to be a useful tool in explaining to my children the reasons for controlling our emotions and the impulse we sometimes find wanting to come out. This is a good read for first time parents looking for some help and strategy with making good choices. Check it out and let me know what you think.
This book is designed to reach emotional control to children. There are some useful ideas in this book on how to teach self control of emotion and impulse. There are also some more advanced, slightly complex strategies that can be used. I found this book to be a useful tool in explaining to my children the reasons for controlling our emotions and the impulse we sometimes find wanting to come out. This is a good read for first time parents looking for some help and strategy with making good choices. Check it out and let me know what you think.
March 10, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book is a story for chikdren about self control in rhyming format. Some areas of the rhyming could have been done better, but i particularly like the second part of the book for parents which is a guide to teaching and encouraging impulse and temper control.
I found some interesting tips and information and thought the sheets to fill in were a great idea as these help you to individualise for your child the triggers and support that may help you.
This book is a story for chikdren about self control in rhyming format. Some areas of the rhyming could have been done better, but i particularly like the second part of the book for parents which is a guide to teaching and encouraging impulse and temper control.
I found some interesting tips and information and thought the sheets to fill in were a great idea as these help you to individualise for your child the triggers and support that may help you.
March 24, 2019
Fun and practical
The book starts with a cute story, then moves on to practical advice, a "how to" guide that helps you see the signs and ask the right questions. You can then fill in the blanks based on your experience with your child in order to have your own personalised guide. Very fun and practical!
The book starts with a cute story, then moves on to practical advice, a "how to" guide that helps you see the signs and ask the right questions. You can then fill in the blanks based on your experience with your child in order to have your own personalised guide. Very fun and practical!
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February 21, 2019Great way to teach kids about emotion control
I liked that the book is based on scientific facts about brain development.
When reading this book I was quickly reminded of parenting courses and books where I learned about the amygdala and the role of the prefrontal cortex .
This book is great as it provides a beautiful way to explain to my daughter the fact that sometimes she might overreact and how to identify these situations and to control her actions.
And also that we (her parents) will always love and help her.
I liked that the book is based on scientific facts about brain development.
When reading this book I was quickly reminded of parenting courses and books where I learned about the amygdala and the role of the prefrontal cortex .
This book is great as it provides a beautiful way to explain to my daughter the fact that sometimes she might overreact and how to identify these situations and to control her actions.
And also that we (her parents) will always love and help her.
October 31, 2018
A Good Read for Big Kids With Structured Analysis and Discussion
This is a great storyline, yet has complexity that builds knowledge on emotional control and neurological response. A good read aloud with educated support.
This is a great storyline, yet has complexity that builds knowledge on emotional control and neurological response. A good read aloud with educated support.
April 7, 2019
'Hit the brakes on your muscles and heart'
Author Madeleine Matthews has devoted her knowledge and skills concerning childhood training and has found that impulse control is paramount in shaping good behavior and interaction with peers, siblings, parents and the world in general. As she states, ‘It is easier for children to create coping strategies when they have some practical examples to represent abstract notions, Lyrics help children to ‘tell the story’ so that they learn to process events and emotions.’
In a musical, lyrical manner of rhyme the story opens in a land with tough puzzles to solve – a land guarded by Flappy, a dragon who has laser eyes and is impulsive, and his friend Wrinkles the elephant who thinks before he acts. As a pair they solve the puzzles of the day, and when a crack in the ground frightens and isolates Flappy who responds to threats, Wrinkles is there and helps build a bridge to safety. The two then discuss the now passed predicament and the lessons of impulse control reign! And once the story is over there are colorful discussions about impulse control and the way the brain functions.
The book is short, well illustrated by Ludmila Hodis, and will appeal to children visually and lyrically. The book is meant for parental involvement, the latter part of the book is more complex than most youngsters can understand, but the overall effect is one of a very fine way in which to teach children the path to good behavior.
Author Madeleine Matthews has devoted her knowledge and skills concerning childhood training and has found that impulse control is paramount in shaping good behavior and interaction with peers, siblings, parents and the world in general. As she states, ‘It is easier for children to create coping strategies when they have some practical examples to represent abstract notions, Lyrics help children to ‘tell the story’ so that they learn to process events and emotions.’
In a musical, lyrical manner of rhyme the story opens in a land with tough puzzles to solve – a land guarded by Flappy, a dragon who has laser eyes and is impulsive, and his friend Wrinkles the elephant who thinks before he acts. As a pair they solve the puzzles of the day, and when a crack in the ground frightens and isolates Flappy who responds to threats, Wrinkles is there and helps build a bridge to safety. The two then discuss the now passed predicament and the lessons of impulse control reign! And once the story is over there are colorful discussions about impulse control and the way the brain functions.
The book is short, well illustrated by Ludmila Hodis, and will appeal to children visually and lyrically. The book is meant for parental involvement, the latter part of the book is more complex than most youngsters can understand, but the overall effect is one of a very fine way in which to teach children the path to good behavior.
June 16, 2019
This is an interesting book that can be used to teach impulse control for children. In the first part of this picture book, readers meet two gatekeepers in a faraway land. Flappy is a dragon who represents the lower order primitive side of the brain that deals with survival, while Wrinkles, the elephant, represents higher order or rational thought. The red sparkle heroes in this book represent the connection that the child has with parents or caregivers.
The fictional story involves Flappy and Wrinkles getting together to put the puzzle pieces together when an “alarm” or a critical emotional situation arises. One day, the two friends are separated and must work hard to get back together and restore balance. The second half of the book presents sample situations that a child might need to work through and some suggestions as to how to resolve them. There are blank spaces that can be used interactively with the parent and child to practice impulse control
This book is targeted toward preschool children, but I think that many children this age will have difficulty comprehending the message, even when the parent actively participates and guides the child. I feel that the book is more valuable with children in elementary school.
The fictional story involves Flappy and Wrinkles getting together to put the puzzle pieces together when an “alarm” or a critical emotional situation arises. One day, the two friends are separated and must work hard to get back together and restore balance. The second half of the book presents sample situations that a child might need to work through and some suggestions as to how to resolve them. There are blank spaces that can be used interactively with the parent and child to practice impulse control
This book is targeted toward preschool children, but I think that many children this age will have difficulty comprehending the message, even when the parent actively participates and guides the child. I feel that the book is more valuable with children in elementary school.
April 9, 2019
How to save the dragon: Instrument book for teaching impulse control to children by Madeleine Matthews is a useful tool when it comes to teaching children about impulse control. The book revolves around a fictional story with two characters, Wrinkles and Flappy, and describes the differences between acting on impulse and emotion, and using thoughtful reflection to make basic decisions. While this book is geared toward children it may also be useful for adults when guiding their children to make healthy decisions. There are plenty of worksheets toward the back of the book that will help in that endeavor. The illustrations are nicely done and reflect the thoughtfulness put into the book. Some of the content may be too complicated for children to understand, and while imparting a useful and helpful message, a child will certainly need an adult to guide them through this book while discussing its content.
April 2, 2019
I believe that some people manage to cope with children better than others. I have always admired the work of professional teachers who can find an approach to any child and teach him. I recently found the book “How to save the dragon,” which, in my opinion, does the same job, no worse than a man. I was impressed with both the design and the content of the book. In my opinion, this is written with talent and is very useful for reading. Also, first of all, I want to mention the wonderful illustrations that inspired and captivated the child and me, they are big and beautiful, that I want to look at them for some time, and secondly, good poems that tell you how to manage emotions and impulses properly. I advise everyone to buy and read a book, I think you will like it and your children will do too.
February 17, 2020
What an amazing way to help kids understand controlling their emotions! This story was so cute! I loved meeting Flappy and Wrinkles! How To Save The Dragon is a great story to sit and read and then talk to your children or grandchildren with. Help them explain how it makes them feel when things don't go well or as they planned. Very well written and has a great message.
October 18, 2019
I thought this was a great book and would be useful and helpful to all children. I like how the author uses rhyming to help young children understand this better and let them know the different ways they can calmly solve their issues.
October 29, 2019
This book is so sweet, I read it with my kids and they loved it. I think it can help a lot of children with their emotions and even how to express them in a positive way. I reccomend it to every parent or even someone thinking about having children.
February 9, 2020
Parents should read the book upfront and keep note of what to read out to their child and what parts are the useful parental tips.
It has some nice illustrations and some good hints of how to help your child.
My reviews are always voluntary.
It has some nice illustrations and some good hints of how to help your child.
My reviews are always voluntary.
June 24, 2019
Love, love, LOVE the illustrations in this book. Uniquely written to help kids with impulse control. First half of the book is for the kids, last half for parents. Sure to be read again and again.
October 30, 2019
Flappy and Wrinkles are good concept characters to get a child's interest and then the aids in the back of the book will help a parent through helpung their child.
September 29, 2019
This review was originally written for The Baby Bookworm. Visit us for new picture books reviews daily!
Hello, friends! Our book today is How To Save The Dragon, written by Madeleine Matthews, edited by Jamie McNicoll, and illustrated by Ludmila Hodis, a combination storybook and workbook to help kids learn impulse control.
There is a land that is like a vast maze, with endless challenges to face every day. The heroes of this land are a dynamic duo: Flappy the dragon, who is brave and strong and full of passion; and Wrinkles the elephant, who is calm, collected, and thinks a situation through. Together, their mission is to be problem-solvers, and the pair are great together. So what happens when an alarm bell goes off and, in the panic, Wrinkles and Flappy get separated? The two must find each other again in order to set things right.
It should be noted that as a toolbook/workbook for parents, this is pretty handy and informative. The entire second half of the book is dedicated to worksheets and strategies to help little ones manage emotion and impulse control, and encourages parents and kids to work together in finding balance in their feelings – useful and educational tools. However, as a picture book, it’s a mess. The story of Flappy and Wrinkles (meant to represent impulse and complex thinking respectively) is disjointed, jumping from concept to concept with little transition or exposition, and far too reliant on complicated metaphors. As an adult, I was unclear on the subtext of the characters and story elements until I read the two-page forward that explains them (and if your picture book requires a two-page forward to explain the metaphors to the ADULT readers, your metaphors are too complex). The bright watercolor art is ambitious yet equally uneven, often lacking dimension and consistency in character design. And the rhyming text lacks a sense of rhythm and meter, making it intensely difficult to read aloud. The length was fine, but JJ seemed as confused as I was. So while I can definitely see this as a tool that can used in addition (with ample preface) to certain discussions on impulse control, as a stand-alone story, it misses the mark.
(Note: A copy of this book was provided to The Baby Bookworm by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Be sure to check out The Baby Bookworm for more reviews!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews