The Invisible Riptide

by Carron Montgomery, David Gentile (Illustrator)

"The Invisible Riptide" is a story of hope, healing, and connection. The book is a tool for all ages and is filled with meaningful life lessons. The illustrations are as powerful as the words, leaving room for the subconscious to show us a way towards achieving real health and balance. This is the first installment in a series of books for children, adolescents, and parents that provides guidance and normalizes the emotional experience that we all have but do not necessarily discuss.

The book follows the story of Stella, who wakes up with whirling and swirling feelings in her belly and doesn't know why. It seems that no one can explain it. Stella ultimately goes to see a therapist – or "feelings" doctor – who helps her understand the whirling swirling feelings in her belly are her body's emotional thermometer.

The whirling swirling feelings are her emotional riptide. She realizes that not only can she feel this riptide on the inside, but she can also feel the emotional current of those around her. She discovers how to have emotional safety – the ability to identify her feelings, express them, and have them validated. Through Stella's journey, readers learn that health and well-being are supported through deep connection with others and by owning one's feelings.

This impactful story gives children the language to explain their feelings to build the necessary skills to surf the riptide of their emotions. It is meant to be read to children by parents, coaches, counselors, and any adult who works with children.

Genres: Childrens

36 pages, Paperback

Published May 31, 2022

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently learned about the Invisible Riptide as a resource for helping young people understand feelings of anxiety. As an adult with anxiety, and recently diagnosed ADHD, this book would have been such a gift for understanding the feelings I had noticed in elementary school but didn’t have the words to articulate, and awareness that there are tools and people who can help.

Currently, I am a parent and a successful professional working in the corporate world. Instead of ‘pushing through’ without an ‘off’ switch for years, I am finally working to implement tools for the healthy management of anxiety. I believe that had I known the words & tools for what I had felt since a very young age, the knowledge would have helped to prevent burnout. Better late than never!

This book is a great conversation starter with practical tools for anyone who suspects their kids may be experiencing an ‘Invisible Riptide’.

[Karen Stuth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book for anyone -- children or adults -- looking for usable and meaningful help for worry and anxiety. However, the dyslexia-friendly font makes it an even more important entry into children's literature and a tool for making kids more emotionally aware and self-sufficient. A simply gorgeous book -- the illustrations make the story and message sing -- I can't imagine every parent won't want to have this book as a great kid's book but also as another tool in today's arsenal to help face the challenges of our changing world.

[Christina Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to explain how feelings can come out of no where and we may not know how to explain it. Also, how our emotions can be transferred by other’s energy. This is a great picture book for all ages. Adults can even learn from this book.

[Mandi Corder-banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a great story for kids and the illustrations are fantastic! I will be sending this on to my young niece and nephew.