Catch a Falling Star

A Tale from the Iris the Dragon

by Gayle Grass

Catch a Falling A Tale from the Iris the Dragon Series is the first book in the Iris the Dragon series. Catch a Falling Star provides its readers with a variety of symptoms that could be considered red flags in a child s emotional and social development. This book is intended as an introduction to the topic of mental health in addition to educating children about the importance of sharing their thoughts and worries with a caregiver.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Albert Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch a Falling Star is an amazing fantasy book about a young boy named Fish and how he struggles with his anxiety and other mental health problems. The story starts out by telling how Fish often times goes to a bridge that is over a river to fish. One morning he is upset and goes to the bridge to fish however because he is worried he is not able to fish very well. Through his repeated tries he pulls up the dragon Irish who tells him that she has been watching him fish for awhile and asks if something is wrong because he isn't fishing the way he usually does. Fish tells Iris his worries and they eventually sit down and get to know each other better. Over the next couple of days the two start to become really good friends and Fish tells Iris his worries again. Iris then tells him a way to keep his brain healthy. With each passing season Fish tells Iris about his problems and Iris tells his ways for him to calm down and relax. It gets to the point where Iris believes he should go to a psychiatrist like his doctor recommended and how sometimes people can't always solve problems by themselves and people are there to help him. He eventually goes to the psychiatrist and they explain how his problem is due to a chemical problem in his brain. After staying at the clinic for his problems he now knows what to do when he is feeling anxious and returns home. When he comes back home he is greeted with a party by his family and friends. Later he goes to the bridge again and Iris gives him a star as a present and tells him to believe in himself and that people are there to help him. This story has an incredibly thick and rich plot that included a problem and a resolution. The actions depicted within story by the characters are very realistic and happen quite often. The story allows children to think about the times they might feel frustrated or anxious and let them know people are there for them. The illustrations are always corresponding to the text and fit whichever setting and character is mentioned. However, I noticed that throughout the book there was not a variety of cultural groups and only the cultural group that the author/illustrator is a part of is represented. There could be a slight negative stereotype about people with anxiety or mental health problems by saying how they might not do well in school.

[Disabled Children In Picture Books]

Main character has anxiety.

[Hvp2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I re-read this children's book after many years and remembered again that there are many children facing the challenge of mental illness. This book helps children and parents to recognize the signs of mental illness and underlines the importance of early detection and treatment. It helps to break down the stigma around mental illness and is a beautifully illustrated book as well. Here is a link to an interview with the author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArDbb...

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be quite interesting. It's a nice story. My daughter enjoyed it. But it gets quite deep. More than I felt necessary for something to "introduce" the topic of mental illness. It's descriptions felt less than flattering to the world of psychiatry. A shame actually. I feel like it almost vilified the idea of seeking psychiatric help. Maybe that's how it feels as a child? Not something I recall well, but I feel like it was not as stressful or fearful a situation as this makes it seem. Still something I would recommend, as there really isn't too broad of a spectrum of choices in this area. .

[Gmc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch A Falling Star: a tale from The Iris the Dragon Series by Gayle Grass
This is an amazing book the opens the door gently to talk about emotional problems in young children with the child. The book stresses kindness and understanding.
It also teach a few coping mechanisms, and the importance of sharing our feelings.

[Patty Franco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about mental illness. For children. Wonderful

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Iris the dragon.

She is so kind and patient to Fish.

I hope I can have a friend like her one day.

Or maybe I can be that kind of friend to others.