AVAILABLE NOW
Looking for a way to help your children cope when their minds and hearts feel unsettled?
I have teamed up with Julie Neustadter, an experienced educator and creator of social-emotional learning curricula, to create Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness.
This picture book tells the story of a young girl’s quest to manage that feeling of uneasiness many children cannot quite name, but know they feel. Backed by scientific research supporting nature-based stress reduction tools for school-aged children, this story invites readers to follow Sky on her journey as she discovers fun ways to feel happier and calmer using nature.
Sky and her friends experience the relaxing and mood-boosting benefits of gratitude, mindfulness, kindness, and creativity in the natural world through yoga, painting, volunteering, playfulness, and awe. This helpful and entertaining story invites children to be present in their feelings and take some manageable steps to balance them.
The book is illustrated by Emily Hercock.
Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness Has Gotten Rave Reviews
“As a behavioral pediatrician who treats children with ADHD, anxiety and other mental health issues, I am always on the look out for children’s books to recommend to families as a way to “jumpstart” a conversation about mental health, social and life skills. What I loved about Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness is that it provides a common scenario that kids can relate to and how they can discover what ecohappiness tools they can add to their mental wellness toolbox. It is so important to have kids be outside, connect with nature and other people, especially those with attention and learning differences. I will be recommending this book to families wishing to help their child understand the importance of physical activity, mindfulness, and spending time outdoors!”
–Dr. Nerissa Bauer, CEO of Let’s Talk Kids Health
“Through Sky’s exploration of ecohappiness, Julie and Sandi invite children to discover the positive impact of nature on one’s emotions. By actively engaging our senses outdoors, nature magically creates inner strength, resilience, and joy in us all.”
— Shira B. Kulok, MS.Ed, Director, Child Development Center at George Mason University and NoVA Outside Board of Directors member
“Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness is an inspiring story that teaches children how to deal with feelings in a natural and healthy way. It gives children tools they need to understand their big feelings ,and helps them cope and de-stress.”
— Lauren Goldblatt, founder of Kickstart Reading, kickstartreading.com
“Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness is a gentle tale that helps children learn how nature can help bring calm and happiness into their lives. Children will learn how yoga, caring for the Earth, and painting can be simple ways to find their own ecohappiness. These are approaches that I use in my own teaching practice and have seen the transformative power of nature.”
— April Zajko, M.Ed., Nature-based Early Childhood Educator and Consultant, aprilsteachingtree.com
“Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness is a great way to introduce kids (and their parents) to the concept of nature’s hand on mental health. I love seeing the actionable ideas for kids to get outside and feel better clearly played out in the story. I recommend this book to any family looking to help kids love the outdoors and be active in their mental well-being.”
–Jilane Truax, theoutdoorparent.org
“In today’s digital world, Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness is a book that belongs in your kids’ library. It’s for parents, grandparents, teachers, school counselors—anyone who loves nature and wants kids to discover the joys of being in nature.”
–Mary Cassell, PhD, Community Educator & Public Librarian
If you would like to schedule an interview with me or receive a copy of Sky’s Search for Ecohappiness for review, please email sandi@ecohappinessproject.com
