Book Nook - Journeys with June

 I recently learned about Journeys with June, a heartfelt and impactful children’s book series by Emily Gatto, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, designed to support young readers and their families in navigating emotional and behavioral challenges. With her extensive experience as a clinical social worker as the Director of TLC Wellness at The Lincoln Center for Family and Youth, Emily brings a unique, evidence-based perspective to this series, making it a valuable resource for parents, educators, and caregivers.

The Journeys with June series follows June, a relatable young character, as she encounters everyday challenges and learns practical strategies for emotional resilience and self-discovery. Each book combines engaging storytelling with therapeutic insights, offering children tools to manage big feelings and parents conversation starters to foster emotional growth. The series is grounded in Emily’s training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and other evidence-based approaches, ensuring its relevance for families seeking meaningful, accessible resources.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview.

What was the inspiration behind the book series?

The inspiration behind the June Series is multifactorial. It stems from my own childhood, growing up in the 90s when mental health wasn’t discussed the way it is today. I was June—filled with intrusive thoughts that often overshadowed what should have been simpler times. In therapy, I often remind clients that the goal is to make decisions based on what we want—not what anxiety wants.

Where June differs is that she is empowered. She has tools, and she exists in a time when feelings and challenges are openly discussed. Fast forward to my time as a therapist, I realized I was never alone—so many children and families struggle with the same concerns. While working at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in primary care, I noticed patterns in referrals—anxious thinking, bedtime struggles, sibling conflict, social challenges—themes that became the foundation of the June books.

The books aim to fill a “middle ground”—supporting kids who may not yet need therapy but who benefit greatly from early intervention. They can also serve as companions in therapy, reinforcing tools and messages already being introduced.

What were some considerations behind making the character June relatable to young readers?

My main goal was to make June both educational and approachable, without being clinical. In family therapy, I often noticed that adults would “life kids”—using high-level concepts in language that kids didn’t fully understand, leading to nods of agreement but a lack of real engagement. The challenge is that kids don’t think like adults, and adults don’t think like kids—so we needed a tool that speaks to both.

I also wanted June to feel like a friend. Many shows have a narrator, and June essentially narrates every situation in her stories. By living through her, children can see their own experiences reflected back and realize they are not alone.

How can adults use these books as conversation starters with kids?

I encourage parents to be exploratory with their children. Parenting often focuses on teaching lessons—through direction, redirection, instruction, or reprimand—all important and necessary at times. And parents can also teach through meaningful conversations and questions.

For example, after reading June’s Big Wave, if your child expresses worry, try asking: “Who is coming up with these ideas—your worry, or what you really know to be true?” Explore how they feel and how those feelings are impacting them. Practice having conversations where you don’t tell your child what to do, but instead guide them to conclusions and tools through curiosity and reflection.

Why is it important for kids to have age-appropriate literature that introduces sometimes challenging topics?

Because kids, just like us, crave validation and tools before struggles become overwhelming. Age-appropriate literature meets them where they are developmentally, offering language, strategies, and relatable experiences they can understand. It empowers kids to see their feelings reflected in a safe way while also giving parents a mutual way to connect.

Parents also crave the same validation—to not feel alone in the challenges of raising children. Social media can provide community and support, but it often inundates parents with competing advice and sometimes leaves them feeling guilty or inadequate. Something children and adults share in common is the desire to both understand what they’re going through and to know what to do about it. The June books provide both—offering clarity, tools, and conversation starters for children, while giving parents confidence and relief that they don’t have to navigate these struggles in isolation.