Book Nook: Chicken Little, Come Out! The Sky is Not Falling!: Helping Children Express and Cope with Their Anxiety

I recently had the chance to review Chicken Little, Come Out! The Sky is Not Falling!: Helping Children Express and Cope with Their Anxiety.

Many of us have heard the story about Chicken Little, worried about the sky falling because he gets hit in the head. This book takes that original story, and incorporates teamwork and support to help the barn yard characters overcome their fears and phobias.

This book is a nice, non-threatening way to help kids learn how to manage fear and anxiety. It allows kids to identify and normalize worries and fears, and work on coping strategies in a healthy way. It boasts an impressive author list with excellent mental health credentials. If you have a kid that worries to much or deals with anxiety, this can be an excellent tool to use to help with that.

Michele Winchester Vega, D.S.W., LCSW-R, ACSW, is a psychiatric social worker trained at Columbia University and Yeshiva University. She has worked in clinical practice for over 35 years and has taught at Yeshiva University, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Orange County College and Marist College in the areas of psychology, sociology, and social work. Dr. Winchester Vega is the owner of a very successful practice in the Hudson Valley that employs over 30 mental health professionals. She has received accolades for her professional work and commitment to philanthropy. She is the author of many publications including a self published children’s book she co-authored with her daughter titled, Are You My Sister?

Dr. Sharen Casazza M.D. is a pediatrician trained at the University Of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She returned to her hometown to practice and is the founder of Washingtonville Pediatrics in Washingtonville, New York. Now retired, she spent many years counseling parents and children, helping them navigate through life.

Katie Helpley, LMFT, RPT, is a marriage and family therapist and registered play therapist who has worked in the mental health field for over thirteen years. Her work has involved numerous years with foster children and their families. She currently works in a large private practice mental health practice treating individuals, families and children.

Corinne Varavides, LCSW, SBL-SDL, is a Certified School Social Worker, trained at Columbia University of NY. She has an advanced certification in Educational Administration from Long Island University. She has worked in early childhood education for many years and has volunteered her time and efforts in a number of child centered activities and organizations.

Dorian Skelton is an award-winning artist living in the Hudson Valley. In 2019, she was the recipient of the Scholastic Arts and Writing Gold Key award for her self portrait. That same year, she was accepted into the Garrison Art Institute Art Mentoring program and studied under Samantha Beste (www.besteart.com). Dori has also studied under artist Sam Papantoniou (http://www.brooklynartscouncil.org/artists/29722). Dori is a freshman at John Jay High School in Wappingers Falls, NY. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/dorian-skelton.html

Elle Svoboda is an artist who lives in the Hudson Valley. She has been painting since she was in elementary school and she specializes in animal portraits. Elle has also worked in clay and photography. Her eye for detail and precision allows her to create incredible miniature paintings on the smallest canvases including smooth stones, eggs and other interesting surfaces. Elle studied under artist Sam Papantoniou and has participated in the Feel the Art Effect summer program in Poughkeepsie, NY. Elle is a Junior at Somers High School in Somers, NY. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/elle-svoboda