Book Nook: Sophia Swan is Afraid of Water

 A swan that is afraid of water. A cub that is afraid to leave his mother. A puppy that is afraid of EVERYTHING!

Through creative storytelling informed by her expertise in clinical child psychology, Doctor Madeleine Vieira teaches children to manage their anxiety symptoms in her anxiety disorder series I’M AFRAID. The protagonists, different animal characters suffering from a type of anxiety, want to overcome their anxiety. They do so through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy’s graded exposure process with the guidance of a wise owl named Ollie.

“Specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood anxiety disorders, I am passionate about alleviating symptoms of children suffering from anxiety,” Dr. Vieira says. “My I’M AFRAID anxiety disorders therapeutic children’s series was created out of this passion. Through this series, I hope to reach children worldwide, well beyond my practice, as well as have it serve as a therapeutic tool to other mental health professionals.”

Each book and character focuses on a specific anxiety disorder, including Specific Phobia (
SOPHIA SWAN IS AFRAID OF WATER!), Separation Anxiety Disorder (CHARLIE CUB IS AFRAID TO LEAVE HIS MOTHER!), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (PRISCILLA PUPPY IS AFRAID OF EVERYTHING!). Parents and mental health professionals will appreciate this series aimed at relieving children’s anxiety symptoms.

I had a chance to see Sophia Swan. I really liked the way it was written. It was gentle and kind, with practical tips kids and families can use, presented in an authentic way with good examples. Although Sophia Swan was specifically about being afraid of water, the tips in the story could be used for any particular specific fear. The book beautifully models support and progress in a loving, caring way.