caron levis Scribbling for kids, teens, and groan-ups
STUCK WITH THE BLOOZ
What do you do when you're feeling blue?
What if your mood takes the form of a drippy, oozy monster called...
the Blooz? Do you ignore it? Do you ask it lots of questions? Do you give it an ice-pop and hope it goes away? Through trial and error, the child in this story discovers how to shake the Blooz. With a read-aloud rhythm and whimsical illustrations, this debut picture book helps children talk about emotions--and is perfect for young fans of friendly monsters.
By Caron Levis and illustrated by Jon Davis.
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; ISBN- 9780547745602)
"...First-time author Levis writes with a particularly refreshing innocence that affirms readers’ feelings but also shows them that sadness does not have to be scary—or even a bad thing...The process of understanding emotion, especially for young children, can be overwhelming and abstract—the Blooz just might be the perfect concrete visual to help everyone get through those cranky days." Read the full Kirkus review here.
"Debut author Levis has an impressively light touch..."
Read the full Publishers Weekly review here.
"...the Blooz just might be the perfect concrete visual to help everyone get through those cranky days." —Kirkus
Find Blooz at your local bookstore, Amazon, B&N, or...
for a signed copy visit Caron's neighbors:
Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn or online.
(Note in comments that you want signed/ personalized copies. Include names you'd like inscribed!)
Caron answers, Where did the Blooz come from?
Sniff, step, sniff, step...sometimes it's hard to walk with the Blooz.
One day when I was teaching in a kindergarten class, I noticed one of the kids was crying while walking down the stairs. I pulled the student aside and we sat on the steps. Speaking through sniffles, this student conducted a thorough investigation into sadness. Am I hungry? Hurt? Tired? Homesick? The student couldn't figure out why the blues had come at that moment, but could describe what it felt like, remember that it would eventually go away, and brainstorm activities that would lead to feeling better. This kid's self awareness and courage impressed me very much and reminded me of all the folks I know who work to be present with their more uncomfortable emotions. I knew I wanted to share that conversation. A few months later, while I was sitting alone in a large empty house, looking at a cloudy sky and listening to the rain, the Blooz knocked on the door.
What readers are saying:
"Dear Caron, I liked The Blooz. That was a rilly good book! I also liked the drawings! I also got a good connection and when I got the blooz I rode my bike to get rid of it too!"-Logan, 7.
What parents are saying:
"My son is a passionate & intense little creature…tonight at bedtime, I read your book to him, and he listened intently...he relates to the Blooz on a very deep level. And then there's me. I, too, am very touched by your story. Thank you for writing such a beautiful, meaningful book. You've already connected with two readers in very different stages of their lives, and I'm sure this will be a common response to Stuck With The Blooz."
-GLC, Brooklyn parent.
What teachers are saying:
"I incorporate themes from Stuck with the Blooz into my classroom and use it to help kids identify and manage emotions and discover how to get to a happier, brighter place." - Kindergarten teacher, Riverdale Country School.
What child therapists are saying:
"I read a lot of children's books to kids- this way allowed me to introduce the topic of sadness in a more complex way. Normalizes the experiences, gives hope without being overly cutesy or glib, which so many children's books are." E.P., LCMSW
