Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J.

Endorsements

“An amusing and cleverly written rhyming story that teaches children how to build frustration tolerance skills and find their inner calm.”

—Junia Wonders, author of The Night the Monsters Came!, Have You Ever Wondered What You Will Be?, Zachary and the Great Potato Catastrophe, The Roll Away Pumpkin, Boy and the Traveling Cheese, Backyard Hullabaloo, and I Love You Through Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall

“Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound: The Quiet Wants of Julien J. takes readers on a personal journey with Julien J. as he attempts to enjoy his favorite comic. Julien’s story presents a lesson in frustration tolerance that is both engaging and sincere, as well as relatable for its young audience. Professionals and parents are sure to find this book to be a practical resource for exploring conversations around frustration tolerance and healthy coping skills in developing children.”

—Brittney Pearson, PhD, clinical psychologist, and professor at Norfolk State University

“In this whimsical tale, Dr. Palacio highlights many of the daily struggles children face in relation to concentration, irritability, and challenges in self-regulation. Further still, the creative storytelling and powerful imagery speak strongly to the ways and means through which children learn! Every adult who finds themselves in the presence of early-aged children should read Shrieks and Sounds and Things Abound! It’s a fun way to engage children in identifying emotions, developing coping skills, and reflecting on one’s behavior.”

—Shruti Patel, MA, licensed marriage and family therapist, senior clinician at East Bay Agency for Children

“Julien just wants to read about his favorite hero in peace! Why is that so hard?  After all, who doesn’t love the excitement of Bluebullet and his thrilling battles with the enemy? This whimsical, rhyming tale takes you on a hilarious journey of a little boy who becomes increasingly annoyed by the distractions around him. Will he be able to manage his emotions? Will he be able to finish his book? This story is perfect for young readers who are learning how to cope with life’s frustrations.” 

—Ayesha Rodriguez, author of My Brother and I, My Mommy and Me, I am . . . (Positive Affirmation for Brown Girls), I am . . . (Positive Affirmations for Brown Boys), I am . . . (Positive Affirmations for Children), Beautiful Brown Skin Child, and My Dad and I

“This entertaining and insightful book is great for families and educators alike. It will make a great addition to any library collection. It has a fun and entertaining tone to address the very real and strong emotions of frustration. Julien’s journey through learning to handle distractions and frustration is an approachable way to start conversations with children who struggle in the same area. They will likely relate to Julien and be inspired by him. I love the light tone of the story as it addresses a heavy topic.”

—Ruthie Godfrey, elementary educator and author of Grandpa’s Guide to Life Series, Good Deeds Gone Wrong, and Practice Makes Better

“Shrieks and Sounds and Thing’s Abound! is whimsical and clever while being intentional in teaching frustration tolerance and coping skills. The words rhyme and dance through the pages. Each word playfully connects to each of your senses as the boy learns the strength of the hero within himself. In the end, the boy is transformed with the superpower of being in control. In this short book, Dr. Palacio successfully teaches cognitive restructuring—a child can learn they can choose how they conceptualize the world around them by dialing down the noisy chaos.”

—Maryam R. Hafezi, PsyD, integrated health psychologist, regional faculty and supervisor, Kaiser Permanente, speaker and consultant in bariatric surgery

“I think it’s a brilliant story for all ages. You can read it whether you are eight or eighty. It’s a great reminder that whenever we feel stressed, we need to stop and think of something peaceful, relax, smile, and go on. Kids and their parents will enjoy this educational story.

—Alicia Ortego, educator and author of Breathing is my Superpower, Acceptance is my Superpower, and Kindness is my Superpower

“I literally immersed myself in the story! It was like I was actually sitting next to Julien! What to say about my children—they were very interested in the plot, emphasized with the hero, and learned to live emotions with him. Bright illustrations complement the story amazingly! Great book! Highly recommend!”

—Elizabeth Cole, author of the Worlds of Kids Emotions Series

“Dr. Palacio has written a book that I intend to use with my students. I especially like the page about Fluster and Bluster because a few of my students make a tempest in a teapot. I tell them that learning to control one’s emotions is vital for happiness. However, I have to give them credit for caring so much about their work.”

—Joan Ramirez, SBCWI children’s book reviewer