Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Nicole S. Kluemper to bring you this post.
Are you anxious? Or is your child? Anxiety is a real thing and for some it can disrupt their lives. I have seen it in students who just shut down when they are anxious. It can cause missing out of fun things, not completing work, and many arguments. Today we are sharing a fun book about a dog who is anxious. He learns some coping skills, and they are even tutorials later in the book for the reader to try. The book is Simon the Scared Rottweiler by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D. There is a giveaway at the end of the book.
About the Book:
Simon the Scared Rottweiler Written by Nicole S. Kluemper, Ph.D.Ages: 4–8 | 34 Pages | Publisher: Nicole S Kluemper (2026) | ISBN: 979-8218884802
Publisher’s Book Summary: Simon is having a hard day. He wakes up to a bad dream, the fire alarm goes off at school, some big bullies bother him, and that’s not all! Just then, Kevin’s big sister Angie steps in and helps Simon by teaching him some skills for dealing with his worry that will last a lifetime.
Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
About the Author
Nicole Kluemper, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist at a small community clinic in San Diego, California. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of San Diego and her doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Alliant International University. Dr. Kluemper is a Navy veteran, a published author, and lives just outside San Diego with her husband of seventeen years and their dog, Simon.
To learn more, visit www.nicolekluemper.com.
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From Me:
Simon is a rottweiler who is having a tough day. He woke up from a nightmare only to be startled by his brother and his day continued in this way. There were bullies and a big math test and so many other events. When he is finally hanging out with his friends at a sleepover and the friends start telling scary stories it is too much. He needs to go home and be done with it all. When he goes to call home though his friend's sister is there and talks to him about his anxiety and gives him two ways to relax a bit when anxiety is bothering him.
This book is perfect for anyone who is anxious or is experiencing anxiety. I love how Kevin's sister, Angie, helps Simon release his anxiety. She explains to him about her own anxiety and gives him two methods to cope with it. Both methods are written as tutorials in the back of the book for the reader to try. There is also a list of resources and crisis resources. One is a breathing method and the other is creating a thought bottle. A thought bottle is a jar with liquids and glitter. The idea is to shake the jar and watch the glitter fall. When the water is clear again, the anxiety should be much less. There is a tutorial in the back of the book to make a thought bottle. I did this with an old spice jar. However, I suggest making one that does not have the flip lids as mine leaked. Or if you use a flip lid, be sure to super glue the lid parts down! I did not glue my lid on as I was making it quickly for the post!
It is an easy craft to make and if done like Angie has Simon make it, the task itself can release some anxiety. This book is also great for a classroom. It helps talk about anxiety and gives the students ways to cope. It also will open the door for the students to discuss their anxiety with the teacher in real time. This way the teacher can help. It is also perfect for a parent and child read and then of course make the thought bottle. I wish it had been around when Hazel was younger. Now for your own relaxation, you can watch my thought bottle settle!
Giveaway:
Five lucky readers who follow along on this virtual book tour will have the chance to win a paperback copy of Simon the Scared Rottweiler. Good luck!
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