Calm

This board book is a calming read for little ones, but it is also an essential read for caregivers. It beautifully communicates a message that caregivers can teach their children some of the most powerful lessons during the most stressful, emotionally elevated moments with their child. Through their own actions, parents can teach reassurance and love in these stressful moments. Their children will sense their calm and may slowly begin to mirror that reaction. Calm is a lesson of responsive parenting that would serve as a gentle reminder to parents on the good and also exhausting, over-stimulating caregiving days as well.

Calm is authored by Dr. Jillian Roberts, a well-known child psychologist. The text, with phrases such as, “I’ll listen carefully and use a gentle voice”, is written as a commitment to children from their caregivers. The strong message of the text is paired with compelling photography including multigenerational families and babies of various ethnicities. The text is written on a pastel background adorned with arching floral patterns which provide a peaceful visual experience and add to the meditative nature of the book. The last page includes a message to caregivers from the author outlining the importance of self-regulation and the benefits for all involved.