Guest Post: Book Therapy

Book Therapy

by Misty Baker

Sometimes, I find myself wishing I was a kid again, especially when I get out of bed cracking and popping like Rice Krispies. I bet you wish you could turn back the hands of the clock of aging as well. But, if you really think back to when you were little, you might remember some big struggles. Like learning to ride your bike without training wheels. Learning to tie your shoes. Learning to read and write. Speech impediments. Getting glasses. That first day of school–so scary and exciting at the same time! Braces…ugh. Bullies and big brothers, and a multitude of bruises. Let’s not forget peanut or bee allergies.

Then there were tougher things. Losing grandparents. Divorce. Perhaps even poverty and abuse. Things we don’t understand fully as adults. Some of us had to grow up a lot quicker than we should have.

For me, when I was a child and faced challenges of my own, books were my comfort and escape. I bet you’ll recognize some of my favorites:

• Black Beauty
• Little House on the Prairie series
• Jane Eyre
• The Cat Who… mystery series

You might even recognize a few of these:

• Silver Wolf
• The Wolves of Willoughby Chase (I had a thing for wolves back in the day—don’t ask)
• Beatrice & Vanessa
• Never Tease a Weasel

Some of them, I recall reading over and over again, and each time I lost myself in their pages, transported to new worlds where anything was possible. Over the past few years, I’ve shared my favorites with my kids, and while they haven’t always enjoyed them like their mother did, I noticed something beneath the eye-rolling and impatient sighs. The gears of their imaginations turned, and before long, they were seeking their own favorites from the library, reading some of them time and again.

I’ve noticed too, much to my delight, that they often turn to their books when things get a little too stressful for them to handle. What better way to cope with life’s challenges than to allow their minds to have a romp through the playground of a book instead of dwelling on the negative? Reading alone might settle their thoughts and inspire them to tackle those problems with renewed focus.

If your kids are struggling with something, of course provide a listening ear and a warm hug. But also encourage them to turn to their favorite books. And you know what? It wouldn’t hurt you one bit to do the same.

 

***** About the Author *****

Misty Baker is an author, freelance editor, and shameless chocoholic. She writes romance under her pen name Mysti Parker. Her other writings have appeared in numerous anthologies, and she has two more children’s books in the works.

Misty lives in Buckner, KY with her husband, three children and a great many pets.

Find the author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

***** About the Book *****

Title: Quentin’s Problem
Author: Misty Baker
Release Date: February 2015
Series?: no
Genre: Children’s Literature

What’s a pirate student to do when he must pass the Piratish Exam, but he can’t say “Arrr”? Quentin the Quick must figure out a clever way to pass the test, so he comes up with a fantastic, wonderful, crazy idea. It’s not the truth, but it’s not exactly a lie…

But it backfires, and now Quentin must walk the plank. Hungry sharks wait below, ready to feast on a pirate lunch. Can Quentin save his skin and his pride before he becomes a shark snack?

Find the book: Goodreads | Amazon