Review of "Stop and Smell the Cookies" by Gibson Frazler
There’s something inexplicably delightful about children’s books, especially when they peel back the layers of childhood emotions with gentle grace. "Stop and Smell the Cookies" by Gibson Frazler caught my eye not only because of its whimsical title but also for its promise to help navigate the sometimes-loud world of big feelings. As a parent, I often find myself searching for tools to help my little ones (my almost three-year-old daughter, especially) understand their emotions better. This book seemed like a treasure waiting to be uncovered.
The Heart of the Story
At its core, "Stop and Smell the Cookies" is a simple yet profound exploration of emotional regulation. The narrative follows Dash, a character whose overwhelming feelings often spiral out of control. With the advice to pause, breathe, and take in the comforting aroma of cookies, those big emotions become manageable. It’s a delightful metaphor that resonates well with both children and adults. As I read this story to my daughter, her eyes lit up as if she understood the message at a fundamental level. There’s something magical about transforming a tricky concept like emotional regulation into relatable, digestible moments.
One notable aspect of the writing is its accessibility paired with advanced vocabulary, which does dumb it down for no one. Words like "ambrosial" might challenge younger readers, yet they open up an opportunity for learning and discussion between parent and child. While I cherish these moments, I also feel that the book seems tailored more for slightly older kids who can grasp the nuances of emotion, making it a wonderful choice for parents and teachers alike.
The Writing Style
Gibson Frazler’s writing has a soothing, rhythmic quality to it that infuses warmth into the story. Each page is like a gentle hug, coaxing young readers to embrace both their joys and frustrations. However, I did feel that the ending left something to be desired. It felt somewhat abrupt, as though a page was missing — a wrap-up that would echo back the wisdom learned. A few lines suggesting that "His plan actually worked. Who would’ve known smelling cookies could be the answer?" would have been the cherry on top, bringing the story full circle in a way that wraps up the emotional journey Dash experiences.
Memorable Moments
While reading, I was particularly struck by the visual imagery Frazler conjures about cookies and feelings intertwining. The act of stopping to smell something as simple yet delectable as cookies serves as a reminder that grounding ourselves in small pleasures can be an effective emotional strategy. As a bonus, my daughter connected with the idea so much that she started deep breathing along with the story, which felt like a little victory in emotional education.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend "Stop and Smell the Cookies" to any parent or educator looking for a beautiful way to introduce the concept of emotional regulation. While it may present slightly advanced vocabulary, the heartfelt message and relatable premise will resonate with many families. Whether you’re checking this out from a local library, as I did, or planning to keep it on your bookshelf (it’s on my Amazon wishlist already!), it’s a story worth sharing. Most importantly, this experience has encouraged me to approach my children’s emotional education with the same nurturing essence embodied in Frazler’s book. Sometimes, all we need to do is stop and smell the cookies, and for that, I am grateful.
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