Calm-Down Time (Toddler Tools), Board Book, By: Elizabeth Verdick, Marieka Heinlen

Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves, be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three. .. I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.” After a break, toddlers will feel like new—and adults will, too. Books include tips for parents and caregivers. About the Author Elizabeth Verdick has been writing books since 1997, the year her daughter was born. Her two children are the inspiration for nearly everything she writes. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth edited books for children and parents. These days she writes books for babies, toddlers, teens, and every age in between. She especially loves creating new board books. The Happy Healthy Baby series is designed to capture the interest of the littlest readers. Elizabeth’s Toddler Tools series helps young children and their parents cope with those tough times and transitions that happen every day (like naptime and bedtime). In the Best Behaviour series, she helps toddlers reach new milestones and improve their day-to-day behaviour. Elizabeth also enjoys getting the chance to look at the funny side of life in the Laugh and Learn series, which helps kids ages 8–13 get a handle on the social-emotional skills they’re developing throughout the elementary and middle school years. She’s also co-author of The Survival Guide for Kids with Autism Spectrum Disorder (And Their Parents), which offers kids with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) their own comprehensive resource for both understanding their condition and finding tools to cope with the challenges they face every day. Elizabeth lives and writes near St. Paul, Minnesota.