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Julia Cook, Rebeca Chow, Dale Crawford
Dawson feels lots of emotions and knows each one has an important job, including keeping him safe, resilient, and prepared.
But what happens when his emotions take their jobs too seriously? Will Dawson still be able to manage them, or will they run wild in awkward and reckless ways?
A trip to Dawson’s happiest place – the zoo – is the ultimate test. The anticipation of feeding the giraffes, riding the train, and eating snow cones overwhelms his body with excitement. But that feeling quickly gives way to sadness when he isn’t allowed to ride the carousel, or what he calls the round and round.
His sadness then becomes rage when he learns that refusing to eat all his carrot sticks means he won’t get to have any cotton candy. As his loving, but firm, mom leads him away from the snack shack, Dawson experiences another big emotion – worry. What if he leans too far over the side of the train and falls into Gorilla Land? The momma gorilla might not give him back!
From joy and sadness to anger and worry, this zoo trip brings out lots of big emotions. So Mom gently reminds him that even though all his feelings are natural and important, he’s still the boss and his emotions work for him. That’s when Dawson reimagines his day.
What if he gives his special squishy a big squeeze to release some of his happy energy? What if he gets to ride the round and round on his next visit? What if he eats all his carrots so he can indulge in cotton candy? And what if he keeps himself safe on the train, so he stays safe from the gorillas?
Best-selling author Julia Cook and renowned play therapist Dr. Rebeca Chow team up in this colourful, empowering story that reminds young readers they can make their emotions work for them in healthy and positive ways, even during distressing and difficult situations.
A special page written by Dr. Chow, who is a clinical counsellor and registered play therapist, offers practical strategies parents and educators can use to teach children how to take charge of all their emotions.
"The Awesome Dawson character provides children with a way to visualize and conceptualize how to manage very powerful emotions. Parents and children can experience these powerful emotions as they journey with Dawson through the challenges of everyday life. Skillfully crafted by Cook, Dawson is able to give life to these feelings in a way that promotes understanding and reduces externalization. Children and parents can vividly see their own experiences validated in ways that support meaningful discussion. A must-read for every child who struggles with managing big emotions!"
- Tiffany Arrington, PhD, School Psychologist
