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Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner
Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Resilience / adaptability

Impossible!

Perfect to share with children who hide their fears and worries behind "I CAN'T" or "IT'S IMPOSSIBLE', this charming picture book may encourage more of a growth mindset, help to overcome a challenge, or motivate a child to take the first step on the road to a new adventure or experience.
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Author: Tracey Corderoy
Illustrator: Tony Neal
Publisher: Little Tiger

Dog bimbles along running a laundry in a busy, noisy city. He dreams of visiting the ocean, but he convinces himself it is ‘just too far away‘.

A purchase of ‘Ocean Magic’ washing powder results in a remarkable turn of events: a crab with a can-do attitude turns up in his laundry basket. Crab puts in a request to be driven back home to the seaside, but Dog is convinced it’s impossible…until Crab points out that  “it’s only impossible if you say it is”. Dog eventually steps out of his comfort zone and embarks on the road trip with his new positive pal. They have a whale of a time, experiencing incredible new places and chatting to other travellers (who admit they have worries and fears too). With his new-found optimistic outlook and the support of his friends, Dog overcomes all the ‘impossible’ boundaries (including fallen trees) on his road to the ocean…and, of course, he adores the seaside! The story ends with Dog putting down roots in his ultimate happy place: a magical café on the beach (and nothing feels impossible any more). 

This is another belter of a picture book from the Corderoy/Neal partnership with deliciously quirky characterisation and gorgeous illustrations. We fell in love with Crab and his unswerving optimism (it’s worth buying this book just for the picture of him trying to ride a bike). On each reading we noticed new details (see if you can spot the frog reading the paper on the loo). A very useful tool to help convince children to take the plunge and try something challenging or new,  and it should thoroughly entertain you in the process. 

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

  • The prospect of  a new situation or experience can be frightening. 
  • Fear of change can sometimes paralyse you and prevent you from taking the first step towards doing something new. It is easy to make excuses (Dog convinces himself that the ocean is too far away for him to visit). 
  • ‘It was one thing to SAY he’d go, but quite another to DO it’. Dog felt better as soon as he found the courage to begin his journey. 

Guidance:

  • “I never knew there was so much to see.” Exploration and new experiences broaden your horizons and can be very fulfilling. 
  • A problem shared is a problem halved. Mouse and Flamingo were honest and open, admitting they also had fears and worries. 

Hope & Inspiration:

  • Dog and Crab overcame challenging (mental and physical) stumbling blocks and achieved their goal of getting to the ocean. Dog, bolstered by his new positive mindset, found the courage to start a new life at the seaside, bringing him true happiness. 
  • Crab’s can-do attitude was infectious, and gave Dog the emotional support he needed to stand up to his fears. 
Review by: Claire Ward-Dutton

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, change, co-operation, confidence, courage, fears, friends, persistence, transition



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What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

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The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.