About the Book
After much asking, pleading, and begging, Brooklyn is finally getting a puppy!
She names her four-legged fur friend Boss and immediately falls in love with him. Brooklyn soon discovers, however, that her pup has many mischievous behaviors. He can be shy and sassy as well as stubborn and excitable. If Boss is ever going to live up to his name, he will need better manners, more discipline, and proper social skills! So, it's off to puppy school for Boss and Brooklyn.
The weeks-long training class culminates in a Canine Good Citizen Test that they must pass. But before that final exam, they have much to do. There are new commands to learn and skills to practice.
As the pair work toward their training goals, Brooklyn starts to realize that Boss's antics in class mirror her own challenges at school - oftentimes inattentive and impulsive, frequently fidgety and wiggly, occasionally anxious and feisty, and sometimes rebellious and naughty.
If Brooklyn and Boss are going to ace their exam and be successful, they will both need to learn how to maintain focus, be persistent, and have more patience.
My Brain Is Like a Puppy, written for children ages 4 to 8, uses rhyme and humor to teach young readers about their brains, how to navigate challenges, and the power of perseverance, compassion, understanding, and empathy.
Debut author Laura Filtness uses a relatable and adorable analogy to highlight the many ways a young child's brain development is similar to the boundless and exuberant energy of a playful puppy. Readers are reminded that, like puppies, sometimes it's hard for our brains to "sit and stay." But through practice and helpful strategies, such as problem-solving, grounding, naming emotions, and visual supports, children can learn to regulate their behaviors and emotions to become more mindful learners.
About the Author :
Laura Filtness, M.Ed., was born in England and now resides in Tennessee with her playful pups, Brooklyn and Bindu, in a house bursting with books. A school counselor with more than fifteen years of experience, she is a sought-after presenter who writes heartfelt picture books inspired by her late, much-beloved dog, Boss. Follow her @pawsitiveschoolcounselor.
Review :
"Laura Filtness's debut children's book, My Brain Is Like a Puppy! is paws-itively heartwarming! In the story, Brooklyn takes her energetic new puppy to school to learn how to focus, only to realize that the lessons her puppy is learning mirror her own experiences in life, from dealing with gossip and peer pressure to managing test anxiety and distractions. With its playful text and charming illustrations, the story delivers an empowering message: it's okay to be energetic and distracted sometimes. But with focus and patience, we can learn to manage emotions and challenges. This delightful story is a tail-wagging success!" -Ashley Bartley, School Counselor, MEd, NCC
"My Brain Is Like a Puppy! is a 'one-stop shop' book that covers lots of useful topics for kids - calming down strong feelings, growth mindset, and study skills, just to name a few. Boss and his human, Brooklyn, show one another compassion when it's needed most. What a fun, helpful story for kids of all ages!" -Cheri L. Elkins, MS, School Counselor
"My Brain Is Like a Puppy! is a beautiful, fun depiction of what is happening inside the brain of my own child, but also the brains of many of my students! This story is a wonderful tool to help explain to kids, teachers, and parents what it's like when someone has difficulty slowing their brain down. The follow-up strategies are so helpful, and they are very practical for use in various settings!" -Emily Fain-Lynch, MA, LSC, School Counselor, and Parent of child with ADHD
"This book is perfect for sharing with students who need help understanding how their brain works and what they can do to train their 'inner puppy.' I can't wait to add it to our school library!" -Elizabeth Shepherd, School Librarian
