Book Review of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me
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The Children’s Book Review
Written by Hillary Harper
Illustrated by Felipe Calv
Ages 4-6 | 38 Pages
Publisher: Cannoli & Co. Books (2024) | ISBN-13: 9798988363644
What to Expect: Puppies, emotions, friendship, and self-regulation.
1, 2, 3, A Deep Breath for Me is a sweet, simple picture book based on a real-life doggy pair of friends. As well as a story about friendship, the text teaches readers a practical strategy for managing fear and anxiety.
Mack is a BIG dog—and he has BIG emotions. When people look at Mack and see how big he is, they assume he must also be brave and confident, but Mack doesn’t feel he is either. Instead, he is often scared, worried, and guilty about feeling scared and worried when he should be brave and confident enough to protect his family!
Then, Mack’s mom introduces Gertie to their family. Gertie is small and round, and Mack isn’t afraid of her at all. Best of all, Gertie is calm and confident. She teaches Mack a fun, rhyming breathing trick that he can use to control his fear. With a friend like Gertie at his side and his new trick to calm down, Mack can feel confident that scary feelings will soon pass!
As a main character, Mack is loveable, and readers will surely empathize with his size-versus-confidence dilemma. The softly colored pencil artwork uses facial expressions and framing to help readers zero in on emotions, while special text effects help them match vocabulary to those feelings. Photographs and biographies at the end of the book introduce readers to the real Mack and Gertie.
1, 2, 3, A Deep Breath for Me is an enjoyable story and a practical, accessible tool for teaching young readers about emotional regulation.
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About the Author
Hillary Harper has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2006. During this time she has worked as an elementary and preschool teacher, academic designer, and preschool/center director.
Her love of children’s books helped launch her book company, Cannoli & Co. Books, in 2023. Cannoli & Co. Books bring engaging, timeless, and creative stories to children and adults alike. The company is named after Hillary’s “best boy”, an English cream golden retriever named Cannoli. He and his canine brothers and sisters are the inspiration for her funny stories.
Hillary is a native of Ohio. She has three teenage daughters, who inspire her on a daily basis. She is a second-generation teacher and writer, following in the footsteps of her parents. Outside of her professional life, Hillary enjoys gardening, taking care of her house plants, and going on adventures.
Learn more about Hillary and her book company at cannolicobooks.com.
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