The Listening Tree: Helps Us Feel Brave (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798993952918)

The Listening Tree is a heartfelt children's story about change, big feelings, and learning how to hear the quiet voice inside yourself.

Created for ages 5-12, it gently guides young readers through emotional awareness, empathy, and resilience as they follow the journey of two siblings learning to begin again in a new place.

Ashlyn and Asher have just moved to the peaceful town of Riverbend. New house. New school. New routines. New faces. So many changes all at once can feel exciting on the outside, yet uncertain on the inside. Kids often experience emotions that adults forget to talk about-feeling lost in the crowd, nervous about fitting in, unsure of what to say, or worried that they don't quite belong yet. Even when parents offer reassurance, the inside feelings still matter.

Life is filled with moments that tug at our hearts. Sometimes you feel sad and can't explain why. Sometimes you're mad but don't want to upset anyone. Maybe you feel embarrassed and wish you could disappear, or scared even though you're trying your hardest to be brave. These are the quiet, hidden feelings that most children carry but don't always have words for. If you've ever felt any of these things-this story welcomes you with open arms.

Growing up is full of joy, fun, and possibility, but it can also feel confusing, overwhelming, or even lonely. Through their journey, Ashlyn and Asher discover a powerful truth: every feeling matters, not just the happy ones. Even the messy, uncomfortable, tangled emotions deserve attention, compassion, and understanding.

That is where the Listening Trees come in.

These trees aren't magical in the sparkly, glittering sense. They don't grant wishes, glow, or float. Their magic is softer and deeper. They listen. When the world feels too loud or your thoughts feel tangled, the Listening Trees whisper calm questions, help you hear what your heart is trying to say, and guide you toward understanding the feelings you didn't know how to name. They remind children-and grown-ups-that you are never alone inside your emotions.

Each chapter ends with simple reflection moments: gentle prompts that invite children to pause, breathe, think, and connect with what they're feeling. These short exercises help young readers build emotional intelligence, self-awareness, vocabulary for their inner experiences, and the confidence to say, "My feelings matter, and it's okay to talk about them."

The Listening Tree is filled with friendship, courage, kindness, imagination, hope, and the beauty of new beginnings. It offers comfort to children navigating change, and it serves as a meaningful reminder for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to support kids with compassion and presence.

Whether you have moved to a new town, started a new school, felt left out, made a new friend, lost one, tried something brave, or felt brave and scared at the exact same time-this story is for you. It is for every child learning to understand themselves, and for every adult who wants to help them grow with gentleness.

Take a deep breath.

Find a comfy spot.

Let your heart open just a little.

The Listening Trees are waiting for you-and they are ready to listen.