Lynn Jenkins is a clinical psychologist, author and mother of three. Lynn is passionate about early intervention in the social and emotional development of children. She has written three picture books on the topics of anxiety and worry (Lessons of a LAC, Brave and Perfect Petunias), a picture book on mindfulness for children called Ollie’s Treasure, as well as two non-fiction titles for adults, Best Start and School Start.
Kirrili Lonergan is a children’s book illustrator and mother of four. She has illustrated several picture books (Lessons of a LAC, Brave, Perfect Petunias, Ollie’s Treasure and Dandelions) as well as creating designs for clothes, prints and pottery. She is passionate about illustrating picture books that have a ‘healing’ message and has a great understanding of the need for such books as a result of her previous work as a paediatric nurse.
Loppy is an LAC, or ‘Little Anxious Creature’. He always focuses his attention on what could go wrong and can’t seem to stop worrying. Curly the Calmster is just the opposite, and gently encourages Loppy to think differently about his worries. Along the way, Loppy (and the reader) are given simple, effective ways to reframe their thoughts and learn the right words to reassure themselves when they’re feeling anxious or worried. After all, just because bad things might happen, that doesn’t mean they will. The result is an engaging picture book that gives readers a unique way to think about their worries and other feelings they may associate with anxiety. Having an understanding of their anxiety or ‘worry feelings’ gives them empowerment. Learning that there is an alternative to worrying all the time gives them relief. Lessons of a LAC is the first book in the ‘Lessons of a LAC’ series. This gorgeous series, by an author and illustrator who are passionate about giving children ways to think about and manage common emotional difficulties, is a valuable resource for every child to help guide their emotional development.
KU Children’s Services
“It’s never too early … to provide young children with more awareness around mental health and emotional wellbeing can provide them with skills for life.” Click here to read in full
Early Childhood Book Reviews
“This wonderful book was written by an experienced Australian clinical psychologist and it is full of valuable messages for Little Anxious Creatures all over the world. We love that this book offers skills to deal with anxiety and worries. It’s clever, funny and USEFUL. Helping children think about their anxiety is the first step in managing them. It opened up very useful conversations and I must say it’s even helped my anxieties a little too with being given the knowledge of some easy self-help tools! .” – Click here to read in full.
Just So Stories
“ The delightful illustrations are very reminiscent of Dr Seuss whacky style and will have genuine appeal to children. Art activities which combine ‘feelings’ concepts are a very distinct possibility with this one. .” – Click here to read in full.
In The Good Books
“It is a really good book that will help to give your child a better understanding of their worries, and help them gain skills that they can use in order to help manage anxiety.” – Click here to read in full
The Daily Telegraph
“Primary schoolchildren will be shown how to channel their inner calm in this story about managing anxiety. Written by clinical psychologist and mother-of three Lynn Jenkins, Lessons Of A LAC has been branded as an emotional resource to help kids develop strategies to manage their anxiety. And there are probably a few lessons in there for mum or dad as well.” – Click here to read in full
The Herald Sun
“This great book is aimed at helping little anxious creatures manage anxieties … written by a clinical psychologist, this is a wonderful book for parents of anxious children” – Click here to read in full
New Idea
“Written by clinical psychologist, Lynn Jenkins, the story shows children that just because bad things might happen it doesn’t mean they will!” – Click here to read the review in full.
At The Table Magazine
“There is great wisdom in the narrative.” – Click here to read in full.
Reading Time
” Using minimal text and large expressive drawings, this picture book aims to help children to understand their anxieties. Written by a clinical psychologist, it gives ideas about how to stop worrying. – Click here to read in full.
Mums At The Table
“Children respond to the quality of care they receive, so what are the early things parents can do to ensure they develop well socially and emotionally.” – Click here to read in full.
ABC Melbourne Afternoons with Richelle Hunt, April 2018
“A gorgeous children’s picture book … helping children deal with their anxiety” – Click here to listen.