Nova’s Missing Masterpiece uses a girl’s bond with her dog to address the themes of anger, self-regulation, problem solving, resilience and persistence.
When Nova realizes the artwork that she created for her dad’s birthday present is missing her tummy flip flops and her heart ker-thumps. She and her dog, Harley turn the house upside down but the missing masterpiece is nowhere to be found. Inevitably, Nova loses her temper. But Harley remains calm. Together, they continue searching for the missing masterpiece and eventually Nova starts to pay attention to Harley and his calming strategies. Just when it seems the artwork will never be found Nova tries one last strategy, which leads her directly to her missing masterpiece!
Learning to self-regulate, persist, problem solve, and be resilient are essential skills that need to be taught and modelled to children to support their social and emotional growth. Nova’s Missing Masterpiece gives children useful coping strategies to deal with anger and frustration, making the book an invaluable tool for parents, educators, health professionals and counsellors.
With vibrant, well-observed illustrations, this is the perfect story to show children how anger and frustration affect their brains and bodies, and how simple techniques can help them self-regulate and reset.
Brooke Graham is a children’s author, primary school teacher and mother who enjoys writing picture book stories and YA fiction. She is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental illness In her spare time, Brooke loves to go on adventures with her daughter, ride her horses and catch up with friends.
Robin Tatlow-Lord is a writer, animator and cartoonist. Having been drawing since she was in nappies, she loves bringing character and emotion to all her pictures and favors kids’ books, comics and graphic novels. When she’s not scribbling away, you will find her riding her bike, indulging her cat’s relentless need for neck scratches, or playing roller derby!
Buzz Words
“A must for every child’s bookshelf, Nova’s Missing Masterpiece is a marvellous guide to managing enormous feelings. The uncomplicated techniques are effectively mini mental reset buttons that kids can tuck away in their mind until needed.”
The Corner on Character
“Why I like this book: So. Many. Reasons. First of all, it’s SO relatable. Who among us hasn’t put something special somewhere for safekeeping only to forget where that safe place is? … And then there are the brilliant illustrations along with a bonus seek and find challenge, which I know that kids love!”
Story Links
“Nova’s Missing Masterpiece is an excellent story for three to seven year olds looking for a relatable, rollicking story and for their caregivers who are interested in exploring ways to help manage big emotions.”
Reading Time
“Nova’s Missing Masterpiece is a timely work, in a tumultuous world, teaching all of us how to work through our feelings in times of stress.”
What Book Next
“I particularly loved the full spread illustrations depicting Nova’s frantic search around her home, as she looks for her missing artwork. Toys tumble, books fly, puzzles tip and rugs slide out of cupboards. I also loved the side panels clearly portraying Nova’s changing emotions throughout her search.”
Grownups
“Nova’s Missing Masterpiece gives children useful coping strategies to deal with anger and frustration, making the book an invaluable tool for parents, educators, health professionals and counsellors.”
Books+Publishing
“a good reminder of self-regulating techniques for kids to use in times of stress”
Bottom Shelf
“As we get older we are more able to self-calm (we) think more clearly. But for children of Nova’s age that is a skill yet to be learnt so this is a great story to help start teaching it. But even without extracting this theme from the story, this is just a good read that will resonate with many.”
Picture Book Book Club
“ This one shines bright. Highly recommend! I love the way @ekbooksforkids publish these important stories about subjects that matter. Can’t wait to see what’s next!”
Blue Wolf Reviews
“The bold colours used on the front cover of Nova’s Missing Masterpiece suggest an exciting and vigorous story to be told.”
Little Darlings
“Sometimes life, your house, and your head get messy but with the calming strategies in this book, everything will turn out in the end. Take-home lessons woven into this lovely narrative include self-regulation and resilience.”
Children’s Books Ireland | primary children’s literacy association in Ireland
“a great way of showing young children alternative ways to help self-regulate their emotions and help them with overwhelming thoughts or feelings.”
