Hector's Favorite Place - by Jo Rooks (Hardcover)

About the Book

Hector loves his home so much that he doesn't often go out, and it starts to affect his friendships

Book Synopsis

Hector loves his home. It was his favorite place to be.
At home, there was always...so much to do.
Hector loved his home so much that he didn't often go out.
Home was cozy and snuggly and safe.

Hector loves his home so much that he doesn't often go out, and it starts to affect his friendships. Soon Hector realizes that his worries are keeping him from enjoying himself, so he needs to learn to be brave and try new things.

Can Hector find the courage to break out of his comfort zone?

Included is a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals by Julia Martin Burch, PhD, that discusses helping children overcome their worries and break out of their comfort zones.

Review Quotes

"Rooks treats her subject with a light touch and age-appropriate language, and her anthropomorphized animals, created with what appear to be watercolors, are delightful. Gentle, reassuring, and persuasive." --Kirkus Reviews

"Hector's anxiety keeps him from accepting these invitations time and time again, but one day, Hector realizes that he truly wants to go out and connect with pals. His bravery in talking himself through some of his biggest worries is significant, and this book handles the topic gently and with respect for the weight that worries can carry." --My Thoughts Exactly

"Wonderfully entertaining and embedded with a valued message about self-confidence and personal bravery." --Midwest Book Review

"Hector's Favorite Place is a child-friendly look at getting past fear. The author uses cute animals and age-appropriate text to communicate situations that may make kids nervous. Having Hector use creative visualization by imagining himself having fun is a great way to communicate this strategy to kids, giving them the tools to tackle worry and fear of everything from going to a friend's party to starting the first day of school." --Mom Read It

"This book has a strong message about letting go of personal insecurities written in a simple, child-friendly way." --Manhattan Book Review

"The beautiful, vibrantly coloured illustrations are full of emotion and heart and perfectly tie in with the message of facing down fears and moving forward with your life in a positive manner." --Storywraps

"I really enjoyed this cute book. Hector has lots of worries about getting hurt or sick and it keeps him from having fun with his friends. Eventually he realizes that he needs to push himself a little bit harder to get past his worries so that he can have a good time. Once he's having fun, he forgets his worries and has a great time! This book is so good for teaching little kids that worries can be scary but that we can push through and have a wonderful time. I highly recommend this book!" --The Book Horde

"With adorable illustrations and a charming story, Jo Rooks works childhood coping mechanisms into a highly enjoyable tale about friendship and bravery." --Spooky KidLit

"As one of many great picture books about mental health, Hector's Favorite Place will speak to families in need of support for anxious and scared children who are seeking a confidence boost and injection of bravery." --The Uncorked Librarian

About the Author

Jo Rooks, author-illustrator of A Box of Butterflies and Hector's Favorite Place, is an illustrator, author, and graphic designer living in leafy South West London with her husband and two children. Jo studied at Bath School of Art and Design and pursued a career in graphic design. Visit her at www.jorooks.co.uk and Follow her on Facebook: @JoHooksIllustration, Twitter: @JoHooksArt, and Instagram: @JoHooksIllustration.