Sonia and the Super-Duper Disaster - by Rachel Funez (Hardcover)

About the Book

Sonia's adventure-filled story with worry-fighting gadgets helps kids learn how to cope when it feels like everything is going wrong.

Book Synopsis

Sonia's adventure-filled story with worry-fighting gadgets helps kids learn how to cope when it feels like everything is going wrong.

When Sonia forgets Mom's birthday, she's determined to whip up a super surprise and become Mom's hero. But her ADHD foils her best-laid plans, and her anxiety multiplies as the chaos grows. Sonia has to use all her coping skills to find a new recipe for success and become her own superhero.

Celebrating the individual strengths and special qualities of neurodivergent children, Sonia helps children with ADHD and anxiety recognize how their bodies feel when they become anxious and gives them tools to calm down with her worry-fighting gadgets. Activate Breath Blasters! Stellar Self-Talk! Senses Scanner!

A section at the back of the book includes more information on Sonia's worry-fighting gadgets for kids and tips and reminders for caring adults.

Review Quotes

"Sonia and the Super-Duper Disaster taught me about coping skills to try whenever I might feel overwhelmed, or any big emotion. They worked for her, so I can try them and feel good about them working for me, too."

-- "Kids' Book Buzz"

"Sonia and the Super-Duper Disaster is fun, informative, full of energy and delight! The kitchen is turned upside down as this child with ADHD attempts to make a surprise treat for Mom. As disaster after messy disaster happens, Sonia captures our hearts and tickles our funny bones. Sonia solves sticky problems and uses her attention-focusing skills to create a delicious surprise for us all. Sonia's escapades help us understand the challenges faced daily by children with ADHD."--Nancy Bo Flood, Ph.D., parent, counselor, and author of award-winning children's books, including "I Will Dance"

"A fun and positive read. Unreservedly recommended."-- "Children's Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review"

"This delightfully funny story is a perfect way to help children with ADHD or anxiety (or really any super-intense feelings) learn that there are simple yet powerful things they can do when their emotions overwhelm them. Wholeheartedly recommended!"--Wendi Silvano, author of the award-winning Turkey Trouble series

"Through super-duper storytelling and fun illustrations, this book helps kids learn to manage big emotions and distractions. I can't think of a better way to support kids as they learn to navigate worry, improve their focus, and know that they are okay--just as they are."--Jessica Speer, MSS, award-winning author of "BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)," "Middle School: Safety Goggles Advised," and "The Phone Book"

About the Author

Rachel Funez was born in the United States, spent most of her childhood living in Latin America, and is now an attorney raising multicultural children in Peru with her Honduran American husband. Rachel knows exactly what it's like to have ADHD and anxiety. She still uses her Breath Blasters, Stellar Self-Talk, Senses Scanner, and other tools to get through lots of tough and scary moments. She wishes she could hug every kid who is struggling with overwhelming feelings, but she will settle for creating stories that celebrate children with special brains and help them cope with their big emotions in productive ways. When Rachel isn't writing or working, she enjoys walking her bearded collie, playing board games with her family, dancing like nobody's watching, and cuddling up on rainy afternoons with a hot beverage and a good book. You can learn more about Rachel by checking out her website at rachelfunez.com.

Kelly Kennedy is an artist and a children's book writer and illustrator. He is best known for illustrating the Dr. Seuss book Maybe You Should Fly a Jet! Maybe You Should Be a Vet! and as a longtime contributor to Highlights magazines. He has also worked for various animation studios, such as Nickelodeon, where he directed and created the award-winning short film The Baseball Card Shop. When he's not drawing, Kelly is usually in the garage working on his vintage cars or fixing up his old house. Kelly lives and works in the sleepy little town of Los Angeles. He often lies about his height. He is 6'5".