Curiously Calm with Curious George
Curious George Series
What’s inside...
Mindfulness meets monkey business in 'Curiously Calm with Curious George'. This book features original artwork from Margret and H.A. Rey’s timeless picture books and is written by psychologist Dawn Huebner, PhD. It helps readers, both kids and grownups, learn soothing and fun practices to regulate big energy and emotions. The book encourages readers to breathe deeply alongside everyone’s favorite monkey, Curious George, and includes helpful backmatter with more information about emotional regulation and tips for coping with feelings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Curious George felt when he was trying to stay calm? Can you remember a time when you felt the same?
What are some ways that George tries to calm down in the story? Which one would you like to try?
Why is it important for George to stay calm, and how does it help him solve problems?
Can you think of a situation where staying calm can help you like it helped George?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain a calm and patient tone to mirror the theme of the book and encourage your child to express their feelings openly.
Relate the scenarios in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, to help them connect with George’s experiences and learn calming techniques.
Praise your child for sharing their thoughts and feelings, reinforcing the positive behavior of open communication and reflection.
Encourage your child to think of different outcomes based on George's actions, prompting them to consider the consequences of their own actions when they are in challenging situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Emotional regulation
Explanation: Curious George encounters various situations that evoke strong emotions. Through guided meditation and mindfulness exercises embedded in the story, George learns to manage his feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can practice the same mindfulness techniques demonstrated by George when they feel overwhelmed or excited, helping them stay calm and focused in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents scenarios where George faces challenges and has to think critically to resolve them. These situations encourage logical thinking and persistence.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to approach their own obstacles more thoughtfully, developing resilience and cognitive skills essential for school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with other characters, George learns the importance of understanding and considering others' feelings, fostering his emotional intelligence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be more considerate, enhancing their interactions and building better relationships with peers and family members.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Curious George’s inherent desire to explore and learn is evident as he embarks on new adventures. His curiosity leads to valuable learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore their surroundings, and learn from experiences, which is vital for their cognitive and social development.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: Throughout the book, George encounters new environments and changes. He learns to adapt, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This story helps children understand that change is a part of life and equips them with coping strategies to manage transitions smoothly, such as starting a new school year or moving to a new place.