Cooper and Me was illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters. The idea was inspired by Alexa’s own experiences on her first day of school. A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art. Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me.
Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches. She is frightened about leaving home and doesn’t want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her. In Cooper and Me, the story of a child’s worries about starting school has evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children.
The story behind Cooper and Me also offers an inspiring example of families working together to help others. In addition to helping young children gain emotional resilience and confidence through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids. Their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in areas devastated by natural disasters.
My two kids love books! And we are always willing to try a new title. I was initially worried that my daughter (21 months) would not enjoy books, but just recently she has started to show a genuine interest in reading. I like that this book talks about separation anxiety when a child has to go to school for the first time. My almost 5 year old is in his second year of preschool and does not suffer from this affliction, however my daughter does experience separation anxiety. She is fine along as long as she has one of her parents with her, but a babysitter is something different. This book will hopefully be very helpful for my daughter once she starts school.
When I was reading this book to the kids they really liked the illustrations and we had to read it multiple times, as we do any book my son likes. We then had a discussion about the message of the book and he thought it was silly that she was worried about going to school as “school is fun.” My son likes going to school as he gets to play with kids and sing songs, etc. At the back of this book there are also discussion notes and questions to ask your children about the message. We talked about a few of these and how he feels about going to school and why he thinks she feels the way she does.
There is also a CD with a song that relates to the book. My son thought it had a catchy tune and he definitely like the music.
Another plus with this book and the series is that it has a nice website. On the Cooper & Me website (www.cooperandme.com) there are color and activity pages you can print off for the kids to do. There are also pages for parents and educators with discussion notes and how to fit the books into educational programs.
This book is a real eye opener and discussion starter. My kids enjoyed it first and foremost because it has a dog in it. They love dogs! I like it because it has a message that can sometimes be hard to work through with kids. I will be definitely using this book with my daughter when it is time for her to go to school or do things without mom and dad. I have a feeling she won’t be as easy to drop off as her brother is and hopefully this book can help!
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One lucky Mama Report reader will receive their own copy of Cooper and Me!
This review was written by Melissa for The Mama Report.
I received the above mentioned book for review purposes, all opinions are my own.
I handle my anxiety by trying to be as prepared as possible, and to remember to enjoy the moment. Thanks for the giveaway!
I have learned to take most things in stride
I don’t handle anxiety well… I just try to suck it up, think about how I’ll be back home with my DD soon, and drink lots of water.
When anxious about something new, I try to imagine what my Daughters (almost 5 and 2.5) would do, say or think.
I try to take a second to take a deep breath:)
Deep breaths
I find out as much as I can about whatever it is. Wisdom is power.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Sounds like a great book. Will check it out even if I’m not the lucky winner.
TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND DO WHATEVER I HAVE TO DO
I take a deep breath and think of completing whatever it is step by step.
I keep reminding myself about positive aspects!
j1man1r66@etex.net
When and if I am facing new anxiety because of new things… I pray and I call my Mom, I’m 51 years old. I would share this book to my granddaughters.
I’ve taught myself to just relax & breath!
carriedust@yahoo.com
slow deep breaths
I talk it over with my best friend and then begin. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
Renee Walters
Bored2quickly@hotmail.com
I say a prayer, talk myself into being hyped up and jump in
take some deep breaths
put a smile on!
I take lots of deep breaths. pray. and dive in head first. Thank you
Just breathe!
Just stay calm and think about the how great it will be to accomplish it.
I would love to win this!! I am a teacher. Feel free to visit my website ….freebiesforeducators.blogspot.com Thank you for the giveaway!
I breathe deeply a lot, talk to my mom and grandma about the pros and cons and do I really want to do this. I even sometimes look in a mirror and talk to myself, psyching myself up for whatever it is.
Pills!
I grab the bull by the horns and just move forward
I try to plan through how things will go and prepare for any possible missteps.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
I try to focus on my breathing & remind myself that it’s not as bad as it may seem.
I am one to just realize I have to do it and move on, the sooner you start the easier it is!
I pray…
I breathe deep and also talk to my husband, family about it
I handle my anxiety with deep breathing!
Stay calm, find out the ways to complete project.
I handle my anxiety by preparing myself as much as possible beforehand and then taking deep breaths.
I handle anxiety by first refusing to let it control my decisions. Then, I find out and research the situation in order to be prepared to deal with it.
I will try to be as prepared as possible.
Step away from teh new thing for awhile when stress begins
I pray.
prayer
I just try not to think about it too much.
When I’m anxious, I try to remember to control my breathing.
Thanks!
Jayme
jaymee76 at gmail dot com
To handle anxiety I wear my favorite outfit. Thanks.
I just try to stay calm and take a deep breathe
jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com
I try to learn as much as I can before I go into the situation.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOt)com
I DEAL WITH EVERYDAY CONFUSION IN STRIDE AND TAKE DAY BY DAY.
I take a couple deep breaths and try to focus on what the end result is going to be.
I take a couple of deep breaths to relax.
I’d take a deep breath and relax.
breath in deep and tell myself that i can do this
I handle anxiety by concentrating on breathing slowly.
blanch682000(at)yahoo(dot)com
I take a deep breath and give myself an internal pep talk!
try to breathe thru and tell myself this will pass..
I write in my journal and give myself a peptalk!
try to staying clam
I drink a cup of tea and think happy thoughts!
I like to meditate or do yoga in order to deal with anxiety from starting something new.
keep telling myself that it wont last forever
i try to breath deeply and focus on the positive, i pray too… thanks clallen at ntin dot net
I just try to stay calm and take a deep breathe
I do a lot of deep breathing
Deep breathes defintely helps!
When starting something new, I handle my anxiety by meditating or doing yoga.
prozac…..lol
I try to plan it out so I know what to expect
breath and try to relax
I write everything down….even more than everything, so I have all scenerios that I can possibly think of , down on paper. I fold it up. Put it in my pocket and go for a hike in nature for an hour. After the hour, I open the paper and with a fresh mind, laugh at half the unrealistic fears and scenerios I had, and cross them off the list. (or add to the list) Yikes!