Therapy Dogs of Santa Barbara is thrilled to announce the release of their second children’s book, Little Ruby’s Big Dream. This heartwarming tale, written by the organization’s Founder and Director of Wellness Programs, Karen Lee Stevens, and illustrated by Jack Wiens, teaches children valuable mindfulness techniques to manage big emotions.
Stevens’s personal experience with stress and anxiety, combined with her work as a Mindfulness Instructor and Creator of the organization’s Wag Well program, served as the central inspiration for the book. Stevens describes the story as semi-autobiographical, relating to her own journey of learning coping skills from a young age. “Writing this book has been incredibly therapeutic for me,” Stevens says. “It’s a reminder that we all have our own little gremlins of anxiety, and that’s okay.”
Stevens explains that observing children in her classes inspired the character of Little Ruby. “As a mindfulness teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful these techniques are in helping kids reduce anxiety and increase focus. My students aren’t necessarily anxious all the time; they’re often just kids—full of energy, a little distracted, and sometimes bouncing off the walls. I’ve found that teaching them to be present in the moment is key for helping them calm down—besides, of course, the promise of a therapy dog visit!“
About the Book:
Little Ruby, the puppy, is a big bundle of nerves. She worries about everything and thinks something is wrong with her. But she has a big dream: to be a therapy dog and help others feel calm and happy. With the guidance of her wise animal friends, she learns how to quiet her mind and body and turn her once wobbly nerves into a beautiful gift she can share with the world. Follow this sweet pup’s journey as she bravely overcomes her fears, discovers her special purpose, and becomes a real therapy dog. This heartwarming tale inspires young readers to embrace their unique qualities and believe in themselves, just like Little Ruby!
Little Ruby’s Big Dream is available locally at Godmothers Books in Summerland and on Amazon.com.
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