Reviews for Vol. 1 – Death, Grief and Loss
“These books contain excellent therapeutic reading. They can reach children in fundamental ways
where traditional materials cannot.”
Alan Nicholson, Father
“In Woodland Wisdom Books, Dallas Shirley has created an insightful resource to build authentic conversation with young people as they navigate through the process of grief and loss. The guide for caregivers, parents, counsellors, and teachers is clear and compassionate, and the storybook gives real voice to her characters who share their experience and strategies to cope with loss. The follow-up activities are engaging, reflective and perfect for creative young minds!”
Tasha Whitney, Grade 5/6 Teacher
“A beautiful and gentle way of explaining grief and loss to children while offering practical activities to help children find comfort and create memory”.
Ann Fox, Certified Clinical Counsellor specializing in grief support
“I loooooooove the books and I really think that kids will really like them. I think the pictures are really nice and really art-ish, and when I see them it almost makes me cry because they are so so good.”
Rowan, Kid Expert
“The stories are awesome!! I think that kids will use all of the advice for good, and the books will help kids with their problems.”
Cole, Kid Expert
“Ms. Shirley’s work addresses a need that service providers have seen time and time again; the need for comprehensive, compassionate, and direct discussion of difficult subjects. The child-friendly characters and storyline are bookended between both valuable preparatory information for the reader, and collaborative activities to further learning and acceptance for the child. This book is an asset to parents, educators, and front-line workers who are looking for a complete resource to help children navigate grief and loss.”
Tammy Webb, Youth Counsellor
Preview for Vol. 1 – Death, Grief and Loss
Cover of Woodland Wisdom Books – Volume 1 – Death, Grief, and Loss 
Woodland Woods where the stories take place. At the back there is Cold Mountain, Rock Mountain, and Mindful Mountain. In front of that there is Cherry Blossom Boulevard, a baseball field full of memories, Lazy Lake, Butterfly Bridge, Calming Creek, the Weeping Willow Tree, the Big Birch Tree. Below is Pleasant Pond, Slippery Swamp, and ending with a beautiful garden leading up to a cottage 
One day, in Woodland Woods, far far away, lived an Arctic Fox named Ann. Ann the Arctic Fox lived a mostly happy life. She had a warm place to sleep because her den was far under the surface of Cold Mountain in an underground tunnel she had made. Ann was a social worker. Her job in Woodland Woods was to help individuals, families, and the community in many different ways. Ann the Arctic Fox would know how to help, or she would know who to call upon for help. 
Lately Ann the Arctic Fox was feeling sad. She had heard that the great Elk died. Ann knew that many animals in the community would be sad about the great Elk dying. Since Ann wanted to help the Woodland community, she decided to start a support group for all the animals that wanted to talk about how they felt. She invited any animal who wanted to talk about someone they knew who had died. 
Ann the Arctic Fox called it the “Grief Group” and many animals showed up to talk about how they felt. Ann the Arctic Fox started the group by saying that grief is the sadness that we feel when we lose something or someone that is important to us. She said that there is no one way to grieve, and that you may choose to express your grief or your sadness differently than others around you. Ann asked everyone to share what they felt safe and comfortable sharing. 
Dallas the Deer talked about her elderly Grandma who died. She said that when she was a young doe, she used to love to garden, bake, and play bingo with her Grandma. Dallas said that when she did those activities with her Grandma it made her feel very special and loved. Every night since her Grandma died, Dallas cuddles up in the blanket that her Grandma made for her with the special foot warmer pocket to keep her hooves cozy. She said that she thinks of her Grandma often. Dallas the Deer misses her but loves to think of the special times they had together. 
Nicholas the Newfoundland Dog shared a story about his Aunt who died many years ago. He said that she was the coolest. Nicholas talked about how she would talk to him like he was a grown-up even when he was a young pup. He said that he always felt respected by her which helped them have a special bond. Nicholas the Newfoundland Dog wears his Aunt’s necklace every day to keep her memory close to his heart. 
Ann the Arctic Fox asked the Grief Group if they would like to go do an activity on a field trip for the next time they met. The group agreed. So Ann asked everyone to bring a piece of fabric that reminded them of their loved one. The next week when the Grief Group met, Ann the Arctic Fox took them on a walk. They walked between Lazy Lake and Slippery Swamp and then over Butterfly Bridge. They sat down on Mindful Mountain with a beautiful view of the butterflies and the peaceful sounds from Calming Creek. 
End of preview
Reviews for Vol. 2 – My Many, Many, Many Feelings
“Simplifies the difficult; from beginning to end. This book provides a road map for parents to discuss challenging topics. The activities enabled my children to actively engage and they could not wait to do the activities. This book will help many families as it provides parents with helpful tools and skills to approach children with difficult topics. It helps simplify the association between feelings, thoughts and behaviour. This is no regular children’s book; it is a guide that includes helpful hints and interactive activities for families to continue learning through their healing journey.”
Carolyn Ferrer, Parent, Facilitator of parenting groups
“I appreciated the honest but age appropriate approach to feelings. The illustrations are amazing. I liked the guide that acknowledged that the reader needs to take care because they may have experienced difficult feelings as well.”
Mrs. Anneliese Bernard, Teacher – Kindergarten
“I think that the people you really care about should read this book, because I think it would make them feel better when they have sad feelings.”
Cole, Kid Expert
“Cole the Coyote helped me understand what could be causing of my headaches and tummy aches. I felt alone and to know that others feel the same way gives me hope. After reading the story I couldn’t wait to do the activities. This book opened the discussion with my mom about how I am feeling. My favorite activity was assigning a colour to a feeling which was insightful for me. It is a really good book and it will help a lot of people.”
Avery, Teen Expert
“This book can help you to change your feelings, which is good because it helps you to not fight your own body.”
Rowan, Kid Expert
“This book is a welcome and much-needed resource for therapists looking for a compassionate, readable roadmap to helping children understand emotions and the ways that emotions can show up in the body. It’s true that when children are able to relate to a character and say of his or her experience, ’Me too,’ a wonderful kind of relief seems to wash over them. While emotions (and the bodily sensations attached to them) can be confusing and overwhelming for kids, “Cole the Coyote” serves to remind them of a most important truth: they are not alone.
With this beautifully illustrated and imaginatively crafted picture book, I feel that I am really able to connect with children in a way that makes sense to them. I am able to share a story that leaves a lasting impression on their hearts.”
Elizabeth Chan, Certified Clinical Counsellor
Preview for Vol. 2 – My Many, Many, Many Feelings
Cover of Woodland Wisdom Books, Volume 2, My, Many, Many, Many Feelings 
Woodland Woods where the stories take place. At the back there is Cold Mountain, Rock Mountain, and Mindful Mountain. In front of that there is Cherry Blossom Boulevard, a baseball field full of memories, Lazy Lake, Butterfly Bridge, Calming Creek, the Weeping Willow Tree, the Big Birch Tree. Below is Pleasant Pond, Acorn Academy, Slippery Swamp, and ending with a beautiful garden leading up to a cottage 
One day, in Woodland Woods, far, far away, lived a Coyote named Cole. Cole the Coyote lived in a comfy den at the bottom of Rock Mountain and had a cozy burrow to sleep in. He loved to hang out and howl with his friends. He and his friends went to school at Acorn Academy. Up until this point, Cole the Coyote had lived a mostly happy life. 
Lately, though, Cole the Coyote had not been feeling good. He could not figure out what was going on with his body and his emotions. 
On Monday, Cole the Coyote had a big test. Even though he had studied all weekend, he thought that he might not do very well on the test. That day he started to get a stomachache on the way to school, and he did not feel hungry that whole day. Cole normally would eat lots on spaghetti and meatball Mondays. His mom made the best meatballs but he did not eat one bite. 
On Wednesday, Cole the Coyote wanted to invite his friend Michael the Mountain Lion over to play. But when he asked, Michael simply said “No” and walked away. Cole thought that Michael must not like him anymore. He wondered if he had done something to make Michael upset. Cole thought he might cry. It felt like there were butterflies flying around in his stomach. Later that night he could not stop snacking on ice cream even though he would normally only eat ice cream on special occasions. 
By Friday, Cole the Coyote could not figure out what was going on with his body. He seemed to be getting sicker every day. His stomach hurt, he was tired, and he felt sad. That day, his teacher Ms. Amanda the Arctic Hare was taking the class on a fieldtrip to Cold Mountain to see Sheila the Squirrel. Sheila is a young animals’ counsellor in Woodland Woods. Her job is to help by giving young animals a safe place to talk about their thoughts and feelings and to learn how to express those thoughts and feelings in a healthy way, like coloring a picture about how you feel. 
End of preview
Reviews for Vol. 3 – The Difference Between Abuse & Anger: Coping with Anger in Healthy Ways
“Woodland Wisdom Books are beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully written – both for the child receiving the story and for the caregiver who is sharing in this learning moment. In Vol. 3, children learn not only HOW to express anger in a safe and healthy way, but WHY the body responds and reacts as it does when angry, at a level they can understand. With the knowledge of WHY one responds so strongly to anger, the child and the caregiver can begin to understand these reactions and can recognize when the line is crossed and anger becomes abusive. This equips one not only to act in a healthier way but also empowers those who are witnessing or receiving abuse to say NO this is not acceptable – there is a better way! This book offers healthy and practical ways to express anger by including practical solutions and activities that empowers young and old alike to move forward with their anger in a healthier way.”
Kim McFadden, Caregiver
“In Woodland Wisdom Books Vol. 3, Dallas Shirley has written a story that would be extremely helpful for adults and children that need help dealing with anger in a healthy way. The guide for adults is insightful and in-depth. The suggestions and ideas are helpful even when you are not well trained in Social Emotional Learning. The story is written maturely but also in language that would make it accessible for children. The characters are relatable and the message is clear. The story does not only help children dealing with anger, but also adults as we see Dallas the Deer’s parents also need help dealing with their anger towards each other. The activities at the end are fun and creative, a few great suggestions to help children process their feelings and help adults bond with them. A truly wonderful story.”
Jade Davidson, Grade 6/7 Teacher
“I like this book because it’s makes my anger calm down when I’m really mad. I like the strategies at the end of the book, and I like the pictures because they look beautiful.”
Rowan, Child Expert
“I like the book because it helps with anger. I also like the detailed drawings!!! This book will help me with my anger issue by trying to use my front part of my brain and the exercises at the end.”
Cole, Child Expert
“This is an important book for parents, children, educators, and counselling professionals. This book approaches a difficult topic in a way that is easy to understand. Teaching children emotional regulation skills is essential for emotional development As a registered therapist, I especially see value in the activity section of the book. I highly recommend this book not only my clients but to anyone who works with young children.”
Amanda Sarich, M.Ed, Canadian Certified Counsellor
Preview for Vol. 3 – The Difference Between Abuse & Anger: Coping with Anger in Healthy Ways
Preview of Volume 3 – The Difference Between Abuse & Anger 
Woodland Woods where the stories take place. At the back there is Cold Mountain, Rock Mountain, and Mindful Mountain. In front of that there is Cherry Blossom Boulevard, a baseball field full of memories, Lazy Lake, Butterfly Bridge, Calming Creek, the Weeping Willow Tree, the Big Birch Tree. Below is Pleasant Pond, Acorn Academy, Slippery Swamp, the Fresh Fruit Stand, and ending with a beautiful garden leading up to a cottage 
One day, in Woodland Woods, far, far away, lived a deer named Dallas. Dallas lived a mostly happy life. She had a dense forest to live in and plenty of grass, acorns, leaves, and fruit to snack on. Dallas was a young doe and went to school at Acorn Academy. 
One day on the school playground at Acorn Academy, a classmate named Rowan the Raccoon budged in front of Dallas in the line-up to go on the super-awesome-fun-times zip line. 
Dallas pushed Rowan down and said, “No way, no-brain!” At that very same moment, Ms. Amanda the Arctic Hare, Dallas’ teacher, was watering her plants on a windowsill in the classroom. When she looked out the window to check on the children outside on the playground, Ms. Amanda saw the whole thing. Ms. Amanda asked Dallas to stay after school to talk about what had happened. 
She told Dallas that there were other, healthier, ways to express that she was angry with someone. She reminded Dallas of the guidelines for anger: “You are allowed to be angry, but you should not hurt others, hurt yourself, or hurt things.” Ms. Amanda told Dallas that it is okay to be angry, but it is not okay to be abusive. Dallas asked, “What does abusive mean?” Ms. Amanda showed Dallas a list of abusive behaviours. 
Dallas teared up and told Ms. Amanda that she hated the feeling she got from being abusive to others. Dallas said that after she had been mean to someone she often felt ashamed, embarrassed, and icky. Dallas also told Ms. Amanda that her parents would call each other names sometimes when they were upset with each other. Ms. Amanda asked if Dallas would be willing to talk to Leanne the Long-Eared Owl. Leanne would often have a kind way of explaining why we think, feel, and act, the way we do. Dallas agreed to go on a journey to see Leanne the Long-Eared Owl up at the Big Birch Tree on Mindful Mountain. 
End of Preview
Dallas Shirley 