Coming soon · SOS Help for Kids' Emotions
Jonah's Pet Panic
Jonah loves his dog Max, but he doesn't love speaking in front of the class. When “big feelings” threaten to ruin his big moment, Jonah must learn to challenge the scary thoughts in his head. Discover how the ABCDEs can turn panic into power in this relatable story about courage and self-belief.
By Lynn Clark, Ph.D. & Todd Clark, B.A. · Illustrated by Indira Zuleta
A picture book for young readers · Companion SEL activities for home & classroom
The story
When worry tells a scary story
Jonah loves his rescue puppy, Max. But on Pet Presentation Day, standing up in front of the class feels impossible — his fingers turn to icicles, his tongue feels wrapped in cotton, and his stomach starts doing flips.
In the quiet of the nurse's office, Jonah discovers something powerful: those big, sick feelings came from a story he was telling himself — “I'll mess up and everyone will laugh.” With a little help, he learns to stop and ask one brave question: “Am I believing the truth?”
He swaps the scary story for true, funny things he knows about Max — and walks back into that classroom on his own two feet.
“Panic still showed up sometimes — but now panic wasn't in charge. Truth was there instead.”
The skill kids take with them
The SOS ABCDE method, made kid-simple
It's the same evidence-based idea at the heart of SOS Help for Emotions — that our feelings come from what we tell ourselves — turned into five steps a child can actually remember.
- A
Activating event
Something happens. For Jonah, it's Pet Presentation Day at school.
- B
Belief
The story you tell yourself. Jonah's: “I'll mess up and everyone will laugh.”
- C
Consequence
How that story makes you feel. Jonah's stomach flips and his hands go icy.
- D
Dispute
The big question: “Am I believing the truth?” Jonah checks his scary story against what's real.
- E
Effective new belief
A truer, kinder thought. “I know funny things about Max — my friends will laugh with me.”
“Feelings come from what I tell myself.”
For parents, counselors & classrooms
More than a bedtime story
Built-in SEL activities
Every copy pairs the story with simple social-emotional activities you can use at home or in a lesson:
- My Truth Switch — flip an unhelpful thought to a true one
- Meet Your Feelings — notice where worry shows up in the body
- Talking Back to the Thought — is that thought 100% true?
- Truth Detective — sort “true” thoughts from “trick” thoughts
- Brave Like Jonah — courage means showing up anyway
The kid-sized companion to SOS Help for Emotions
Jonah's Pet Panic brings Dr. Lynn Clark's proven emotional-health method to the youngest readers — a gentle first introduction to the same cognitive-behavioral skills adults learn in SOS Help for Emotions. A natural fit for counselors, SEL programs, and any family raising a worrier.
Be first to know when Jonah's Pet Panic arrives
We'll let you know the moment it's available. Bulk and classroom interest welcome, too.