Oh Susannah Series Unpacks Stressful Situations

It's in the Bag

Carole P. Roman, author of many beloved children’s books, unpacks the stress of school and bustle of a busy home in her Oh Susannah series. The instantly lovable third-grader Susannah illustrates how easy it is to feel frightened or overwhelmed by a mountain of responsibilities just going about your everyday activities, and most importantly how students and parents can work together to reduce anxiety. In the Oh Susannah installment It’s in the Bag, Susannah goes through a trying day at school. Susannah starts the day with unfinished homework. It’s not that she didn’t try. She just couldn’t figure out most of the questions and had trouble focusing. She’d ask her parents for help but they’re always so busy. Scrambling to gather her supplies along with her unfinished work, she aggravates her mother running late. To her further dismay, her mother insists that Susannah bring a banana to school. Susannah hates bananas. So along with her incomplete assignments, the undesired fruit gets tossed in the bag. Many more unfortunate items join the antagonistic company of anxieties in Susannah’s bag as the day drags on. A failed pop quiz based on Susannah’s incomplete homework, a form on having correct footwear for gym class and two books she can’t decide between for a report also weigh her down, physically and emotionally. At the end of the day, noticing their daughter looks stressed and miserable, her parents talk to her about managing work. Susannah feels defeated by all the little tasks that bother her in such a big way, but her parents point out that seemingly small things like a quiz can weigh people down easily emotionally, for both kids and adults. Little troubles can add up quick to a bad day, so it’s important to take steps to relax and manage obstacles. When Susannah is overwhelmed, her parents suggest deep breathing and organizing her tasks in order of importance. Then Susannah can deal with one item at a time, and seek the help of her parents when she needs it. Her parents also learned an important lesson with Susannah. It’s easy to become occupied with their own crazy schedules, but it’s important to check in on their girl to make sure she’s not feeling anxious and offer assistance when she could use a hand. Following Susannah through her day, you couldn’t help but sympathize with her ups and downs. A friend and comfort to your own young one, Susannah learns many important lessons and overcomes hurtles such as managing work and trying new things in a way that will appeal to many in a similar position to her. In her next book in the Oh Susannah series, Things That Go Bump, our stalwart hero moves on from the challenges of school to a sleepover at a house rumored to be haunted. Susannah is excited to spend a night with her friend Lola, but is apprehensive because her home was built over 100 years ago and Lola’s brother claims to have seen ghosts there. Overcoming her inclination to stay at her own home, Susannah braves the slumber party for Lola’s sake, but must now face her fears of all the spooky things that might go bump in the night while she’s there. With the help of her friends and peers though, Susannah learns that everyone is scared of something. Having the courage to face your fears is part of learning to overcome them. Sharing the positive messages of finding support when you need it and confronting obstacles with determination and courage, Carole P. Roman has penned a series that will prove a favorite for your own child, ready to take on the world. Oh Susannah: It’s in the Bag and Oh Susannah: Things That Go Bump are now available for purchase.

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