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Rex’s Journey: Helping Children Understand and Cope with Emotions (Mascot Books) by Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner stars a boy who has been struggling with understanding why and how he feels. 

Angry one minute, sad the next, he just wants to be a kid. What’s so hard about that? But, we can’t always control how we feel. Especially not as kids. When Rex’s emotions begin to affect his relationships and schoolwork, the adults in his life step in. They determine Rex needs to see a counselor. Rex finds the idea of talking to a counselor terrifying, but soon he will learn that a counselor can help you cope with emotions in a safe and healthy way, something we all can learn from.

Written by an expert in working with behavioral and emotionally disturbed children, adults, families and offenders within the criminal justice system, the book can aid all ages of children on multiple levels. We interview the author to ask her more about her experience bringing her book to life! Read our review here

Q: You are a very qualified mental health professional. What led you to also write a children’s book on the subject? 

A: Working in the mental health profession for over 20 years has allowed me to interact with children and parents on a personal level. Developing those relationships has provided me with insight on behaviors and mental health concerns that are common in the community amongst children. Witnessing the fear, frustration and hopelessness that parents sometimes experience because children are having issues led me to start writing children books that address behaviors or mental health concerns that are common among children, and to improve their quality of life.

Q: What kind of reception has the book gotten? Have you shared it with any children, for example?

A: It’s received a positive reception within the community and nationally. The book is present in some libraries in Georgia. I have attended several readings at elementary schools and daycare centers. The book signing events at local bookstores have been a success. Many pediatricians in my community have the book in their offices and have made it part of their reading club for children. Also, I have been invited to virtual events such as pajama party reading and storytime. Rex’s Journey was chosen for the national spotlight in 2019 and 2021. I was selected to participate and spotlighted during Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc National Convention Authors Pavilion.

Q: What was it like seeing your words brought to life with illustrations? 

A: It was unbelievable to see illustrations bring my vision to life in Rex’s Journey. The characters and the colors are just how I imagine them to be. When publishing books, I want my characters to jump off the page at the readers. I like the beautiful colors of the illustrations. It is important to me that children who read my books can relate and see themselves within that book. Illustration serves that purpose and brings the book to life. This helps to engage children in reading.

Q: Do you have any other coping skills you share with children like Rex who are going through the difficulties that come with growing up?

A: Yes, I do. Coping skills helps children develop socially and emotionally. I am always encouraging children to be children. They should be happy and enjoy life. So, that means doing the things that are fun and bring a smile to their faces. It is important for them to believe in themselves, and positive self-talk can help children accomplish this. Also, reading is a good coping skill for children. Reading can take their minds off problems and take them to places they have never been.

Q: Do you have any plans for future writing projects?

A: Yes, I am so excited about my latest book which will be released in 2022. The title is ADHD Warrior: Helping Children Conquer ADHD Unwanted Behaviors. ADHD and ADD are common among children and cause them to struggle academically. Roxie shares her experience of living with ADHD and conquering it. The book provides important tips and effective coping skills to help children manage the disorders. Furthermore, the book comes with an ADHD Warrior certificate of achievement that children can place in a frame and hang in their room. 

Visit Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner’s BookTrib author profile page here.

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About Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner:

Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner is a Doctor of Counseling Psychology and the owner of APT Counseling Services LLC. She is a professor at Grand Canyon University in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Georgia Military College. Dr. Ambroes Pass-Turner is an author and published the books, Rex’s Journey: Helping Children Understand and Cope with Emotions and Childhood Sexual Abuse: Pathway to Mental Health Issues and Delinquent Behavior.

Dr. Pass-Turner has worked in mental health for over 20 years and has experience working with children and adults. Dr. Pass-Turner is an expert in working with behavioral and emotionally disturbed children, adults, families and offenders within the criminal justice system. She is currently an Advisory board member for the Muscogee County Youth Detention Center Department of Juvenile Justice. Dr. Pass-Turner hold credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Doctoral Addictions Counselor, Master Addictions Counselor, Board Certified Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor, Clinically Certified Human trafficking Victims Services Provider, Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor, and Clinically Certified Forensic Counselor. Dr. Pass-Turner is a member of the American Psychological Association, National Board for Certified Counselors, National Association of Forensic Counselors, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Judy Moreno

Judy Moreno is the Assistant Editor at BookTrib and sincerely loves the many-splendored nature of storytelling. She earned a double major in English and Theatre from Hillsdale College after a childhood spent reading (and rereading) nearly everything at the local library. Some of her favorite novels include Catch-22, Anna Karenina, and anything by Jane Austen. She currently lives in Virginia and is delighted to be on the BookTrib team.

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