Psychologist’s Kid-Friendly Guide to Fostering Connections With Nature and Each Other

You Are More Than: A Primer for Finding Light in Your Heart by Dr. Amy L. Stark, Ph.D

From excessive screen time to isolation during COVID, the children of today have a lot standing in their way when it comes to emotional development. It’s a scary thought for the loved ones of today’s youngest generation, especially when disheartening headlines mention topics like “the loneliness epidemic.” But how can parents try to help their kids bridge that gap — to encourage them to connect with those around them?

That’s exactly the conversation that Dr. Amy L. Stark, Ph.D, plans to foster in her new book, You Are More Than: A Primer for Finding Light in Your Heart. A clinical psychologist with experience in treating children, Dr. Stark is also no stranger to writing for a younger audience. Her previous titles, Whole Heart for Girls and Whole Heart For Boys, both encourage readers to work through their difficult emotions towards developing self-assurance and self-improvement. Now, Dr. Stark turns that energy to picture books and shows young readers how they can reflect upon themselves, find purpose in the world around them, and be of service to their community.

Inside and Out

What is it, exactly, that Dr. Stark hopes readers understand that they are “more than”? Well, lots of things, as it turns out!

“You are more than …

the friends in your life

The place you live

The way you look

You are more than your outer self.

You are more than all of that.”

Filled with positive affirmations and wise guidance, You Are More Than shows children that whatever aspects of life peer pressure and societal expectations may tell them are important — deep down, those pale in comparison to what truly makes someone who they are.

But it’s not just what’s inside that counts. Rather than focusing on our outward appearances or how people perceive us, Dr. Stark encourages us all to look outside ourselves entirely. Whether it’s to express our love for those we hold dear, work to improve our community or simply appreciate the natural world, it’s important for us to gain perspective and see the wider picture of where we fit in with everything around us.

Hand In Hand With Each Other

Throughout the story, Moran Reudor’s lush illustrations depict a diverse cast of children playing and enjoying each other’s company, with moments of quiet reflection in between. From illustrations of children holding hands in a circle to bonding with loved ones, it’s clear that connection is a major part of what Dr. Stark hopes to impart on young readers — both our connection to nature, and to each other. She describes it as a kind of light coming from inside each of us, something that we can illuminate to make each other’s lives brighter.

“When we raise kids who understand they can make a difference by doing something they believe in, we make a better place for all of us,” shares Dr. Stark. “What makes our planet better is really connecting with others, finding a way to make a difference, and knowing our small contribution is important.”

A series of gentle reminders ties up the end of the book: inspiring readers to breathe, to help others, to value nature and to remember that they are part of one big planet that we all share. “Let your light shine everywhere you go,” You Are More Than urges its young audience. “You are a part of our connection to the light and to each other. Be the light.”