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I received this book for free from National Center for Youth Issues in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Stronger Together by Ginger Healy Illustrator: Maine Diaz
Published by National Center for Youth Issues on January 8, 2026
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Animals / Bears, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Pages: 32
Format: Paperback
Source: National Center for Youth Issues
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A picture book about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
When your knees feel wobbly...
When your heart feels lonely...
When your tummy feels scared...
This gentle, heartfelt story gives children and adults a shared language to talk about anxious feelings, navigating changes, and the healing power of connection.
Dash, a sea otter pup, has learned to calm the worry in his belly by wrapping himself in kelp and playing with his favorite smooth, round stone. Then he meets Sammy, a boy who feels lost and alone after finding out some big news. When their worlds collide, Dash and Sammy share a moment that reveals a compelling truth: even when life feels uncertain and scary, holding onto someone - whether it's a hand...or a paw - can make you stronger together.
In the tradition of books like The Rabbit Listened and The Invisible String, comes a tender celebration of relationship, community, and the courage to reach out when navigating big emotions.
Why parents and educators love this book:
* An essential social skills development tool - This book provides a gentle, age-appropriate way to discuss anxiety and big feelings with children.
* Introduces concrete coping skills - The actions Dash uses (snuggling, playing with a stone) are simple, practical tools kids can use themselves to feel grounded and secure.
* A beautiful message about community - This story highlights the importance of reaching out for help and the strength found in connecting with others.
* Perfect for moments of transition - The story is an ideal resource for children dealing with new experiences, such as moving, starting a new school, or navigating family changes.
Family changes that include loss of family members and/or placement with different family members can generate lots of anxiety and fear in children. In Stronger Together by Ginger Healy and illustrated by Maine Diaz, a young otter meets a sad young boy who is about to go through something similar to what he has gone through with his family.
Dash, a sea otter, notices Sammy standing alone and sad at his exhibit in the aquarium. Dash gets his attention and tries to get Sammy to open up about what is going on. When Dash finds out that Sammy is going to live with his grandmother and is worried about this living situation change, Dash encourages him. He shares he was scared when his parents passed away and he had to live relatives. Through gestures, Dash shares ways he coped with his anxiety.
Stronger Together really helps children begin to process their anxious feelings about family changes and situations that are out of their control. Dash provides a great parallel that is encouraging to Sammy and provides him with methods to begin coping. Some of the methods include having a comfort object, playing with a calming stone and connecting with others. It shows the power and importance of connection during challenging times in our lives.
Additional Resources
There are lots of discussion questions to engage a young reader in after reading the story. I found that the resource bundle also has lots of activities that support the book. The activities expand on the suggestions that Dash the sea otter gives Sammy in the book.
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