The Great Poetry Panic: A Christian Story of Biblical Mindfulness

When eight-year-old Bradford is faced with the terrifying task of reciting a poem in front of his entire school, his stomach feels like a pond full of flipping frogs! His school counselor taught him to "be an empty cloud" and clear his mind to find peace. But for Bradford, an empty mind just leaves more room for scary thoughts to rush in. Meanwhile, at the breakfast table, his fun but emotional dad is having a "pancake panic," and his hyperactive six-year-old sister, Angelica, is spinning around like a human tornado. Thankfully, Bradford's highly organized mom steps in to help the family discover a better way to handle big feelings. In The Great Poetry Panic: A Christian Story of Biblical Mindfulness, families will follow Bradford's relatable journey as he learns that true peace doesn't come from emptying the mind, but from filling it with God's truth. Through engaging analogies like the "Glitter Tornado" and practical exercises like "Teddy Bear Breathing" and a "Driveway Scavenger Hunt," this heartwarming and gently humorous story draws a clear distinction between secular mindfulness practices and a faith-based approach to emotional regulation. As part of the Growing Pains & Bright Brains series by Ray J Lombardi, this carefully crafted tale offers children aged 5 to 10 a comforting, concrete way to navigate anxiety. Complete with an actionable "Note for Parents" at the end, this book serves as an invaluable resource for Christian families seeking to teach their children how to anchor their thoughts in God's presence, practice gratitude through their five senses, and replace fear with faith.