Arthur and the Cootie-Catcher

Reach for this book when your child is starting to let playground superstitions or peer pressure dictate their daily choices. It is a perfect tool for children who struggle with anxiety over the 'what-ifs' and need a gentle, humorous way to distinguish between harmless fun and real-life consequences. Through the lens of a familiar school game, the story validates the pressure kids feel to belong while modeling how to reclaim their own agency. The story follows Arthur as he becomes increasingly worried by the predictions of a paper 'cootie-catcher.' As the silly game starts to affect his friendships and confidence, he must learn to trust himself over a piece of folded paper. This book is ideal for ages 6 to 9, providing a safe space to discuss magical thinking, the influence of siblings, and the importance of critical thinking in a social environment. It turns a stressful social situation into an opportunity for resilience and self-reliance.