Stormy

Reach for this book when your child is struggling to navigate a new environment, a shy friendship, or a transition that requires building trust from the ground up. It is an essential choice for families welcoming a rescue pet or supporting a child who has experienced previous instability and needs to see that safety is earned through patience rather than force. This wordless masterpiece follows a kind woman who patiently attempts to win the heart of a stray dog living under a park bench. Through soft, cinematic illustrations, the story captures the slow, often non-linear process of overcoming fear. There is no dialogue, allowing the emotional resonance of the characters' body language to speak directly to a child's heart. Perfect for children ages 3 to 8, Stormy provides a comforting, visual roadmap for empathy. It helps parents normalize the 'push and pull' of big emotions, teaching that it is okay to be scared and that being a hero often just means showing up, day after day, with a ball and a bit of kindness.