adam ciccio

"A good snuggle-time read when rain turns everyone grumpy." - Kirkus Reviews

A sweet story about positive thinking. For little ones ages 5 and up.

Wallow the Bear lives a comfortable life deep in the woods. But when it rains, Wallow gets sad. He becomes gloomy and doesn't know what to do. When it starts drizzling, he hunkers down in his cave. One rainy day, he hears splashes and giggling coming from outside. What can that be? He takes a peek out the window and sees owl emptying water with a bucket. More of a reason to stay inside! And then he hears more splashing and giggling. Will Wallow have the courage to come out of his cave?

An important story about fears and ways to deal with them. For worriers ages 5 years and up.

A sweet book about a little boy who wants to overcome his anxiety. For brave readers ages 5 years and up.

Anxious Andy wants to do fun things with his friends. He watches them climb, run, and play, but he won’t join them because his worries keep getting in the way. His friends try to help him worry less and have fun, but it’s up to Andy to learn that there’s nothing to fear in trying.

My name is Sadness. I might visit when it’s gloomy or gray. But you also might see me on a beautiful day. I’m here sometimes, but I don’t stay. Just give me a chance and listen when I say: Everyone cries! And that’s okay.

Everyone Cries is part of the 'Healthy Minds' series, written by child psychologist Adam Ciccio. This comforting story helps children ages 5 and up understand and accept their feelings. It’s a powerful resource for promoting mental well-being and self-acceptance, breaking down complex emotions in a way that's accessible and relatable for young readers.

With lively characters and illustrations that bring abstract concepts to life, this book is designed to help children grasp the nature of sadness and learn that it's a part of everyone’s experience. The endpapers offer additional insights on how children experience sadness and how adults can support them, making it a valuable tool for social-emotional learning (SEL).

This is Jeff. He used to be a happy frog. He loved hopping from lily pad to lily pad with his three friends, Dominic, Fred, and Alice. But when his best friend, Dominic, suddenly moves away, Jeff feels so sad that he loses his hop. Can his friends find a way to help Jeff hop again?

This heartwarming story, crafted by author and child psychologist Adam Ciccio, addresses the challenges of depression and the pain of saying goodbye. It serves as a powerful resource for promoting mental well-being and self-acceptance. With its simple narrative and charming pastel illustrations, this book makes complex emotions accessible to young readers, opening up conversations about sadness and the support of caring friends.

"Relays a story underscoring the importance of self-respect and confidence." - Publishers Weekly

"This book focuses on the protagonist Macie's perceptions of herself. She starts off as a secure, confident young girl until she meets a girl named Penelope who makes her start doubting her beauty. Using a mirror was a helpful way for the illustrator/author to get students to start thinking about the ways they perceive themselves. Self-love is important and this book will help motivate little girls to feel good about themselves." - Josiah Quincy Upper School

Good enough was never good enough for Macie. She wanted to be the best. Until the day Macie took a look in the mirror and learned a very important lesson . . .

A story about self-respect and confidence, for not-so-perfect kids ages 4 years and up.

"Relays a story underscoring the importance of self-respect and confidence." - Publishers Weekly

"This book focuses on the protagonist Macie's perceptions of herself. She starts off as a secure, confident young girl until she meets a girl named Penelope who makes her start doubting her beauty. Using a mirror was a helpful way for the illustrator/author to get students to start thinking about the ways they perceive themselves. Self-love is important and this book will help motivate little girls to feel good about themselves." - Josiah Quincy Upper School

Good enough was never good enough for Macie. She wanted to be the best. Until the day Macie took a look in the mirror and learned a very important lesson . . .

A story about self-respect and confidence, for not-so-perfect kids ages 4 years and up.

This year, I’m celebrating Christmas twice— one time with Dad, and one time with Mom. I liked Christmas the way it was. Why does everything have to be different now that Mom and Dad are getting divorced?

Written by a child psychologist and part of the Healthy Minds series, My Two Christmas Trees specifically addresses divorce and the changes it brings, offering reassurance and guidance. A perfect book for children adjusting to new family dynamics, helping them process emotions and create positive new traditions.

"A warmhearted conversation starter of a book." - Kirkus Reviews

“Encouraging forgiveness and celebrating strength in numbers, this cheerful book’s illustrations include surreal touches and muted colors, easing the audience into their messages.” – Foreword Reviews

Every day Corey wears an orange cape. Even at bedtime. Even at school. The other children tease him, but Corey doesn't mind. After all, he wears his cape for a reason . . . Billy would rip the cape off every day. And every day, Corey would show up with a new cape. Then, one of the boys found the very noble reason why Corey was wearing a cape.

An inspiring book about courage, caring, and the hero inside everyone. For superheroes ages 5 and up.

A moving story about neighbors who slowly realize that their differences aren’t as important as what ties them together. To read aloud for ages 4 years and up, or to read by yourself

A familiar story about falling down and getting back up. For brave go-getters ages 4 years and up.

What exactly is your SELF? Your SELF is you, the you inside. It’s all of your thoughts and feelings, everything you are and everything you want to be. It can change throughout the years, but it will always be exceptional, wonderful, and rare. Because remember: there’s only one SELF for every YOU! 

Your Very Own Self is a beautiful addition to the Healthy Minds series, authored by US-based mental health professional Adam Ciccio. Through relatable stories and insightful tips drawn from his own experiences in outpatient mental health care, Ciccio explores the daily obstacles and mental health of young children, providing valuable insights for both children and adults alike. With Adam Ciccio's expertise in mental health care and his compassionate approach to storytelling, Your Very Own Self offers a strong reminder that each person's unique identity deserves love, acceptance, and celebration. A must-read for anyone seeking to foster positive self-esteem and resilience in young minds.