Even at an early age, Fountain Hills author Brittany Pomales says she was plagued by overthinking.
Finding the humor in her own personality flaw in a fun, alliterative read-aloud, Pomales’ debut title, “It Started with a P,” gives young readers more than one reason why overthinking and overreacting can get them in a pickle.
“It Started with a P” tells the tale of a young King Liam who, on the eve of his birthday, has a terrible nightmare that his special day will be ruined by something with the letter P – only, he can’t remember what it is.
From pancakes to pants and the throngs of people invited to his party, everything that starts with a P must go.
Finding himself alone on his birthday, will King Liam ever discover what that pesky and problematic P is?
“I’ve dealt with those anxious worries that something may go wrong and it brings down my mood when, come to find out, nothing ends up going wrong other than me putting myself in that state,” Pomales said. “This book is a little bit of my own personality flaw mixed with some alliterative fun for young readers.”
A pleasantly illustrated page-turner, Pomales says the main reason why her book is riddled with P’s is because it’s fun to say P-words.
“Pizza, party, pants, piranhas, pigeons, it’s fun to say that P sound,” Pomales said, “so when parents are reading it to younger kids, even if they don’t really get the message of it, it’s fun to hear your parent constantly popping those P words over and over again.”
“It Started with a P” is written for ages four to eight and illustrated by New York Times bestselling illustrator Andrew Joyner, whose playful pictures make it a fun read for families to return to time and again.
Every day brings an abundance of things to worry about. As a mother, Pomales emphasizes the importance of teaching children with anxious or worrisome personalities that, despite the overwhelming nature of the world, they have the power to manage their emotions and face challenges—particularly when outcomes are beyond their control.
“Kids who tend to overthink things will see themselves in King Liam and see how worrying did not help him at all,” she said.
Overreacting to receiving a bad email or getting cut off in traffic is far too easy. To regain control, Pomales believes self-awareness plays a crucial role in managing overreacting. By recognizing that certain things can affect her, she can take a step back and avoid getting too caught up in the moment.
“It Started with a P” will launch April 8. To celebrate the occasion, Pomales will hold a book launch event at Changing Hands Book Store in Tempe Saturday, April 12, at 10:15 a.m. where kids can enjoy story time and decorate their own cardboard crowns.
“It Started with a P” is currently available for pre-order online for $18.99. To find out more about the author and illustrator, visit penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738107/it-started-with-a-p-by-brittany-pomales-illustrated-by-andrew-joyner/.
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