Confronting challenges and emotions self-empowers children to overcome obstacles in this vibrant and uplifting story. Jamal is a kind boy with unique traits who encounters a stressful environment on his way to school. His "Mama" (Grandmother) who walks him to school understands the difficult environment they live in and assures Jamal by telling him "Honey, we are safe as long as we stay together." But when he engages in classroom activities, feelings of anxiety and fear do not allow him to participant effectively with his teacher and peers. Author Allen Rosales tackles an important social emotional learning topic that empowers children with solution skills in his new picture book Jamal Learns to Be Resilient, the first in a four-book series. Jamal does not feel safe by the loudness of the classroom. When asked to participate in activities he says, "I don't want to!" and he walks away. Crying, Jamal was buoyed by his teacher who told him, "Sometimes we have to learn to become resilient. That means that we have to learn to communicate our emotions nicely and find solutions to the things that bother us."Jamal felt strengthened by his teacher's words and begins to draw pictures of the life experiences that make him feel scared. He shares his drawings and feelings with the class and then tells his teacher that his mama sings him a special song when he feels scared. The whole class sings the special song and Jamal begins to feel safe and happy. Jamal feels good that confronting his fears enabled him to create a solution for himself.Families, teachers, and librarians will enjoy reading additional stories of self-reliance, strength, and resilience in this timely series which provides an opportunity to open up a dialogue about this important life skill. Author Allen Rosales has a 28-year career in early childhood education. His experience has shown him that family members, teachers, and other educators should engage children in conversations that prepare them for potential negative situations. His new series of picture books provide a platform where children can learn techniques to help them flourish. Furthermore, his stories also show adults that children with less effective behaviors must be treated with equity and fairness.Jamal Learns to Be Resilient, Jorge Learns to Be Resilient, Alisha Learns to Be Resilient and Ian Learns to Be Resilient are available now and would make a great part of your early childhood library collection.