Of Course It's a Big Deal (Executive Function)

First, let me say I have several social stories (including ones from this line) addressing a variety of topics. I'm a behavior analyst and use them with some of my clients to explain/practice social situations in a way that's more relatable than just talking about them. I got this book with a particular client in mind, who has a history of explosive meltdowns. I thought this would be a good way to practice evaluating the situation, determining whether it was worth a big reaction, and choosing strategies to work through the problem. Unfortunately, that's not what I found with his book. The main character, Braden, over-reacts to a ludicrous degree over very small things. He engages in a lot of inappropriate tantrum behaviors. I understand that's probably the point of the book, but when dealing with a client who already has those tendencies (and who tends to mimic anything he sees in books or on TV), the last thing I need is for him to have a bunch of new ideas for problem behavior modeled for him in great detail. It might work for some kids, but for me it was more of a "how to" manual for engaging in problem behavior, rather than addressing it.

I had gotten another Boystown book that I didnt care for. I took a chance on this one and I'm glad I did. My son likes it and we easily relate it to situations he finds himself in. He still has a way to go... using the steps when you're upset is hard. It's long and I was surprised he sat through it all. He has asked me to read it more than once.

This book is about a boy, Braden, that overreacts to several different situations. His mother talks to him about a 4-step process she learned from her Grandfather to react calmly, and throughout the book there are examples of Braden putting those steps into play, while also describing a parent's role in implementing and facilitating these changes in thought process. The situations that Braden is placed in are ones that many children experience, which helps the child reading to identify with the character and think about what their reaction would be in these situations. This book is a little lengthy and might not be as interesting to those children without this particular behavior issue, but for parents and children who struggle with overreacting and subsequent negative consequences, this book is great to help give guidance for both parties!

It is all too easy for us grownups to criticize a child who blows up when things don't go his way. We forget that there is no 'small stuff' for little kids. Everything is really, really important! Want an example? We have seven balls for two kids to play with, each ball a different color. For some reason, the blue ball is the ONLY ball worth playing with, and there are tantrums galore from the kid who got stuck with one of those other suckie balls. This book holds up a mirror to our boys' behavior, and has given them something to think about. The main character is a likeable kid, and we all enjoy reading the book together.

This book is a little long for ADHD kids, but still very important. It could be broken up between sessions. I like the focus on "Of Course It is Not a Big Deal" and how making it into a big deal has more consequences than compromising. It has an important message for all children.

My five year old loves this book. We read it almost every night. And, even better, it’s positively affecting his behavior.If I could, i would give this book six stars.

This book is good as far as pointing out coping mechanisms, but it’s soooo long and drawn out, it was hard keeping my son's attention throughout the entire book.

I love Bryan Smith’s books! My kids were adopted and have early childhood trauma and don’t handle their emotions very well. I bought 3 of Bryan Smith’s books and my kids are in love with them- they sit on the couch and read them over and over again. I’m hoping the info will soak in, lol, and help them control their emotions better.

Brilliant books! Great to read and work through together. Several different scenarios throughout book, so varying predicaments to think about and process.

Over priced in my opinion did have some good conversation with my child throughout reading the story together but we’ll never read it together again.

I hate books with multiple fonts and font sizing!!! It makes it impossible for younger kids to follow along.The way the book is written it’s not suitable for kids under 8

Love the message in the story. Great discussion with students

Great book!