What’s New For The Playroom?

Image: Child with Books In this section we review books, toys, and materials that make being a play therapist more fun, as well as help you be more effective.

BOOK REVIEW - "Jake's Journey" by Lisa Holland

The September 11th., 2001, tragedy is still felt by children and adults alike, and for some its impact will be stronger and deeper than for others. As we try to make sense of a senseless act and the loss we have all experienced, children may come to us for comfort and ways to help them understand the confusing feelings they may be experiencing. "Jake's Journey" written by Lisa Holland, is a sketchbook that offers adults a unique way to help children work through unresolved emotions.

Written in a metaphor format, Jake the dog tells elementary school children stories of how he learned to understand his feelings about the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. Jake's eight "journeys" resemble many of the same feelings children exhibit when they are coping with trauma. Each journey is followed by an idea to draw a picture of a particular feeling on the pawprint sketch pages provided in the sketchbook. It also encourages children to talk to their parents and adults as they draw their pictures. Although this book is not a substitute for therapy, it is a strong tool for parents, teachers and counselors or any adult who loves and works with children. The profits from the sale of this book will be donated to the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund and is currently available at www.AMAZON.com

Jake's "human mom" is Lisa Holland of Atlanta, Georgia. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, currently completing her doctorate in family psychology. Lisa specializes in the treatment of children with chronic medical illness and is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the American Psychological Association.
What others are saying about the book--

Editorial Reviews:

Carrell Dammann, Ph.D., Family Psychologist, Atlanta, Georgia. This book creates a bridge to help adults and children share their experiences about the events of September 11, 2001. What others are saying about the book--Editorial Reviews:

Susan H. McDaniel, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry & Family Medicine, Director, Wynne Center for Family Research, University of Rochester School of Medicine. This book opens children up to talk with their families, be comforted and retain a hopeful image of the future.

Rengy Marshall, M.S.W., and Ted Marshall, M.D., parents of Ginny, age 11 and Margaret age 8, Camden, South Carolina. "Jake's Journey" gives us a creative tool to help our children express their own feelings in pictures.

Reviewed by Montse Casado, Ph.D., LMFT
University of Central Florida
Counselor Education
Play Therapy Certificate Coordinator
Mcasado@mail.ucf.edu