Title: So Few Of Me

Authors: Peter H. Reynolds

Themes: Anxiety, Coping Skills, Developing Perspective, Humor, Individuation, Mindfulness, Parenting, Self-Esteem

Age Recommendation: Elementary through Junior High School

Summary: So Few Of Me tells the story of Leo, a busy, overscheduled kid. Leo starts keeping lists of all he needs to do and eventually finds that he needs more than just himself to keep up with his to-do's. Before we know it, there are lots of Leo's, each of whom is inundated with too long to-do lists. The real Leo becomes overwhelmed just trying to manage his clones and learns that the secret to happiness is simplicity.

Ideas / Interventions: This is a cute book to read with kids and/or parents with anxious temperaments and perfectionistic tendencies. Point out that Leo isn't someone who starts lots of things and just doesn't get around to finishing them, like a child with ADHD might be, but instead he likes to take on too much and wants to see everything through to completion. If you are working with older children who have developed performance-related anxiety related to pressure they perceive from their parents, try to engage them in a discussion about how Leo' self-esteem became too wrapped up in his external accomplishments with their parents in the session.