A northeast woman is celebrating the launch of her second children’s book.
Elliot’s Rainbow Rollercoaster by Laura Lawrence is now available worldwide.
“It is a lighthearted tale of a little boy who goes on a rollercoaster ride of emotions that takes him to his grandmothers house,” Lawrence said.
The latest book by Lawrence aims to help children identify with and normalize their feelings, especially little boys.
“It is normal to feel sad and angry and frustrated and here are some simple effective practices you can do to work your mind and body through those big feelings,” Lawrence said.
During launch weekend, the book was named number one in hot new releases and in best sellers in its category on Amazon.
Elliot’s Rainbow Rollercoaster follows Lily’s Loud Mouth that was released in the spring, but it was actually written first.
“I was prepared to have it as my first children’s book, but the world pandemic hit and everything as we knew it changed,” Lawrence said. “Life was unpredictable and I lost a bit of mojo with that book, so I set it aside.”
The writing journey for Lily’s Loud Mouth got underway and the search for an illustrator began. Nejla Shoajie out of Turkey has illustrated both books.
Once the first book was launched, Lawrence refocused on Elliot’s Rainbow Rollercoaster.
“I think everything always happens the way that it needs to and Elliot is actually Lily’s little brother so you can find him in the first book and even the fluffy cat,” Lawrence said. “Both of my grandmothers show up in each book and it’s just something that I think will be a special legacy for my children and their children.”
Launching both books during a pandemic hasn’t come without challenges according to Lawrence, but also some perks.
“A lot of the communication has gone online, I have been able to shift focus with the book launch and have been able to provide opportunity for access far and wide,” Lawrence said. “So, it has helped with getting the books into more homes across Canada and other countries.”
Lawrence who is a mindfulness educator, body talk practitioner, and mental health advocate and is the owner of MindBody Balance Therapies in Melfort offers author read-alongs in classrooms where she goes over mindfulness principles and practices with students.
“Teaching them tools and practices and awareness that they are able to notice what they feel in their minds and bodies and then implement some simple breath practices,” Lawrence said. “Balloon breathing and heart check-in are both in Elliot’s Rainbow Rollercoaster.”
Guided visual imagery in form of a backpack exercise, as well as a QR code to scan for a 15 page document for more mindfulness practices, are available at the back of the book.
“Mindfulness has shown to help with calming the nervous system, with improving focus, sleep, and concentration,” Lawrence said. “Overall, it is integral in supporting the mental health of youth.”
Another interesting part of the books are the little ladybugs that can be found on each page.
“In both of my books, the ladybugs serve as a symbol of remembrance of loved ones who have past in my life who were guiding lights and who I know still continue to guide me from above,” Lawrence said.
The books can be ordered on Lawrence’s website, which can also be signed, or they can be ordered on Amazon. Local businesses such as the Melfort Hospital gift shop in the historic post office as well as Northern Lights Gallery in Melfort also have copies available for purchase.
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angie.rolheiser@pattisonmedia.com
On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser
