I would like to dedicate this book to all of the children that my coauthor, Dr. Robin Alter, and I have been fortunate to work with, and learn from, throughout the years. From you, we’ve learned so much about how worries can get in the way of kids fully enjoying life, and about the creative ways that kids can take charge of their worries so they can build their confidence and enjoy more of what life has to offer. Without all of you, this book would not have been possible. I feel privileged to have been able to work with so many of you in this way, and I am constantly amazed by the strength, creativity, and imagination inside each and every one of you.
I would also like to express my gratitude to Dr. Robin Alter for adding fuel to my interest in helping children to empower themselves by partnering with that strong, creative force within themselves, rather than experiencing it as working against them. And for being my partner throughout our own creative journey of preparing this book in the hope that it may reach, and be of help to, many more children in the future.
Crystal Clarke, MSW, RSW
I want to thank all the children who were so generous and eager to share their imaginations with me, and the parents who were willing to give a new approach a solid try. All of you helped me to see the connection between anxiety and imagination, which led to my first book, Anxiety and the Gift of Imagination, and eventually to this workbook.
I want to thank my coauthor, Crystal Clarke, for her dedication and thoroughness in this project. She was on board with the imagination/anxiety connection even before we began our collaboration. Crystal’s keen understanding of how children think and what will capture their interest and imaginations was integral to the quality of this workbook.
And to Dr. Christine Littlefield, my friend and colleague, who urged me to write a workbook and wouldn’t let up until I did. Without you this book would never have happened. Thank you for that, and for so much more. You live on.
Robin Alter, PhD
We would both like to thank our illustrator, Oliver Burns, for his attention to our vision. Oliver precisely captured each emotion and message that we wanted to convey, while maintaining the simplicity that we felt was important in aiming to create a comfortable space for children as they are invited to add their own art to the workbook. Thank you, Oliver, for lending us your incredible imagination in bringing our imaginations, and our workbook, to life!