Written by Dr. Lauren Stutman, Illustrated by J.F. Kirkies
What happens when our negative thoughts begin to take over? And how can we learn to respond to them with greater kindness and compassion?
Dr. Lauren Stutman, who overcame severe childhood anxiety, perfectionism, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, is the founder and Clinical Director of CARE-LA, a multidisciplinary mental health practice dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and families thrive.
In this special storybook reading, Dr. Stutman shares Rosie and Her Garden of Pests, illustrated by J. F. Kirkies. Through Rosie's journey, we explore how difficult thoughts and destructive inner voices can take root—and how patience, self-awareness, and compassion can help us tend to our internal landscape.
The story introduces PESTs (Pesky Empty Scary Thoughts), offering young readers and families an accessible way to recognize and navigate unhelpful thinking patterns.
Whether you're exploring your own emotional well-being or supporting a young person through theirs, Rosie's story offers a gentle invitation to reflect, connect, and grow.
KEEP EXPLORING:Body Dysmporphic Disorder Through an Artist’s Lens
Dr. Stutman was also a contributing expert on body dysmphorphic disorder in our Perception Box documentary work with Unlikely Collaborators.
KEEP EXPLORING:Reading for pleasure for your child's mental health
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