Includes bibliographical references.

This is the story of six-year-old Alex the Alligator, who has experienced 'scary things', and the different things he does to cope with all the ways these scary things make him feel. This gentle storybook will help children who have experienced trauma to deal with their emotions and learn coping strategies. Visually, this book is very engaging, utlising a collage-style approach of photographs and drawings, and these are used effectively to convey Alex's changing emotions. Alex personifies different emotional states; for example, scary feelings can compel him into destructive behaviours, which he ascribes to a part of him which he calls The Destroyer. Another is Scribbles, who processes feelings through creative work when Alex doesn't feel like talking. Alex recognises that all these parts of him function to keep him safe when he thinks about scary things. The scary things which Alex has experienced are never elaborated on, which makes this book appropriate for children experiencing trauma stemming from a variety of causes. Alex is quite self-aware and has coping mechanisms that he invites other children to try, such as the 5-4-3-2-1 game which encourages him to be present in the moment. He occasionally addresses the child reader, which enables children to personalise Alex's techniques. There is a note to caregivers at the conclusion of the book, which advises that though the book has a trauma-informed perspective, the strategies of breathing techniques, mood monitoring and grounding activities are suitable for all children (and adults). Colour picturebook with short text.
Audience: Child 3 - 8 years; Adult; Adult caregiver; Professional