Clouds drift in the sky
Storms pass through and stars shine bright
Sky remains the sky

Come along with Little Guy as he observes the sky and learns about himself!

Feelings, thoughts, and emotions come and go—but who we are is so much bigger! In this gentle, playfully illustrated story, a child named Little Guy observes the sky. He realizes the sky isn't defined by the wind or the rain, by the airplanes or the birds, or by the light or the dark. The sky is all of those things, and at the same time, it remains the sky. Little Guy considers his own thoughts, feelings, and abilities, and he realizes they don't define him, just as the weather doesn't define the sky. He understands he is more than how he might feel, what he might think, and what he might see.

Inspired by mindfulness and by acceptance work (ACT), I Am Like the Sky introduces children to the concepts of emotional resilience, self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-observation. It reflects the idea that each of us is more than our very normal feelings and swirling thoughts. Perfect for children ages 4 to 10, this calming read-aloud provides a valuable metaphor for children, parents, grandparents, teachers, school counselors, and therapists. Downloadable resources and activities are also available!

Tara Concelman is a parent-teacher educator, behavior analyst, speaker, and author whose work blends behavior science, mindfulness, and intentional action using the principals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and behavior science. Tara loves speaking to parents and educators, teaching simple ways to apply life-giving strategies to families and classrooms. She is the mother of three adult children (one of whom is one the spectrum) and "nan" to two grandchildren. She brings both professional and real-life experience to her work. Tara and her husband live between Central Florida and the mountains of North Carolina. She finds inspiration in nature, the sky, and the beauty of everyday moments.

"Children need to learn that the storms inside us all are not enemies to defeat, and that they are not who we are. I Am Like the Sky makes that lesson wonderfully simple. With warmth, playfulness, and lovely illustrations, Tara Concelman gives children—and the adults who love them—a way to make room for all their inner weather while discovering the larger sense of self that holds it." --Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

“I Am Like the Sky invites readers to discover that although we have many personality traits and feelings that are uncomfortable, they do not define who we are. Through the beautiful metaphor of the changing sky, readers can learn a new perspective about themselves. In the sky, storms come and go, and clear skies follow.” -- Vicki Clancy, public school teacher for 30+ years

"Tara has done a wonderful job showing us that we are more than our thoughts. She has demonstrated beautifully how to navigate the brief moments of thought we all experience daily as humans. Young and old will benefit from this precious book and the message it shares with us." -- Beth Feld, mother and grandmother

"Looking up reflects looking inward in this beautifully written and illustrated book, as I Am Like the Sky mirrors our ever-changing emotions through the ever-changing sky. The sky becomes a mirror for the heart. Its shifts in light and weather become gentle stand-ins for feelings moving within us, building to a relatable message of self-acceptance: that every feeling we carry, sunny or stormy, belongs, and so do we. An affirming, tender read for anyone becoming aware or needing to be reminded that their feelings are always changing, and always okay." -- Marguerite McNeill, Director of Monarch Learning Academy

"This book takes children on a journey to think about the feelings they hold within themselves, whether they be anger, sadness, or joy. The colorful imagery and simple vocabulary is accessible for children of all ages, and leaves them feeling cozy and safe as they navigate the big emotions of childhood." -- Milaura Spelman, MS-CCC/SLP

“For the helpers - make space for this book. With gentle warmth, pleasant rhymes and phrases help readers connect with their emotions as a part of themselves, not their whole self. Sweet watercolors bring the conversation starter to life in a familiar, friendly way, inviting readers of all ages to explore.” -- Sarah Kate McGuire, MLIS School Librarian

“I Am Like The Sky is a hopeful reminder to kids everywhere that difficult thoughts and feelings are a part of all of us without being all of who we are. Being human means we have thoughts and feelings come and go all the time, and this book is such a useful tool for parents, educators and therapists alike to help children understand this concept.

“ -- Bethany Anan, M.A., BCBAFounder & Clinical Director of Peace for Kids

“Tara is an incredibly wise and effective clinician whose gift for transforming complex ideas into simple, personal, and deeply meaningful metaphors has long impressed me. This beautiful book extends that gift to all, inviting readers to discover principles at the core of psychological well-being. I Am Like the Sky belongs on every family bookshelf- and in every ACT clinician’s toolkit.” -- Kristen Lancaster, PhD, BCBA -- Private practice clinician specializing in applied behavior analysis and acceptance and commitment therapy