Paws is a happy pup who’s on an adventure to cheer up his friends. 

During his adventures, Paws encounters his animal friends who are feeling down, such as Matty the Mad Monkey and Sammy the Sad Turtle. Paws is perpetually cheerful, and uses his charming personality to try and bring a smile to his friends. Through the course of a day, he learns it’s more important to be comfortable with who he is, and let others be who they are.

This book was created by a sister team. Written by Stephany Jenkins, who has worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over thirty years, so her daily routine includes finding creative ways to help children feel better – both physically and emotionally. Illustrated by her sister Sabrina Wingren, who was the Art Director at a major advertising agency in Chicago, and now runs her own design studio, A Space to Create. Paws is based on the therapy dog, Gouda, who helps cheer kids up at the pediatric physical therapy clinic where Stephany works.

Paws is a book that is meant to help parents, educators, therapists, and others teach children about emotions and big feelings. Role models can support children as they learn to set boundaries and empower them to be true to who they are and how they feel. Good mental health begins at an early age. Encourage kids to embrace who they are and celebrate their unique personalities, as they learn to cope with a complicated world, understanding emotions and feelings is vital to their development. 

Let’s work together to create a kinder world, one child at a time!!!