Interview with Calm Down Counting Author Suzanne Elson

When we published Calm Down Counting a few years ago, we had no idea how much of a difference it would make in the lives of children of all ages struggling with fears or anxiety! Let's talk to the author about her work:

What was the inspiration behind this story?

The inspiration behind this story is my sister Linda and her girls, Paisley and Brynlee. Brynlee is quite fearful of most insects. I watched this happen while we were down at the canoe launch. My sister swiftly jumped into the counting steps which effectively helped Brynlee calm down. It was pretty amazing to watch. Brynlee got to a place where she wasn’t bothered by the bugs anymore and we could continue with our activity.

What made you want to share this story in picture book form?

I thought this story would make a sweet and funny camping book while also helping create a book to help children cope with anxiety, because since the pandemic, this is most certainly on the rise.

Talking about mental health can be difficult. What would you say to those who claim such topics aren’t appropriate for kids?

People of all ages have mental health issues, even the very young. Starting explaining at a young age what anxiety means plus giving them coping tools can only be a good thing. Anxiety is much more common in children than people realize.

How can this book help families dealing with mental health struggles?

It can inform and educate them with the backmatter explaining what anxiety is and how it affects you and how it makes you feel. The counting down method is a good tool for all family members. The back matter has questions for kids to discuss with the caregiver reading it. 

Which page of the book is your favourite?

Definitely the last page when the dad freaks out over a frog, and Molly comes to his rescue and encourages him to practice to calm down counting. I know a lot of adults who are scared of frogs, so I love the humourous full circle twist in the end!

What do you hope readers will take away from this book?

I think it’s important to talk about anxiety and have awareness of how common it is, regardless of how old you are. I also made the book funny, so that it can be a lighthearted read, with the children learning an important coping mechanism without really realizing it.