Counting three breaths may help you remember. 
You could shake like a dog when you’re really upset. 
Or you could sing, or dance, or play clarinet!”

Barbara ‘Rhubarb’ Haas, MA Education, shares wisdom from 40 years of teaching all ages from children to graduate level educators, studying and incorporating brain-based learning techniques, and researching to better guide students in managing their wide range of emotions. 

The story shares the benefits of taking 3 big breaths and other techniques to gain composure when faced with disappointment and frustration. It has concepts to invoke thinking, enliven conversations, motivate writing, and enhance character-building skills, as well as a nudge to take responsibility for our own emotions. The book is a great resource to use for lesson starters, mindfulness reminders, and ideas to integrate into life. 

Concepts for this wisdom book were taken from Brene’ Brown’s “Daring Greatly,” Esther Hicks’, “Relationship Meditation,” Sandra Ingerman’s “How to Heal Toxic Thoughts,” Harriet Lerner’s “Dance of Anger” and “Dance of Connection,” Marshall Rosenberg’s “Non-Violent Communication,” and Marianne Williamson’s “Return to Love.”

May the playful rhymes and colorful images put a twinkle in your eye. 
May you always be young enough to enjoy picture books and the importance of reading to a child. 

About the Author: Barbara “Rhubarb” Haas lives in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains with her husband, Chris, and their furry feline, Frank. She has been in the education field from the Madeline Hunter methods to the Kagan & Kagan era, has taught many ages and many subjects, yet spent most of her career with 5th graders. She honed her writing skills for her Masters in Education and courses beyond, as well as grant writing for her Artists-in-Residence programs. She has had articles and poems published, and is delighted to share her latest adventure in word wranglin’. 

About the Illustrator: Mary Ann Kruse is recognized for her vibrant watercolor depictions of wildlife created with illustrative authenticity and a hint of artistic license for creative engagement. Fishes, birds, and bees are her usual subjects with their exceptional texture and hues, scales, feathers and fur. Honoring wildlife in their essential roles and paying tribute to their exquisite beauty, she now adds humans to her whimsical artwork. She lives with two felines, Ursa and Zubenelgenubi (aka Zube) in Oregon’s high desert where the scent of sage meets gnarled juniper. 

Testimonials:

Susan Conroy, Ph.D. Administration, Principal & Music Teacher: “Flustered Without Mustard” sets a stage for discussion with ‘kids’ of any age – 1 to 100. While the clever topic of mustard on a hot dog is quite simple, discussion on the range of reactions is not simple. Finding ways to resolve conflicts causing anger or frustration are as important as reading and math, for if emotions are not successfully mastered, success in academics will be hampered and relationships will struggle. 

Sophie Bloch-Miller, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, OR: This book is a great resource for the classroom, the therapy office, or the home!