Karen Young Books & Products

An important, engaging, practical book for young people (and their important adults).

All feelings are important – the magical, the messy, and the in-between. Sometimes though, big feelings can have us behaving in ways that aren’t so, let’s say … shiny. This happens to all of us. The more young people understand how and why, the more they can build the capacity to feel their feelings and manage them in positive ways.

‘Ups and Downs’ draws on Polyvagal Theory, a widely accepted neuroscientific theory, to support young people to understand why they feel and do as they do, and how to do differently when they need to. Driving brains and bodies isn’t easy! It takes time, experience, and the right information – so let’s give them that.

Who is ‘Ups and Downs’ for?

• Kids 5-12.
• Teens 13 and up.
• Parents.
• Teachers.
• Counsellors, psychologists, therapists.
• Any adult with a young person in their life.
• Anyone who loves picture books.
• Anyone who thinks they’re too old for picture books.
• Anyone who gets anxious, angry, sad, happy and who wants to understand (and better manage) feelings and behaviour.
• Anyone with a head.
• Everyone else.

Industry Reviews

‘Karen Young has such a wonderful way with words, especially around anxiety. This is her latest beautiful picture book that explains anxiety through the lens of Polyvagal theory using the metaphor of a house. This shows how sometimes anxiety can be hard to notice. I think this book can help kids and teens better understand stress and anxiety. I loved it! This would be great for homes, schools and in libraries.‘
– Maggie Dent, bestselling parenting author and Australia’s leading parenting voice.

‘Ups and Downs is an imaginative exploration of the emotional terrain of childhood. Author Karen Young creatively weaves Polyvagal Theory into an exploration and explanation of ‘all the feels’ kids experience in their developmentally crucial younger years. She balances the realities of how uncomfortable and painful these feelings can be with innovative and practical suggestions for both children and their parents to restore a sense of calm and connected. This book includes a very insightful, clearly written, comprehensive section for parents to refine their co-regulation capacities. Artfully written and beautifully illustrationed, Ups and Downs is a wonderful resource to empower children, and to guide parents as they navigate their children’s emotional landscape.’
– Dr Amber E.L. Gray, Polyvagal Institute Editorial Board Member.

‘An amazing new children’s book by Karen Young … and I’m obsessed! Explores Polyvagal states in the most fabulous and understandable ways!‘
– Dr Lori Desautels, Assistant Professor at Butler University.