Zach Hangs in There

Picture book that teaches kids how to persevere when things get difficult through positive self-talk.

Zach has set a goal for himself--to get across the tricky trapeze rings on the playground. Every time he tries, he falls off before making it to the end. But with encouragement from his best friend Sonya and positive self-talk, Zach uses a four-step approach to persevere to the end:

1. Start with a goal
2. Make a plan
3. Make a new plan if needed
4. Keep trying to the end

Zach feels so great about his success that he writes down the steps he used so he can repeat them next time he faces a tough challenge. A short note is included to help teachers, parents, counselors, and other adults reinforce the book's messages and help kids practice positive self-talk and develop a growth mindset as they learn how to persevere.

Zach Rules Series
Zach struggles with social issues like getting along, handling frustrations, making mistakes, and other everyday problems typical of young kids. Each book in the Zach Rules series presents a single, simple storyline involving one such problem. As each story develops, Zach and readers learn straightforward tools for coping with their struggles and building stronger relationships now and in the future.

Author: William Mulcahy
Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing
Published: 04/18/2017
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.10h x 8.10w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781631981623
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2017
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2018 pg. 54 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

About the Author
William Mulcahy is a licensed professional counselor and psychotherapist. He has served as supervisor at Family Service of Waukesha and as a counselor at Stillwaters Cancer Support Center in Wisconsin specializing in grief and cancer-related issues, and he has worked with children with special needs. Currently he works in private practice in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, and he is the owner of Kids Cope Now, a program for providing books and tools to help kids in the hospital. Bill's picture books include Zach Apologizes, Zach Gets Frustrated, Zach Makes Mistakes, and Zoey Goes to the Hospital. He lives with his wife Melissa, his three children, and his three stepchildren in Summit, Wisconsin, where life is never boring.