Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey To The Heart Review

Authors: Kimberly Snyder & Jon Bier 

Illustrator: Donald Wu 

Publisher: 4U2B Books & Media

Released: May 28, 2024

Format: Hardcover, Kindle

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

ISBN: 978-0829455755

Page Count: 40

Price: $19.99

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

Available on Amazon

A tailored affirmational story for children who struggle with intense emotions!

I received a complimentary copy of the book from 4U2B Books & Media and agreed to give an honest review.

Review:

Book Summary: 

The friendship between Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur is characterized by their differing perspectives on the world. Lanky is a restless ball of nervous energy. Chilla embodies a laid-back and ultra zen lifestyle.

Throughout the story, Chilla wisely assists Lanky in dealing with his overwhelming emotions, which can sometimes lead to distressful outbursts. By displaying patience and compassion, Chilla teaches Lanky how to recognize and react to different emotions both big and small.

Chilla continues to teach Lanky the correlation between thoughts and feelings. To center the heart and mind, he recites a mantra and serves as a role model for recognizing and appropriately responding to emotions.

Opinion:

For children who struggle with controlling their intense emotions, Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart offers a tailored affirmational story.

Chilla is introduced in the story, leisurely lounging in his hammock while the morning sun casts a glistening and cozy glow. Juxtapose this with Lanky, bright eyed and bushy tailed, as he scrambles onto the tranquil scene raring to go.

As the two friends spend the day together, it’s obvious that Lanky has low frustration tolerance and poor coping skills. Instead of using his words to calmly express his displeasure, he becomes overwhelmed and screams.

I appreciated how Chilla labeled each of Lanky’s emotions and how to regulate and respond to them. The size of your reaction should match the size of the problem.

“You feel frustrated, Lanky,” Chilla said.

“Slow down, focus on your heart, and take a deep breath. There’s always a way to solve a challenge. Let’s settle down and figure it out.”

Chilla and Lanky are wonderful role models for children. Through labeling each emotion, Chilla empowered Lanky to understand and communicate his feelings. It also enabled Lanky to be self-reliant and gave him power over his body.

By reciting his lyrical mantra and providing gentle encouragement, Chilla aids Lanky in staying mindful and in the moment. Important life skills for healthy and productive interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships we all must learn.

Lanky internalizing Chilla’s instructions in a proactive way shows children how to accept suggestions from others without feeling belittled or bossed around. Friends help friends.

Donald Wu’s vibrant illustrations offer just the right amount of warmth. He flawlessly captures the personalities of both characters.

Chilla’s calmness is evident in his steady gaze and self-assured smile, which he readily shares with Lanky. Lanky’s jumbled feelings leap from the page. The various emotions he’s experiencing are reflected in his cute, doe-like eyes.

HeartAlign Meditation is beautifully introduced through this story. I appreciated the information and the QR code about this program at the back of the book. A convenient resource for parents and teachers looking for a peaceful approach to their kids’ everyday lives. 

Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart is a must-read aloud for any classroom teacher looking to develop self-regulation and emotional awareness in their students.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

Chilla Gorilla and Lanky Lemur Journey To The Heart is perfect for lessons on friendship, emotional regulation, and a theme on Emotions/Feelings.

Age Range: Preschool through grade 1.

Targeted Vocabulary:

Observing, wise, lounging, scrambling, feelings, anxiously, nervous, doubtful, restless, frustrated, generous, peace, thankfulness

Resources:

About The Authors:

Kimberly Snyder: Kimberly Snyder’s holistic work as a New York Times best-selling author and Holistic wellness expert has led her current focus to the power of the heart and heart coherence: our ability to remain centered, create emotional intelligence and process big feelings from our hearts. Using her husband and sons as inspiration, she teaches young ones and families everywhere that they too can learn these simple tools and heart meditations to create more joy and peace in their lives!

Jon Bier: Jon Bier is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, angel investor, and Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Jack Taylor, a full-service public relations and communications agency. Jon is a bar-admitted non-practicing attorney. He lives in California and Hawaii with his wife Kimberly and their two boys.