Helping parents survive flights, restaurants and the library with toddlers and kids
The Peaceful Outing Series, written and illustrated by Annie Alwine, includes fun pictures and simple rhymes that teach positive behaviors in some of the most stressful environments for parents and caregivers: an airplane, a restaurant, and a library. The titles, The Peaceful Plane, The Peaceful Restaurant and the Peaceful Library go on sale February 1, 2022.
“Children learn best from repetition and clearly communicated expectations of their behavior before they are in a new environment,” said Alwine. “Taking babies, toddlers and kids on a flight, out to eat or to the library can be some of the most daunting outings for parents.”
Children can become overstimulated and excited when they are out of their typical routines and in a new place, which can make teaching appropriate etiquette in the midst of a new experience very challenging.
“Don’t wait until you’re on the flight, at a restaurant or in the library to beg them not to scream, kick their neighbor’s chair, stay in their seat or run around,” said Awine. “Practice now!”
Inspired by her own anxiety of taking her toddler on flights, to restaurants and to the library, Alwine searched for picture books to help teach her daughter what to expect in these situations and how to act. Her searches were to no avail, so when she found herself laid off from her career as a marketing executive due to a world pandemic, without childcare, and one month before giving birth to her second child, Alwine decided to write the books herself.
Growing up the daughter of a pediatrician and an early intervention preschool teacher, best practices in early-childhood development was a staple dinner-table conversation.
The pages are filled with diversity and inclusion of varying disabilities, sexual orientation, races, gender identities, body types and religions.
“I am passionate about disability rights and diversity, believing it is important for all children’s books to show inclusion, not just ones that are specifically about multiculturalism,” said Alwine. “I want children and families to be able to identify with characters while gaining exposure to a variety of cultures different from their own, encouraging acceptance and appreciation of others.”
Accolades for The Peaceful Series:
“Every baby registry should include this book series!”— Natalie Rodriguez, M.D. Associate Clinical Professor, Family Medicine and Public Health, UC San Diego
“We all have cringe-worthy moments in public with our kids. Explaining the behaviors we want to see in advance truly helps. These books make it fun so I don’t sound like a broken record.”— Valerie Dorrian, M.A., CCC-SLP, Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist & Mom of Two
“These books prepare your kids for new adventures in advance while keeping your child’s attention. I highly recommend making this series part of your bedtime routines.” — Joel E. Hersehy, M.D., Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatrics
About the Author: Annie has led award-winning marketing and communications campaigns with companies in the health care, nonprofit, technology, bio-tech, and juvenile product industries. Additionally, she has increased public awareness for a range of health and disability services and rights. Annie was born in New York City, raised in Jersey, schooled in Washington, DC and Sydney, Australia and has lived in San Diego, California for over a decade with her husband, daughter and son.
Website: ChildrensBehaviorBooks.com
Instagram: @behaviorbooks
On Sale: February 1, 2022
Available: Amazon UK & US
Distribution: worldwide from Ingram; find a list of bookstores and retailers carrying the series on the website
Behavior Books 