Like most Boys Town books this story is very repetitive, but it is well done. It’s about using “pause power” or stopping a taking a few breaths to calm down before erupting or letting things get to you. The story works, it's just a little long, and the illustrations are fun and eye catching.

I appreciated the intention behind this children's book and that it encouraged mindfulness and pausing before having a big reaction to "small" problems! I wish that it hadn't been so text heavy, as that has a tendency to lose the interest of younger readers. I can definitely see how this would benefit some kiddos though!

This book was so wonderful! We read it with our highly sensitive nine year old. I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy of it!

I consider this a very important book, not just for small children but also for grown-ups. Pause Power written by Jennifer Law and illustrated by Brian Martin talks about how it is important to stop and take a breath in the middle of an adverse situation, to ensure that you do not take any hasty decisions while you are upset.

Pause Power presents its story from the point of view of a small boy who gets aggravated when someone else's actions irk him. He responds by getting angry. But some helpful buttons pop up and help him see that he can choose his response and not get perturbed.

The engaging illustrations are a delight and help children decipher the story. I read it with my children aged 5 and 12 and boy did the book have an impact! I recommend it hugely to everyone trying to find ways to calm themselves or teach their kids/students to harness the power of pausing for a moment in between mental chaos.

As a child psychologist I am always looking for new and creative ways to teach emotional regulation and problem solving skills. I was excited to check this one out and it did not disappoint! "Pause Power" presents the idea that, while you cannot control some situations, you can always choose how you respond, which affects the outcome. I think kids and caregivers will enjoy the story, told with humor and fun illustrations, while learning about these very important concepts. I look forward to adding this book to my repertoire!

Pause power is an excellent book to help young people to handle their emotions. Everyone gets their buttons pushed and this book will help to give coping skills to stop breath and get themselves under control

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC of Pause Power in exchange for my review.

Pause Power tells the story of Gabe and how he learned to stop allowing others to push his buttons by using the Pause Power strategy. At first, Gabe would hit, yell, cry or run away when people made him mad. When Gabe goes to the Cool Down Spot, he literally has illustrated "buttons" that pop up on his body that have been "pushed." One button begins telling him to try to take deep breaths, breathe through his nose and out through his mouth. When he takes another breath, the "buttons" stop flashing and even begin to shrink. Soon, Preston, the blue-button, explains to Gabe how he reacts to someone else's actions is really up to him and that HE decides how to handle his feelings and actions. By employing "Pause Power" by taking deep breaths, counting slowly, pause and thinking and using the Cool Down Spot as a tool for calming down.
Other school situations occur that cause Gabe's "buttons" to be pushed and he has to use his Pause Power. After several attempts, he learns to not allow others to push his "buttons" and begins making alternative and better choices. As a result, this makes people like being around him and he makes more friends.
Pause Power is well written, and Gabe's school experiences may resonate with children that need a strategy for being less reactive. Collectively naming- taking deep breaths, counting down, and going to the Cool Down Spot to think- as "Pause Power" will make it easy for children to remember. Pause Power will be a welcome addition to elementary classroom libraries and guidance counselor's offices. The additional information and tips at the end will be helpful for adults and parents working with children to learn to handle emotions.

#pausepower #netgalley

My daughter really enjoyed this book, and has been employing the concepts when she is on playdates with her friend and her friend's sister, who sometimes pushes her buttons. I plan on getting a copy for that child's mom when the book is released, as I think it would be a big help for the younger girl. This needs to be in every guidance counselor's library in elementary schools!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is a great book for children of school age to learn about anger, frustration and in general what to do when angry and frustrated (having their buttons pushed). It helps explain what this phrase means and ways of calming down and making good choices to keep themself safe and out of trouble.
I loved this book. As a teaching assistant in a school I would suggest this book as a resource for all children to be able to read (i.e. in class, in library area, pastoral), and access. The book also gives tips about this subject at the back of the book for parents, carers and educators.
This is a book I will definitely be getting a paper copy of when it is out to buy.

Pause Power
by Jennifer Law; illustrated by Brian Martin.
Boys Town Press

Pause Power is a book for children aged about 5-10 years old. I was really excited about this book because I have young boys who often bother each other and the skill to pause and not react is a skill I want them to learn.

The book follows a young boy named Gabe around as he learns about the "buttons" that he has which the other children "push." It starts with Gabe blaming others for "pushing his buttons," and finished with Gave realizing that he can control how many buttons he exposes.

The key for Gabe is to use his "pause power" when he is upset. By pausing and thinking through his next choice, Gabe is able to make better choices. Basically, the book teaches children to pause before acting out on anger and to take deep breaths or count. It falls short of teaching children to trust God and to avoid sin for the sake of righteousness, so it won't be sufficient for a Christian home, but the ideas presented are not bad, especially the tips for parents to help you teach your child to stay calm.

My five-year-old son had trouble understanding what the buttons were, exactly. I think this book would be better understood by kids in the 6-9 range. If you are looking for a book with techniques to help a child who gets angry or loses self-control, I think Pause Power can be a helpful supplement. But ultimately it falls in the category of gospel-less help for good living so discerning parents will want to be sure they are also teaching their children to turn to Christ for forgiveness for their sin, and the power to live a righteous life.

I read a digital copy, so I cannot comment on the quality of the actual production of the book.

You can purchase it here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Leos-Monster/Marcus-Pfister/9780735844179

This picture book focuses on Gabe who becomes easily frustrated and angry with his classmates because they are always pushing his buttons. However, when he reacts out of anger, he usually gets into trouble. This book is about Gabe learning to pause and think before reacting out of anger or frustration.

I have been looking for more books to use during our morning meetings that focus on social/emotional development, and this book seems perfect! It’s not uncommon for fourth graders to still react out of anger or frustration, and this book helps them see how they can change that and learn to control it. I love that this book focuses on how reacting out of anger can impact friendships!. This book also includes practical tips for parents and teachers at the end and would be a great conversation starter for students in grades K - 5.

I read this book last night and I thought it had some really good points.
Some children don't know how to express their emotions and this really helps.
I thought that the story was easy to follow and the layout was good.
The images are nice and I liked the addition at the end of the book for learning points for parents/teachers too

What I Loved and How I Felt:

I am always looking for ways to help my children handle their emotions, and let’s face it, I can always use help with that as well. Pause Power was such a unique way to show children how their “buttons get pushed” by others and then how they reaction. I loved the visual use of the buttons popping up on the boy in the story. It really helped my daughter to understand what the author was saying. Taking a moment to breathe and calm down is not a new concept, but this was a new way to explain it and I loved it!

To Read or Not To Read: I feel that this book should be read to every child, and it should be read more than once so that the concept sticks for them when they are in an emotionally situation! This is perfect for every home, library, and school.

What’s This Book About Anyway?
Gabe gets angry and then he lashes out. He can’t help it, people push his buttons. One day, after his buttons were pushed, a new button appears and helps him to understand that if Gabe takes time to breathe and ask for a few minutes to calm down, his anger will reduce and he’ll be able to handle his feelings.

The author did an excellent job of explaining this in terms that a child could understand. We have started using this idea in our household and so far, I’ve managed to avoid two meltdowns…so a HUGE FIVE STAR from me!

ARC: Pause Power is about a boy who gets angry easily. His buttons are always being pushed. This book talks about how he can work through his anger and self-regulate his emotions.

I really enjoyed this book and even read it to the child I watch who does get angry easily. It was a great book to read and talk about. The little boy I read it to also loved it!

I highly recommend this book. I will definitely be buying a hard copy of this book for the little boy I watch!