I really liked this book and the story behind it! Great information on how spreading yourself too thin can harm you and I love the little acronyms and guidance provided throughout!
The artwork was cute and fun and eyecatching!

My 4 year old loved this and I started a natural conversation between us abouthow to deal with your feelings sometimes. Fantastic

How clever is this book using Opal Octopus with 8 "arms" to show how crazy it is attempting to do to many things at once can be. Believe it or not that includes trying to be everything for everyone. Opal has a people pleasing problem. Trying to be helpful to too many others can actually be damaging. Your child and you can learn from Opal. I love these series because not only do they teach and encourage your children but they also teach and encourage the parents. The parents on what to recognize and how to combat the problem without shame and with problem solving skills. Children learn the best in play and play with parents builds a bonding experience.

The series always ends with key skills to remember and apply. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Boys Town Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

Opal the Octopus is Overwhelmed is a children’s book about a Opal, a young octopus who accepts every commitment coming her way! Pretty soon she is barely keeping up and the important things in her life start to slip. With guidance and support, Opal is able to RESET and find balance in her life.

This was a cute story with a purpose. Ashley Bartley and Brian Martin did a great job pairing the writing and illustrations! I really enjoyed the fun whimsical aspects of the book. I also like that the book modeled setting healthy boundaries and finding balance in a busy world. It was nice that at the end of the book there was information for parents/teachers on how to apply concepts to real-life. I found that many of the concepts applied to my own adult life as well!

Overall, this is a great option for talking about important topics with K4-1st grade children. This is a book that I would purchase for my classroom!

This book will be an excellent addition to our Wellness section for children. There are a lot of books on mindfulness coming down the pipe, but this one really stands out for its lesson on learning to R.E.S.E.T., which is a more complete stance on the subject. Kids have busier schedules now than they ever have, so learning the R.E.S.E.T. skills will help them learn to time manage, practice mindfulness, build confidence in themselves, and learn that you cannot always make everyone else happy--especially at the expense of your own wellbeing. This book has the power to start a movement that will improve the mental health of children!

Opal is so busy helping others, she has no time for her hobbies, When she does find time, she gets no sleep! Her mom teaches her a Mnemonic that becomes her Mantra.
Ideas for parents, educators, and students are in the back. The colorful illustrations made it helpful for me, a busy perfectionist with ADHD. Counselors will find great use with this book.

I absolutely loved Opal the Octopus is Overwhelmed! The book is beautifully illustrated and written. Opal the Octopus has too much on her plate and is experiencing stress and anxiety. Opal's Mom teaches her about the value of RESET and how to prioritize her life so that Opal can have a joyful life once again. It also has an author's note in the back of the book to teach families and educators how to RESET. This book is perfect for kids and adults and would be great to be read in a classroom, library story time, or as a family. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. (This review is also on GoodReads.)

‘Opal Octopus says yes to everything, without taking time to think through it. Now she’s overwhelmed by too much on her plate, because she’s quick to agree’

Summing up this book in three words is easy: PRECIOUS. RELATABLE. IMPORTANT.

‘My mind feels squishy and scattered. I can’t focus on one thing at a time. Wanting to be perfect at everything I do really makes my anxiety climb!’

Preach, Opal. As a perpetual juggler of too many things at once, I related to this lovely little book so much. Like, honestly, everyone should read this whether they're a kid or an adult. Trying to balance everything at once is exhausting and stressful and, in the words of dear Opal, anxiety-inducing. Listen to this octopus and make time for yourself!

This book is about an Octopus who wants to please everyone so she does for everyone else, leaving herself and her own well being last. It’s good to show kids that putting yourself first and making sure you are happy and healthy before doing for others is not necessarily a bad thing. Cute illustrations and a great message!