Tali and the Toucan

"Using magical realism and dreams, this lovely picture book shows how the main character Tali gains courage to try the things she has been too afraid to attempt. . . A good choice for libraries needing books to support social-emotional learning, persistence, and confronting fears." * School Library Journal *
"Emotive illustrations track the transformation of a girl as she moves through her fear and finds resolve. Tali longs to tumble and soar like the other children at gymnastics or the dojo, but fear always stops her from trying. Through a series of dreams, she discovers her courage—and herself. The illustrations artfully capture the shifting, high-stakes sensation of dreams and the all-consuming nature of anxiety in this picture book that validates children’s fears before gently encouraging them to face them." * Foreword Reviews *
"In this soulful and beautifully illustrated tale, a humble chicken becomes a magical toucan, a fearful child becomes confident, and dreams become an obtainable reality. Tali and the Toucan will enchant, comfort, and inspire dreamers of every kind." -- Elisa Kleven, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator
". . . a stunningly illustrated tale of nighttime inspiration and transformation that will do young readers the great service of filling them with hope and tuning them into their dreams." --  Lael Gold, Ph.D., founder of Productive Slumber
"Through poetic words and lively illustrations, Tali and the Toucan introduces children to the power of dreams, animal spirit helpers, and puns to heal and transform daily life. It also quietly carries a deeply important message from Jewish mysticism, Tikkun Olam." -- Tina Asherae Fields, Ph.D., Professor Emerita of Ecopsychology, Naropa University
"As we mature, we don't appreciate the trepidation kids go through when trying something for the first time. This book personifies the thrill and uncertainty that comes with embarking on new experiences." -- Mike Wietecha, American Sumo wrestler, teacher and graphic novelist, Zhengzhou Normal University
"Tali and the Toucan is a heartfelt tale about a girl who discovers how powerful her dreams are in overcoming her fears and anxieties. Wonderful story for children looking to recognize their true potential." -- Karin Blais, FNP-C, Denver, CO
"This beautifully illustrated story is more than a children’s book. It is a story about being human, and the human relationship to the universal emotion of fear. [...] This book is a reminder that if we pay attention, we can find something or someone to teach us how we can step out of the fear and into power." -- Dr. Rayna Savrosa, L.Ac, DACM Moonshadow Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, San Francisco, CA
"This wonderful new book portrays, both through remarkedly sensitive text and spectacular illustrations, fears secretly harbored by so many children. While I think it would be of particular value to kids who are anxious, shy or reluctant in any other way, the book has a potential to create empathy that could benefit even those who are not so besieged." -- Geri Alpert, Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Harvard University