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Join author Lacey Brazil for a Q&A session where she discusses separation anxiety and hidden secrets in her book, Little Book's Big Day Out.

Introduction

Welcome back to Kids Ask, Authors Answer, a joyful video series where children’s curiosity meets author creativity! Each episode brings together real kids and children’s book authors for a read-aloud followed by spontaneous, unscripted Q&A sessions.

The twist? The authors never see the questions ahead of time, so every answer is genuine, often funny, and always full of heart.

In this episode, hosts Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els read Little Book's Big Day Out by Lacey Braziel, a heartwarming picture book about a little book who unexpectedly finds himself having his own first day of school. After being accidentally placed in a book box, Little Book has to navigate new experiences, first-day nerves, making friends, and learning that it's okay to not be okay.

Perfect for kids who have ever felt nervous about trying something new, this episode encourages conversations about friendship, emotions, school, and what it means to let others in. Kids also get to ask Lacey their own questions about Little Book, Addie, the story behind the characters, Little Free Libraries, and more.

Meet the Hosts and Authors

Amy Doslich is the author and illustrator behind the beloved Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series, a collection inspired by her two daughters. Her stories are known for their warmth, humor, and family-centered adventures.

Samantha Howard-Els brings her own sparkle as the creator of the Mungo series and Tiny Boo, books that mix kindness, curiosity, and Halloween fun.

This time they're joined by Lacey Braziel, author of Little Book's Big Day Out. Lacey shares what inspired the story and how she came up with Little Book and Addie.  Her answers give kids a behind-the-scenes look at how a children's book comes to life.

Dealing with Separation Anxiety and Big Changes

Separation anxiety is a natural part of childhood development, particularly when major milestones like starting school occur. In Little Book’s Big Day Out, Addie feels a "strange feeling in her tummy" and tosses and turned all night before her big day. Her mother offers a vital piece of wisdom: "You’re allowed to feel anxious, but it’s important to try new things, even if they are scary."

This message is mirrored in Little Book’s journey. When he finds himself alone in the donation box, he feels the same weight of anxiety. By anthropomorphizing the book, Lacey Braziel allows children to view their own emotions from an outside perspective, making those feelings easier to discuss and manage.

The Power of "Teacher Book" and Grounding Techniques

One of the most impactful moments in the story occurs when Little Book meets "Teacher Book." Noticing that the newcomer is trembling, Teacher Book introduces a simple yet effective grounding technique: deep breathing.

Using a pinwheel to visualize the breath, Teacher Book instructs Little Book to take a deep breath in, hold it, and push it out slow and steady. This "spin the pinwheel" method is a real-world tool that parents can use with their children to help regulate the nervous system during moments of panic or stress. As Little Book discovers, focusing on the breath helps the "scary feeling" subside, allowing him to eventually engage with his new environment.

The Inspiration Behind the Story

During the interview, Lacey Braziel revealed that the book was born out of personal experience. Originally intended to be an adventure story about a book traveling the world, the plot shifted when her youngest son began struggling with school drop-offs.

"He just decided, 'I’m done with school. I don’t want to leave you anymore,'" Braziel shared. This tugged at her "mommy heartstrings," leading her to pivot the story toward emotional literacy. She wanted to show her son, and other children, to know that "it’s okay to not be okay" and that the feelings of fear are temporary.

Personal Touches and "Easter Eggs"

Braziel filled the illustrations with "hidden secrets" that connect the story to her own family:

• Adelaide (Addie): The main character is named after the girl's name Braziel always loved but never got to use for her two sons. Addie’s appearance is based on photos of Braziel herself as a young child.

• Family Heritage: A small bear in the book wears a bow made of the Richie family tartan, a nod to Braziel's Scottish roots.

• Real-Life Hobbies: The maps Little Book draws and the stickers he plays with are inspired by the real-life childhood hobbies of Braziel’s sons.

• The Orange Book: Attentive readers might notice an orange book that giggles at Little Book's jokes. Braziel hinted that this character is slated to be the co-star of a forthcoming sequel.

Understanding the "Little Free Library"

A central setting of the book is the Little Free Library, a small, wooden box often found in neighborhoods where people can "leave a book or take a book." For Little Book, this box serves as a temporary school.

In the story, Teacher Book is a permanent resident of the library. Braziel describes her as an older "textbook" edition. Because she is an older edition, she isn't "checked out" as often, allowing her to stay and welcome new books who might be feeling nervous about their stay. This creates a sense of community and safety within the library, teaching children that even in unfamiliar places, there are often mentors and friends waiting to help.

Facing Fears: Lessons for Kids (and Adults)

The core theme of the book is that bravery isn't the absence of fear, but the willingness to move forward despite it. Little Book eventually learns to enjoy his day by making a friend out of building blocks and creating sticker scenes.

In a fun "Kid’s Challenge" during the interview, Braziel was asked to name as many emotions as possible in 15 seconds. She rattled off joy, sadness, anger, envy, anxiety, and embarrassment, noting that she used color psychology (similar to the film Inside Out) in her book’s illustrations. When a character feels a certain way, the color of the background circle changes to match that emotion. This visual cue helps pre-literate children identify what the characters are feeling even before the words are read aloud.

Trying New Things

Even as an adult and an author, Braziel admits that trying new things is still scary. She shared a recent family trip where they explored deep caves and navigated "crazy turns" on mountain roads. Her takeaway? Much like Addie and Little Book, you have to remind yourself that the "cave isn't going to collapse" and that you will make it through to the other side.

Practical Tips for the First Day of School

Based on the themes of the book and the author's discussion, here are several takeaways for parents helping their children navigate new transitions:

1. Validate the Feeling: Don't dismiss a child's fear. Acknowledge that feeling anxious is normal and okay.

2. The "I'll Always Come Back" Promise: Like Addie’s mom, remind your child that the separation is temporary. Establishing a "reunion ritual", like reading the book together when they get home, gives the child something to look forward to.

3. Use a "Lovey": While Addie couldn't take Little Book into the classroom, the story discusses how "lovey" items (comfort objects) provide a sense of security. Check with your school's policy on small comfort items.

4. Practice Breathing: Teach children the "pinwheel breath" or "slow-and-steady" breathing before they are in a stressful situation so they know how to use it when the "tummy flutters" start.

5. Focus on the "Big Day Out": Reframe the day not as a "departure from home," but as an "adventure out."

Conclusion

Little Book’s Big Day Out is more than just a story about a lost book; it is a roadmap for emotional resilience. Whether a child is heading to preschool for the first time or moving to a new neighborhood, the story of Little Book reminds us all that even the scariest days can end with a "best hug" and a sense of accomplishment.

Want to Grab a Copy of Little Book's Big Day Out?

You can find it here*: https://amzn.to/4ghXm6g

Want to Watch Other Kids Ask Authors Answer Interviews?

Watch them here: Kids Ask Authors Answer Interviews!

You can also find Amy and Sam’s books here:

• Amy Doslich – Hannah Banana and Mary Berry series*: https://amzn.to/4eLoZ3G

• Samantha Howard-Els – Mungo series & Tiny Boo*: https://amzn.to/3CBx9OF

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