Are You Worried, Frustrated, Stressed? This Storybook Could Help.

DEDHAM, MA - After several years of pandemic stress, Americans are hurting. Four surveys from Pew Research Center reports that Four-in-ten U.S. adults (41%) report experiencing high levels of psychological distress. #1 New York Times bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, and his collaborator, author/film producer Marc Colagiovanni are hoping that the release of their new storybook for all ages, When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left will help people navigate through the burdens and stress they’re facing.

The picture book When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left reminds readers of their own agency and the power they have to forge their own path - despites the burdens we often carry. The story is a welcome reminder to all of us that even when nothing seems to be going right, we can always choose to go left - and seek a creative way to move forward.

Colagiovanni recently shared his goal for the book, “Our jobs as parents, teachers, or any mentor in a child's life, is to navigate them through this very beautiful but, at times, challenging world that we live in. The best way to do that is by constantly taking a mental inventory as to how our children are coping emotionally. If our book can initiate the type of conversations that result in a child being enlightened or finding peace in some way, then I'll know that we have put something worthwhile into the world.”

Reynolds adds, “It’s my deep hope that Go Left will help inspire all of us - no matter what our age - to deal with our stress and burdens in more creative ways, and allow us to move forward toward our dreams and goals.”

The book is already proving to be both universal and personal, and one that readers will be drawn to over and over again. As Manager of Child Life Services Micaela Hall Materne, MS, at Hasbro Children’s Hospital notes, “I’m smitten with the visual images, and the important and empowering messages . . . I hope these books get into as many hands as possible so that children and caregivers of all ages can enjoy these characters and feel inspired into meaningful conversations from which they can learn and grow.”

This first picture book collaboration between Marc and Peter, will be followed next year by an equally moving story called THE REFLECTION IN ME, which began as a short animated film, produced by Reynolds’ Boston-based media firm FableVision Studios. Written by Marc for his young daughters who were beginning to wrestle with self-image issues, this heartwarming family story spotlights the themes of love, acceptance, and having a positive self-image. It has been featured in film festivals around the globe, and has already attracted over 1.5 million views on Youtube.

The creative duo is embarking on a nationwide TV satellite and road tour to promote the When Things Aren't Going Right, Go Left book. To hear a special video message from Reynolds, and hear him read the original Go Left manuscript, go to: www.ReynoldsTLC.org/goleft. For more information about both Reynolds and Colagiovanni: www.marccolagiovanni.com, and www.peterhreynolds.com.