Aroha's Way - A Children's Guide through Emotions

By Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips

Support tamariki to understand and manage worries and anxiety with Aroha’s Way, a beautifully illustrated picture book by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips. Through stunning visuals and a heartfelt narrative, Aroha leads children on a journey of exploring their emotions, offering practical tools to manage feelings of worry, fear, and unease.

With simple yet powerful strategies like belly breathing, mindfulness, movement, and connection, this book equips tamariki with the skills to face anxiety with courage and confidence. 

Why We Love It

Aroha’s Way is a gem for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to support tamariki in understanding their emotions. The poetic narrative, paired with Craig Phillips’ breathtaking illustrations, captivates readers of all ages and provides a gentle way to explore tough topics like anxiety.

The tools shared in this book—diaphragmatic breathing, mindful movement, and sharing worries—are practical and relatable, making it easy for tamariki to implement them in their daily lives. The additional section at the back for adults expands on these tools, offering deeper insights and guidance to support tamariki even further.

Anna from the Real Parents team reviewed this book for the Mental Health Foundation - see her review here

What Results Have We Seen?

Parents, teachers, and caregivers have shared how Aroha’s Way has transformed how tamariki talk about and manage their anxiety. Tamariki feel seen and understood, knowing that their emotions are normal and manageable.

The practical tools in the book are simple yet effective—perfect for children of all ages. Many whānau have reported that these strategies have become a natural part of their day, helping to create a calmer, more connected environment. Teachers love using the book in classrooms to introduce mindfulness and emotional literacy in a way that feels accessible and fun.

How Can You Use It?

Here are two simple ways to bring Aroha’s Way to life and your your tamariki to thrive:

Bedtime Kōrero: Read the book together at bedtime to help tamariki wind down and reflect on their feelings. Use the adult section to spark meaningful conversations.

Classroom Connection: Introduce the book as part of your classroom wellbeing programme. Practice the tools together during group times or when tamariki are feeling overwhelmed.

Why It Belongs on Your Bookshelf

Aroha’s Way helps nurture your child’s emotional resilience. With its relatable story, stunning illustrations, and practical tools, this book makes talking about worries and anxiety approachable and empowering.

The bonus adult section offers valuable guidance for parents and teachers, turning this story into an indispensable tool for supporting tamariki through life’s ups and downs.

Add Aroha’s Way to your collection today and help your tamariki discover the tools they need to navigate anxiety with aroha and courage.