Cranky Rider: A Relatable Story About Frustration, Sitting Still, and Internal Regulation

Buckles are too tight and sitting still is the hardest thing in the world.

From the Be and Breathe series of mindfulness picture books for babies, toddlers, and early readers ages 0–8, Cranky Rider gives little ones — and the grown-ups buckling them in for the long haul — a gentle, story-driven tool for moving through restlessness, frustration, and the wiggly impatience of being stuck in one place.

When Cranky Rider can't stop squirming and shouting, little breaths open up a whole new way to see the ride. Slowly, page by page, what felt unbearable softens into something quieter: the world rolling gently by, the small wonders waiting outside the window, and the calm that's been right inside all along.

Cranky Rider is the perfect rhyming read-aloud that reminds little ones that any trip can become peaceful when we breathe, look around, and find the good things waiting to be found. With fun rhymes, relatable character expressions, and dreamy anime-influenced illustrations, children will discover that their big feelings are always welcome — and that the calm they need doesn't always have to be something a parent gives them, but is something they find within themselves.

The affirmation your little one will carry with them: "I AM A CALM RIDER."

Perfect for:

• Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and early readers ages 0–8
• Long car rides, road trips, holiday travel, plane flights, and pediatrician waiting rooms
• Birthday gifts, baby shower presents, "we're going on a trip!" gifts, and stocking stuffers
• Parents, grandparents, teachers, therapists, and counselors looking for restlessness and self-regulation tools
• Fans of mindfulness picture books, gentle parenting resources, and "big feelings" stories

Book details:

• Paperback picture book, 8.5" × 8.5" square format
• Story in verse, anime-influenced illustrations
• Board book edition releasing late summer

Part of the Be and Breathe series — picture books that help little ones move through big feelings, one breath at a time.

Big feelings, little breaths.