We read this to the children in our pre-school class and while they were interested in the silly pictures of Opal the Octopus, the message was kind of lost on them. The book used larger words that the children didn't understand and was quite long for a one-sitting story time. Might be better for an older child because the message in the story is important for all of us.

This children's book was very cute and had a good message. It's a great book to share with all little ones. I love the illustrations as well!

In this day and age, students are feeling pressure and anxiety. Opal will help them remember how important it is to breathe and relax!

Like most Boys Town books this book is way too long. The author tries to rhyme, but most are harsh and there is no cadence. The message is good. Don’t over schedule yourself. Have time to rest and relax. The book even has a handy acronym for this and that does work. But it needs to be shorter.

Synopsis:

Opal the Octopus is overwhelmed because she overloads her schedule with everything she and everyone else wants her to do. She becomes so overloaded that she doesn’t have time to do the things she wants anymore because she’s doing too much of what others want her to do. It becomes worse when she stays up late to study for her test and ends up being so tired he day is effected. Her mother talks to her about how she needs to R.E.S.E.T.

Review:

Opal learns that she needs to take better care of herself and be mindful of what she allows to consume her time. This is something I see parents do to there children so often as well. Many adults tend to have the same problem with overbooking their schedule with everything.

This can take a toll on child and adult alike and this book does a good job of opening the door to a better understanding of how to overcome it. Parents need to step up to help their children unburdened themselves from this before they become adults who do this. This is an excellent tool to do just that with inviting pictures that will have your children wanting to pick this up.

At the end of the book it has a section on how parents can help their children reach a more relaxed schedule that doesn’t stress them out to the point of exhaustion. We all need to learn how to say no.

My only negative about this book is that I wish it would have been taken to the next level with actual dialogue, instead of it being narrated to you. I would have loved it that much more if we could have seen and heard Opal’s interactions with her friends and mom.

Overall, I would give this 4 stars.

I would recommend this to anyone with a child or even an adult who is overworked and always so busy they can’t enjoy themselves. I know many parents who need to read this with their child and many adults who need to hear the message that this book offers. This is for everyone. Those who are to young to be experiencing this problem should read it before this problem emerges and those who are going through it now will learn how to fix it.
Then, there is the vibe I get from this book that reminds me of Oh from Home.

This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The book had promise and talks about a very important topic. However, I find it too big, with too much content on each page and I was confused wether it was for younger or older children. While the illustrations were for younger ones, the content was not. Could improve if it was shortened and redirected for another audience.

It is so easy to be like Opal and over schedule ourselves. Opal couldn't tell anyone no. She volunteered for everything. It wasn't long before Opal's time was all taken up. Her schoolwork suffered and she was losing sleep. Her mother was a smart Octopus and taught her how to R.E.S.E.T. Rest, eat healthy food, say o, exercise, and take charge of your time. When Opal did that things starting getting better for her. Opal learned to better use her time and her life because so much better.

This is the story of Opal the Octopus, who can't say no to tasks, and at the end she was overwhelmed. It is not that she has 8 tentacles makes her invincible and able to do so many things. Facing the reality that your friends like you to come to their parties, or doing sports with them, even doing anything with them, is usually giving you the feeling of importance. But, at some point it is not healthy. You should be able to find a "me time" to be able to rest, eat better and doing your favorite things. This book will help you manage your time better.

R.E.S.E.T. is something that we all need to do, not just kids. It's okay to take time for yourself and say no without being afraid of hurting some ones feelings. Teaches young children about time management and boundaries. Also touches on anxiety.

This book would be good for kids to remember to manage their tasks and not get over whelmed. Honestly, it was a good reminder to read as an adult. I was especially impressed with the strategies given in the book

Opal the Octopus is Overwhelmed is an excellent picture book addressing anxiety in a way that is understandable for preschool and lower grade students. I will be buying this book for my elementary school library for both student check out and for me to read aloud to students.

Super sweet! I think parents AND kiddos need this book! Perfectly designed for little ones but a message that will reach older kiddos in earshot of the read-aloud.

Full of captivating images and bright colors, Opal the Octopus is Overwhelmed is a child-friendly guide to managing boundaries and burnout. The story follows Opal, who is overcommitted and overwhelmed, as she tries different strategies for fitting everything she loves into her busy schedule. Opal tries several strategies before taking her mother's advice to reset. This book breaks down an often difficult to explain topic in a way that makes it accessible for readers at all levels. It concludes with resources for parents and educators, making it a perfect fit for classrooms and homes alike. Recommended for elementary school readers and their families.

Ashley Bartley’s “Opal the Octopus is Overwhelmed” is this Generation’s soon-to-be New Classic! Clever self-care concepts integrated into a fast-paced, heart-pumping and fantastically visionary young reader book will provide parents, teachers, school counselors, and all individuals dedicated to the enrichment and self-empowerment of our young future leaders, thinkers, and doers. Let’s make sure every child has the opportunity to read this book, and R.E.S.E.T. their life for greatness!

Thank you Boys Town Press and NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC, in exchange for a honest review.

I loved the message of this book and how it teaches the readers, especially young children how to take care of themselves and say no to things and/or favors. It gave a list of specific actions that can be done and followed to ensure a healthy body and a healthy mind. It really is helpful not just for children, but even to adults as well.

Practical advice for adults and children shared with catchy dialogue. RESET, is something we should all do. The illustrations are adorable and help convey a message children should learn as early as possible.

I wanted to like this book but I think it fell short. As the rates of kids diagnosed with anxiety disorder skyrocket, especially in America, the need for quality books and resources also increases. While the overall theme of the book is good, so much was lost in the delivery. For one, the content was geared more towards older children but the illustrations were more appealing to a younger audience. Additionally, I was off put by Opal revealing that she is overwhelmed by overscheduling to her mother. If we are to believe that Opal represents an elementary student, the mother would surely be aware of the schedule as she would be the one responsible for driving, communication, and commitments. When Opal does ask for help, the strategies that the mom provides are good but again geared more towards an older child.

My final concern with the delivery is the amount of content on each page. As is my complaint with the popular Julia Cook books, in which this appears to have been modeled, the busy layout was distracting and not at all congruent with the theme of simplification leading to a calm demeanor When children are feeling overwhelmed and anxious, less information to process at a time is more effective.

I appreciate Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for providing an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Poor Opal The Octopus!! She is so overwhelmed by everything!! She has two or three friends who try to show her how they work on things and try not to be overwhelmed. There isn't anything that works for her!! Her mother gives her something that would help anyone, especially a child that feels overwhelmed with school and home life. The illustrations are wonderful and so bright and cheery!! Also, this book would be so wonderful for a child who is again, having hard time keeping up with things at home and in school. This would be a wonderful bedtime story.

My 4 year old loved this and I started a natural conversation between us abouthow to deal with your feelings sometimes. Fantastic

How clever is this book using Opal Octopus with 8 "arms" to show how crazy it is attempting to do to many things at once can be. Believe it or not that includes trying to be everything for everyone. Opal has a people pleasing problem. Trying to be helpful to too many others can actually be damaging. Your child and you can learn from Opal. I love these series because not only do they teach and encourage your children but they also teach and encourage the parents. The parents on what to recognize and how to combat the problem without shame and with problem solving skills. Children learn the best in play and play with parents builds a bonding experience.

The series always ends with key skills to remember and apply. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Boys Town Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.