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La Valentía de Pancho (Pancho’s Bravery)

2023; Elsevier BV; Volume: 62; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/j.jaac.2022.12.024

1527-5418

Lisa R. Fortuna,

Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development

La Valentía de Pancho is an inspiring Spanish-language children’s book by Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow Brenda Cartujano-Barrera, MD. In the story, a little dog Pancho experiences a trauma but bravely seeks help from his parents and Dr. Chato (a pug who is a child and adolescent psychiatrist). This book is a wonderful story for teaching children that even when something scary happens they do not have to face it alone. They learn that even grown-ups can find it scary to share hurtful situations they have experienced. The story also encourages parents to listen bravely, offer solace to their child, and ask for help when they need it too. The book’s message to children is that there are helpers in the world whom they can talk to and who can help them feel better. These helpers are their family, child therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and doctors whom they can trust. Ultimately, the good news declared by the story is this: We do not have to be brave alone! At the end of the story, author Dr. Cartujano-Barrera offers important information about child mental health, explains what therapy is, and how parents can reach out for help when their child most needs it. A guide for parents on how they can read the book interactively with their child to discuss trauma and feelings is on its way. This is a wonderful resource for serving Spanish-speaking families in our practices. Children and their families will love the story, and little Panchito assures us all that we can feel well again with a little help.