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Don't Rush The River

Don't Rush The River

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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Rabbit loves to move quickly, but when she meets Fish, she begins to see that the most meaningful moments often happen when we stop rushing. Don’t Rush the River helps children ages 5 to 9 understand patience, acceptance, and the natural rhythm of emotions and growth.

Whether enjoyed as a printed book for quiet reading or as a narrated eBook that brings Rabbit and Fish to life with calm, expressive voices, each version offers a soothing and meaningful experience for young listeners and readers alike.

The eBook with Stop and Talk edition includes professional narration along with thoughtful prompts that encourage children to pause, reflect, and connect the story’s lessons to their own experiences, making it a wonderful resource for bedtime, classrooms, or mindful family moments.

Children will relate to Rabbit’s eagerness and find comfort in Fish’s wisdom — discovering that, like a river, life flows best when we stop trying to rush it. Across all formats, this story gently nurtures emotional patience, mindfulness, and trust in the process of growing and learning.

The complete bundle brings everything together, offering the printed book, the narrated eBook, and the eBook with Stop and Talk edition for the most flexible and enriching experience.

Whether you’re reading aloud, listening together, or guiding reflection through discussion, Don’t Rush the River offers a calm and reassuring journey that helps children embrace stillness, patience, and the beauty of letting life unfold naturally.

Characters and Voices

Professional narration brings Rabbit and Fish to life with calm, expressive voices that gently guide young listeners through their emotions.

What you learn?

Children discover that finding calm comes from slowing down, breathing deeply, and being present in the moment.

Shipping

Digital products are delivered instantly via email after purchase confirmation.

Return policy

Full refund within 30 days if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

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Many children — and adults — get caught in life’s constant hurry. Don’t Rush the River gently reminds us that calm and clarity come from slowing down.

  • Social-Emotional Learning

    Builds emotional intelligence and self-awareness through gentle storytelling

  • Interactive Discussions

    Includes thoughtful prompts that create meaningful conversations between children and adults.

  • Multi-Format Access

    Available as narrated audio, interactive edition, and traditional print for flexible learning.

  • Expert Developed

    Created by education specialist with 100+ literacy programs and proven classroom success.

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Book Details

  • Title: Don't Rush The River
  • Author: Jon Madian
  • Ages: 5-9 years
  • Reading Level: 5-9 years
  • Theme: Social-Emotional Learning, Anxiety Management, Mindfulness
  • Format: Picture book with dialogue
  • Best For: Home or classroom reading, discussions, bedtime conversations
  • Series: Part of the social-emotional learning development series
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Research Based

The Heart Bright Learning educational resources evolved from 7 years of generous Research and Development funding from the Los Angeles Unified School District, the U.S. Department of Education, and several foundations. Our literature-based approach, which inspires imagination, exploration, and self-expression through structured practice, was studied by several outside evaluators. In all cases, these evaluations demonstrated significant growth in listening, speaking, writing, and reading skills among both challenged and gifted students from a diverse range of cultural and language backgrounds.

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Social-Emotional Learning: Understanding and Managing Anxiety

Many children experience anxiety but lack the vocabulary or tools to name and navigate it. Don’t Rush The River gently introduces crucial emotional intelligence concepts in age-appropriate language and imagery, making it an ideal children’s book about anxiety and mindfulness.
Through Fish's patient, listening presence, children learn:

  • That anxiety is a normal feeling with a specific name and recognizable sensations
  • How to identify where anxiety lives in their body (chest, legs, mind)
  • That asking their anxiety "why are you here?" can provide insight into their worries
  • That simple breathing and stretching techniques can calm anxious feelings
  • The importance of being present and noticing beautiful things around them
  • That slowing down and focusing on one task at a time reduces overwhelm


    Stop and Talk: Prompts for Classroom and Family Discussions

    This story covers thoughtful questions for educators and parents to stop and discuss with children during the story to explore important social-emotional concepts:
  • What are some things that make you feel anxious?
  • What are some quiet, beautiful things you notice around you that help you feel calm?
  • Why do you think it’s hard to slow down when you feel rushed?

These questions create space for emotional honesty, peer learning, and self-reflection. They build empathy—a key ingredient in every healthy classroom or home.

Discussion prompts are included throughout the Stop &Talk version of the book to deepen understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about anxiety, mindfulness, and self-regulation.

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How to Use This Book in Class or at Home

Teachers and caregivers can use Don't Rush The River in:

  • SEL-themed story circles focused on emotional regulation
  • Mindfulness and calm-down corner activities
  • Body awareness lessons where children identify where they feel different emotions
  • Breathing and stretching practice sessions
  • Creative journaling or drawing activities (e.g., "Draw what calm looks like to you")
  • Additional extension activities can be found here


At home, this book can open meaningful conversations during bedtime or help children prepare for stressful situations, like busy school days, transitions, or times when they feel overwhelmed. The breathing technique taught in the story becomes a practical tool families can practice together.


Help a Child Discover the Power of Calm

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or counselor, Don't Rush The River is a transformative addition to any SEL library. It's a book that helps children recognize their anxiety, understand it with compassion, and learn practical tools to manage it—empowering them with lifelong emotional regulation skills.

Social
Emotional
Learning

The story invites discussion about self-awareness, empathy, and standing firm in what feels right — even when others don’t understand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age group is this book suitable for?

This book is generally recommended for young readers ages 5–9, but it can be enjoyed by older children as well. The themes are universal and can support early emotional learning at home or in school.

How does this book support social-emotional learning (SEL)?

The story introduces key SEL concepts such as understanding emotions, making thoughtful choices, developing empathy, and building self-awareness. It encourages children to reflect on their feelings and discuss them openly.

Can this book be used in classrooms or group settings?

Yes. The book is designed for both individual reading and group activities. Teachers and facilitators can use the story to spark discussions, activities, and reflections based on SEL topics featured in the book.

Do I need prior SEL knowledge to guide my child through this book?

No prior knowledge is required. The story is written in a simple and approachable way. Parents, caregivers, and educators can naturally guide children by asking open-ended questions and encouraging conversation.

Are there any activities or discussion prompts included?

All SEL books in our collection(stop & talk versions) include prompts or questions at key parts in between as well as the end of the story. These help deepen understanding and encourage children to relate the story to their own experiences.

How can I make the most out of this book for my child?

Take time to read together, pause during key moments, and ask how the characters might be feeling. Encourage your child to share similar experiences, talk about emotions, and explore positive ways of handling challenging situations.

What Parents and Teachers Are Saying

"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mrs. Thompson
Mrs. Thompson
1st grade teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Mike T.
Mike T.
Father of 6-year-old
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Ms. Rodriguez
Ms. Rodriguez
Kindergarten Teacher
"Finally, a book that doesn't tell my anxious 5-year-old to 'just be brave!' Instead, it validates her feelings and shows that thinking before acting IS brave. We've read it countless times."
Sarah M.
Sarah M.
Homeschooling Mom

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Jon Madian

About the Author

Jon Madian

Jon, an educational psychologist, and his wife, Karen, an instructional designer, received numerous grants to support learner-centered education throughout their careers. He founded the Artist-in-Residence Reading Project in Los Angeles's inner-city schools and later co-founded Humanities Software with Karen. Their early literacy curriculum became part of Apple's early learning initiatives and IBM's writing programs. Over the course of their careers, Jon and Karen developed more than 100 reading, writing, and process-based programs for print and software, consistently focusing on empowering and inspiring students in educational settings. Their 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild continue to fuel their commitment to enriching education. Today, through Heart Bright Learning, they are helping parents and teachers reimagine education for the 21st century by developing resources that inspire and empower children to understand themselves, others, and their world through observation, reflection, and process-based learning.