Dr. Denise M. Driscoll

Jeni and Her Red Thumb: Will She Ever Stop Sucking Her Thumb? Dr. Denise M. Driscoll

Jeni and Her Red Thumb is an informative, realistic, and yet humorous story about a school age girl who still sucks her thumb but is trying to stop. This book is meant for a child (pre-K through 3rd grade) to read with an adult. It was written by a psychologist, Denise M. Driscoll, Ph. D., and illustrated with the help of an elementary school girl, Shaylyn Trumble. The book would be a welcome addition to private homes, pre-schools, day care centers, libraries, church nurseries, doctor, dental and orthodontist offices, as well as other child health care centers or programs. There are three chapters. In Chapter 1, Needing to Thumb Suck, Jeni talks with her mommy about when she really needs to suck her thumb (e.g., long car rides; trying to fall asleep). Her mommy sympathizes and remembers an ultrasound picture showing that Jeni sucked her thumb before she was even born! This chapter is designed to underscore to children why it is so difficult to stop thumb sucking. In Chapter 2, The Problem with Thumb Sucking, Jeni talks with her mommy about why she shouldn't be sucking her thumb (e.g., it makes her thumb red and sore). Her mommy mentions other reasons (e.g., Jeni's permanent teeth may not come in correctly; Jeni may get sick if germs on her thumb get put into her mouth). This chapter is designed to reinforce to children the many and varied reasons why they shouldn't suck their thumb. In Chapter 3, Trying to Stop Thumb Sucking, Jeni tries to stop, but each attempt backfires or fails in ways designed to get you giggling together (e.g., Jeni's mommy puts hot stuff on Jeni's thumb nail... but it turns out, Jeni likes the taste!). This chapter is designed to empower children to try, and try again, to stop sucking their thumb. And watch out for the surprise ending! It will hopefully make you both smile and remember that thumb sucking is just a habit... and with encouragement, support, and inventiveness it, too, will pass. Happy Reading!