We are excited to announce that over 27,000 copies of the American Psychological Association’s (APA) most ef­fective children’s books have finally arrived in Gaza and are now an integral part of the Healing Through Feel­ing program. These books are the result of a licensing agreement signed with the APA in 2015, granting UPA full rights to translate, print and distribute these books in Arabic.

“I really benefitted from participating in the [Healing Through Feeling] sessions and using the translated books,” said Sarah, a kindergarten teacher and a mother of two.” These stories focused on providing a safe place for the child, and an environment that can help them tell their story and express their thoughts and feelings.”

Sarah said that the books helped her understand what her 6-year-old son was feeling, and how she could support him through his trauma-induced nightmares, anxiety, and social withdrawal. “The stories taught me that it is necessary to use candid descriptions of the event, instead of using metaphors and placations because such behavior is confusing to the child,” she said. “It’s also important to help him understand that what happened was not his fault. Moreover, the books emphasized expressing love and compassion by word and deed, as well as adhering to a daily routine.”

This sentiment was echoed by other mothers in the pro­gram. So’ad, a kindergarten teacher and mother of one, said that these books were “among the most important tools for working with the children,” and noted that they had a “positive effect” on her students and her son.