In this episode of “The Journey of My Mother’s Son” podcast, I sit down to talk with Nan Arkwright and Joe Bauman.

Nan Arkwright is the author and Joe Bauman is the illustrator of the new super hero children’s book series, Badges of Power.

Nan remembers the moment she decided in third grade that she wanted to work with children. As a pediatric occupational therapist, she gets to do just that. She teaches children emotional regulation and social skills in order to transform challenging behavior and facilitate healthy connections with adults. She wrote this book so kids and parents could share a story about the big feelings to which they can both relate. Through her writing and occupational therapy practice, she helps children understand how to become agents of positive change for themselves. Learn more about her private practice at www.ahopskipandajumpahead.com.

Illustrator Joe Bauman has an imagination so big he’s able to bring levity to a deep topic through his colorful, engaging illustrations in Mission: CONTROL! A Big Feelings Adventure! A multimedia artist and illustrator with more than 25 years of experience, Joe has built his computer graphics expertise on both the artistic and production side. With deep roots in production at PDI/Dreamworks, he is as well-versed in his talent as he is in his ability to collaborate with creatives in all fields.  You can check out his work at www.jbaumanart.com.

In the book, Joseph doesn’t want to go to bed. When his mom demands he turn off the TV, the imaginative boy’s meltdown launches him on an intergalactic adventure. But as Joseph escapes to Planet Kelvin 273, he must battle the Green HypnoZoids to save himself from their hypnotizing powers.

Joined by his beloved dog Gretchen, Joseph has to gather the self-control to defeat the aliens. But if he can’t master his overwhelming emotions, he fears his pesky enemies will always have command over his life.

Click on either of the links below to listen to the conversation.