Text copyright © 2026 Agata Zaremba. Illustrations copyright © 2026 Bethany Rose Cannon. All rights reserved.
"In the warm, sunny reef lived Ollie the octopus and Dot the tiny robot."
"They zoomed through bubbles. They zipped through seaweed. They gathered shiny shells. They loved adventures."
"One more adventure?" Dot hummed softly. Ollie's three little hearts thump-thumped. "Yes. Let's go deep."
"Down they swam. Down... and down. Blue grew darker. Sunlight grew dim."
"Glowing fish blinked hello. Some ocean animals make their own light. Deep was wild. Deep was wonderful."
"Then — A giant shadow slid above them."
"Ollie froze. His arms curled close. His skin turned dark brown. He held his breath. 'I feel... scared.'"
"Dot floated near. Her light glowed soft blue. 'I see that,' said Dot. 'Would you like help?' Ollie nodded. Dot did not fix it. Dot stayed close. 'Let's try brave breathing together.'"
"'First,' said Dot, 'say the feeling.' Ollie whispered, 'Scared.'"
"'Now,' said Dot, 'where do you feel it?' 'My chest. My arms.' 'Good noticing,' said Dot. 'You are listening to your body.'"
"'Now breathe slow with me. In... and out...' Again. In... and out... Ollie's arms loosened. His chest felt softer."
"The shadow moved closer. It was not scary. It was a whale."
"Whales are gentle giants. They travel very far. They sing deep songs. Baby whales drink milk."
"'I was scared,' said Ollie. 'But I did my breathing.' Dot beeped happily. 'You did it. I just practiced with you.'"
"So they swam on — a little deeper, a little braver."
"How are you feeling? Happy? Sad? Mad? Scared? Put your hand on your chest. Let's breathe together. In... and out..."
"When big feelings come near: Name it. Feel it. Breathe slow. You can do it."
A Note for Grown Ups: "Young children experience big feelings in their bodies before they have words for them. This story models a simple, repeatable skill you can practice together: Name the feeling. Notice the body. Breathe slowly together."