The Children’s Mental Health Network gives a thumbs up to a new book by Kiersten Marek titled Know Thyself: A Kid’s Guide to the Archetypes. Know Thyself is a book for children ages 5 to 15 to help them learn about the many aspects of their identity. With descriptions and pictures of 12 archetypes, the book familiarizes children with important parts of their identity including the caregiver, the warrior, the artist, and the leader. This book helps to teach coping skills, problem-solving, character development, and relationship skills. It can also be used by mental health practitioners as a tool for gathering diagnostic information and conducting therapy. The book allows children to rate their archetypes, color the pictures of each archetype, and reflect on themselves in new ways. It also gives practical tips for for how to build self-awareness, cope with difficult feelings, and relate better to others.

CMHNetwork Advisory member Anne Ferrier writes”I like the book, the pictures are wonderful and it is a valuable tool to build the Observer and develop language for more complex feelings.”

Check out the book here.