Kelly Giaquinto’s Goodness, Gracie! teaches kids self-control through faith and play

Kelly Giaquinto’s new children’s picture book uses a playful dog character, prayer, and breathing techniques to help young readers learn self-control and emotional regulation. The book is aimed at families, educators, and counselors looking for simple tools to support social-emotional learning.

Why it matters: - Goodness, Gracie! frames self-control as a practical life skill that can shape friendships, family relationships, and everyday behavior. - The book gives children simple tools for emotional regulation, including prayer and self-regulation breathing techniques. - Families, educators, counselors, and caregivers may use the story as a conversation starter about kindness, responsibility, and managing feelings.

What happened: - Kelly Giaquinto released Goodness, Gracie!, a children’s picture book centered on a dog named Gracie. - The book pairs storytelling with vibrant illustrations by Anissa Carlos. - The book is available at More information.

The details: - Gracie is portrayed as energetic and lovable, but her enthusiasm often creates chaos for others. - The story shows Gracie racing through gardens and startling neighborhood wildlife. - The book uses humor and memorable characters to make the lesson approachable for young readers. - The narrative teaches that having fun also means considering the experiences of other people and animals. - Giaquinto designed the book for young readers and adults who support them. - The book presents emotional awareness and thoughtful decision-making as skills that can help children handle daily situations.

Between the lines: - Giaquinto appears to be positioning the book within both faith-based and social-emotional learning spaces. - The combination of prayer and breathing exercises gives the book a values-based angle that may appeal to parents looking for screen-free, teachable moments. - The story avoids treating self-regulation as restriction alone. Instead, it presents balance as a way to preserve fun while reducing harm to others.

What’s next: - The book is now available for purchase, and the publisher is inviting review-copy requests and interview inquiries. - Giaquinto is expected to continue writing children’s stories focused on personal growth, emotional development, and positive values.

The bottom line: - Goodness, Gracie! packages a familiar children’s story around a clear lesson: self-control can help kids stay calm, kind, and confident.