Author J.J. Shegog Announces Launch of New Children’s Book, Now I’m Really Mad

Author J.J. Shegog is announcing the launch of her new children’s book, Now I’m Really Mad. The story about controlling anger is Shegog’s first release in her line, “Jair’s Collections.” It will be available for purchase on Amazon March 31.

Now I’m Really Mad introduces Rita, who repeatedly gets angry at her baby sister. Rita screams, cries, and shouts as ways to express herself. However, her parents guide Rita in discovering how to use her big girl words, so that Rita can show her emotions in a calmer, more constructive manner.

Shegog, formerly a teacher in the Chicago-area charter schools, says she launched the collection because she observed in her daily work that students’ learning process was being hindered by behavior and emotional intelligence issues.

“This book lets children know they’re going to feel angry, because that’s natural,” she says, “However, there are ways to feel calm and controlled, and not let that anger control you. You have the power to stop, count to ten, and ask yourself if anger is really how you want to respond.”

Shegog adds that the principles apply to adults as well. “This would have been beneficial for me to learn when I was growing up. Now I have a deeper understanding of my range of emotions, how to deal with them, and how to make the proper choices to support my own mental health.”

Shegog decided to make several major life changes after she gave birth to her son, Jair. She moved to a better neighborhood and found a job that would allow her to achieve a more optimal work-life balance and spend more time with him.

Jair’s Collection books differ from other children’s tales in that each story includes an affirmations page related to the lesson, and also features interactive worksheets for children and their caregivers.

“I designed Jair’s Collection with love in mind,” Shegog says, “And a deep desire to make sure that as many children as possible hear the message that comes through these stories.”

Shegog’s vision is to teach and empower children around the world. With an undergraduate degree in English, a two-month experience studying abroad in Spain, and a Master’s degree in elementary education, Shegog’s future plans include releasing books in Spanish that feature Latino main characters.