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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Stretch and Shape Their BrainsAmazon Video

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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Stretch and Shape Their Brains Hardcover – Picture Book, December 13, 2010

by JoAnn Deak Ph.D. (Author), Sarah Ackerley (Illustrator)

1,899 ratings

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Learn how much your brain can grow! The perfect introduction to growth mindset, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It is:

A growth mindset book for kids
A teacher must-have for classrooms
The best resource for anyone to teach growth mindset

Did you know you can stretch and grow your own brain? Or that making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns? Awarded as one of the best growth mindset books for kids, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: Stretch It, Shape It teaches all the ways that the brain can develop with exercise, just like the rest of our bodies.

Educator and psychologist Dr. JoAnn Deak offers a fun and engaging introduction to the anatomy and functions of the brain that will empower each young reader to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their fantastic, elastic brain!

Looking for award-winning picture books for curious kids? Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is the perfect fit. Dr. Deak shares information in ways that are accessible for parents, teachers, and children alike. Delightful illustrations with accurate details foster motivation to learn and grow in new ways. This book is an excellent companion to Beautiful Oops, The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes, I Can't Do That YET, The Most Magnificent Thing, and Bubble Gum Brain.

Awards for Your Fantastic Elastic Brain:

The Mom's Choice Gold Award
The Moonbeam Gold Award for Non-Fiction Picture Book
The Pewter Gold Ink Award for Distinguished Printing
The Parent's Choice Silver Award for Interior Design, Children's/Young Adult
The Nautilus Silver Award for Children's Non-Fiction
The IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Winner for Interior Design, Children's/Young Adult
Next Generation Indie Award Finalist for Children's/Juvenile Nonfiction

Praise for Your Fantastic Elastic Brain:

"Dr. Deak has done a masterful job of creating a book for children, parents, and teachers to learn about the human brain together. The information is accessible and understandable, with illustrations that are engaging, fun, and alive! This is great reading material for everyone and will elicit many expressions of 'Now I get it!' from the adults!"―Fretta Reitzes, Director, Goldman Center, 92nd Street Y

"Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is a wonderful, engaging book for parents and teachers to read with young children. It presents accurate information about the brain and how it relates to our lives…fostering motivation to learn and grow, consistent with our programs and research led by Carol Dweck, PhD."―Eduardo Briceño, Co-Founder & CEO, Mindset Works

"Dr. Deak writes in a clear and interesting way about the complexity of the human brain, enhancing the knowledge of teachers and students. This book is a real contribution to the field of education in the twenty-first century."―Joyce S. Pickering, Hum.D., Executive Director Emerita, Shelton School & Evaluation Center

From the Publisher

Discover how much your fantastic, elastic brain can grow!

Editorial Reviews

Review

Story Circle Book Reviews: “The book explains to our children, in easily understood language, pictures and concepts, what the brain is all about, so that an 8-year-old boy could learn much about his skills, his abilities and his potential ... For the early readers, this book will be delightful in the new words and concepts the child can absorb AND understand while reading to themselves.” ~ Laura Strathman Hulka, Story Circle Book Reviews”.

From the Author

PBS Parents: “Talk of brain growth can sometimes lead to overloading children with experiences, classes, etc. The brain acts like a collection of muscles and each part needs to be used, not just the parts that work well. If any parts are overworked, they will not grow in a healthy way.” This title makes both a wonderful addition to a child’s collection and to any growth mindset program or curriculum. (PBS Parents)

From the Back Cover

Mary Pipher, author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other has called Dr. Deak "an earnest idealist and a rigorous researcher;- a good combination of head and heart."
Michael Thompson, author of Raising Cain and Best Friends, Worst Enemies, has said that her writing "offers parents humor, understanding, parenting philosophy, and well founded words of wisdom."
Linda Ellerbee, journalist and TV host, commented on Dr. Deak's book: "There's real wisdom between these covers. Do yourself a favor. Buy one copy for yourself [or your mother] and another to save for when your daughter is mother to a daughter."

About the Author

JoAnn Deak, Ph.D., is an author and an international speaker, educator, and preventive psychologist. She also works with parents, teachers, and other adults who work with children as a consultant to schools worldwide on issues of brain development and gender equality. She is also the author of the award-winning book, Your Fantastic Elastic Brain.

Sarah Ackerley grew up in Waxahachie, TX in a family of seven children. She always loved to draw, and can remember trading artwork for pencils and snacks as an elementary school student. Sarah went on to study art at the University of Texas at Austin, and then published the first of five successful children’s books in 2008. Her love of travel and a desire to spend time in another part of the world led Sarah to move to Kenya for a year in 2014, where she traveled and painted murals in rural community schools. This sparked a passion for large-scale art, and Sarah began painting murals around the world before settling in Los Angeles, a city she loves for its vibrant art scene. Today, Sarah’s work can be found in Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, Guatemala, and throughout the United States. Visit Sarah on the web at www.sarahponce.com.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

""Like elastic bands that S-T-R-E-T-C-H when you pull them...
even things that are hard first...
or that you don't like to do...
or that you don't do very well...
get easier when you keep trying."".

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little Pickle Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 13, 2010
Edition ‏ : ‎ 11/15/10
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0982993803
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0982993804
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.6 ounces
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years, from customers
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.25 x 0.33 x 10.25 inches
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 870L

Best Sellers Rank: #11,519 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Children's Anatomy Books
- #123 in Children's Self-Esteem Books
- #241 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books)

Customer Reviews:
1,899 ratings

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Customers find the book educational, explaining brain concepts in ways children understand and helping them learn about growth mindset. The book features fabulous illustrations that students respond to, and one customer notes how it beautifully summarizes brain anatomy for elementary students. Customers appreciate its age range, with one mentioning it works well for both 5 and 85-year-olds, and they like how it encourages brain exercise.

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Educational value Visual quality Age range Brain exercise

120 customers mention "Educational value"120 positive0 negative

Customers find the book educational and appreciate how it explains brain function in ways children can understand, making it great for teaching about growth mindset.

"...The illustrations are lively and inviting, and the message is empowering—perfect for building a growth mindset from an early age...." Read more

"...It helps to teach students and children about the growth mindset and teaching them how the brain works and how they learn...." Read more

"...] this book is a great addition to your conversations with children about the brain, their brain. it’s the perfect visuals for kids...." Read more

"...Fantastic Elastic Brain is an incredible book that teaches children about how their brain works and the power of having a growth mindset...." Read more

31 customers mention "Visual quality"31 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's illustrations, describing them as fabulous, bright, and colorful, with students responding positively to the delightful visuals.

"...The illustrations are lively and inviting, and the message is empowering—perfect for building a growth mindset from an early age...." Read more

"...The pictures are beautiful and it provides useful information." Read more

"...it’s the perfect visuals for kids. the illustrations are very beautifully detailed , creative and fun enough to capture kids attention...." Read more

"...The illustrations are colorful, and the language is simple enough for young readers to understand...." Read more

19 customers mention "Age range"15 positive4 negative

Customers find the book works well for children, with one mentioning it appeals to both five and eighty-five year olds, and another noting it functions very understandable for little kids.

"...The way it explains brain anatomy and neuroplasticity is clear, age-appropriate, and surprisingly fun...." Read more

"...This book is one which appeals to a five and eighty five year old...as we all need reminders that mistakes are a part of learning, that our..." Read more

"...I will say that this book is better for an older child but I was looking for something educational, fun and more than a picture book...." Read more

"...It was too long to read in one sitting, the kids got a little antsy...." Read more

7 customers mention "Brain exercise"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to brain exercise, describing it as "Fantastic Elastic Brain" where children can stretch and shape their minds.

"...i appreciate how they mention stretching your brain and being a neuro sculptor ( someone who’s continuously shaping their brain) by learning,..." Read more

"Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is an incredible book that teaches children about how their brain works and the power of having a growth mindset...." Read more

"...Plus, it's a fun book to read aloud or to yourself! Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is both an excellent and essential addition to any classroom, school..." Read more

"...adopt a growth mindset in which they understand that the brain can be exercised and any skills can be developed with practice. My son loves it!" Read more

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CherylRR
A Brilliant, Brainy Boost for Kids’ Confidence
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase

This book is a total win for teaching kids that their brains can grow and learn through effort. The way it explains brain anatomy and neuroplasticity is clear, age-appropriate, and surprisingly fun. My students were fascinated to learn they can “stretch” their brains by trying new things and making mistakes. The illustrations are lively and inviting, and the message is empowering—perfect for building a growth mindset from an early age. I’d recommend this to teachers, parents, counselors, or anyone supporting young learners.

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Shannon M. Henry
Great for teaching growth mindset
Reviewed in the United States on March 30, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I have a copy of this in my classroom and one at home. It helps to teach students and children about the growth mindset and teaching them how the brain works and how they learn. I am able to remind my child that we learned by making mistakes and that they are OK. The pictures are beautiful and it provides useful information.

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Stephanie Be
brain knowledge bonus
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

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this book is a great addition to your conversations with children about the brain, their brain. it’s the perfect visuals for kids. the illustrations are very beautifully detailed , creative and fun enough to capture kids attention. i appreciate how they mention stretching your brain and being a neuro sculptor ( someone who’s continuously shaping their brain) by learning, challenging themselves, ect. we discuss these things at home but having a visual to match is a bonus. it’s our new staple and reference point. especially for my growing eight year old who’s learning about how our brains are shaped and impacted. this was well thought out.

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Stephanie Be

brain knowledge bonus

Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
this book is a great addition to your conversations with children about the brain, their brain. it’s the perfect visuals for kids. the illustrations are very beautifully detailed , creative and fun enough to capture kids attention. i appreciate how they mention stretching your brain and being a neuro sculptor ( someone who’s continuously shaping their brain) by learning, challenging themselves, ect. we discuss these things at home but having a visual to match is a bonus. it’s our new staple and reference point. especially for my growing eight year old who’s learning about how our brains are shaped and impacted. this was well thought out.

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Lainey
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, and cute :)
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is an incredible book that teaches children about how their brain works and the power of having a growth mindset. The concept of "stretching" and "shaping" the brain through learning is presented in a fun and engaging way. The illustrations are colorful, and the language is simple enough for young readers to understand. It’s empowering to see kids realize that mistakes are part of learning and that they can grow smarter with effort. A must-read for fostering confidence and resilience in children!

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3 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer
I really like this book
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
I really like this book. the only issue I have with it is the statement in it about brain growth being most important in the early years. I read this with my special needs child and the truth is for him - working on brain growth is going to be a life long project. He is literal enough to take that statement at face value and think that after a certain time frame there is no point in trying. I just whited out that portion of the text but I really wish it had not been there at all.

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57 people found this helpful

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clg41618
Worth its weight in gold.
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2015
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
My 4yo daughter LOVES this book.

She picks out most of her own books, but I picked this one out very much "on purpose". I don't usually guide her learning or try to force too much information on her (you're only 4 for a minute!), but I really thought she needed this book. I wasn't wrong.

I don't read parenting magazines or books. I trust my own instincts and try to ignore most of the "noise" - but I have happened upon some interesting articles lately about intelligence - especially in young girls. "The Trouble with Bright Girls" in Psychology Today was a good one... - saying that "...bright girls believe that their abilities are innate and unchangeable..." I was already starting to see this in my little girl. She is intelligent - and has always been told so by other people. I could see that she was, sometimes, frustrated or quick to give up if a task did not come to her easily and instantly. When I found this book, I thought it might be a nice way to show her how intelligence and skill development works (without her knowing I was teaching her anything). :)

She loves the book. She likes learning facts, so the more scientific descriptions of the brain and its functions appealed to her, but she especially loves parts like "the soccer page" (with illustrations of kids building on soccer skills) - "..even things that are hard at first... or that you don't like to do... or that you don't do very well... get easier when you keep trying." - and the "magic page" where it talks about mistakes "Making mistakes is one of the best ways your brain learns and grows."... I won't quote the whole thing, but it's just a great book - for any kid - but especially for a child who is interested in how the body and brain work - or any child who either believes they already know it all, or that there is a limit to what they can learn or do.

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32 people found this helpful

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pat donahue
Excellent book to explain brain to students.
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Purchase arrived in excellent shape. Bought to use with my students. They loved it!

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JG
Awesome Book about Growth Mindset
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
My son and I talked a lot about growth mindset at the beginning of 3rd grade. This book was a wonderful refresher on how to stay positive and keep working hard.

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T.
Super
Reviewed in Germany on October 10, 2019
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Tolles Buch!

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Tweedledum
The power of positive thinking
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 11, 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Every primary and middle school teacher should get a copy of this book and read it with their class. A video version is also available which is great. Use particularly with any child who is lacking confidence or struggling to engage.

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Hiren shah
Knowledge on Brain
Reviewed in India on September 14, 2019
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
Nice one

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M. Truman
This book is truly FANTASTIC. I've been reading it to my son for ...
Reviewed in Canada on July 24, 2018
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
This book is truly FANTASTIC. I've been reading it to my son for the past year and he loves it. It not only teaches children how our brains operate, but also how WE can control our brains. I think this book is invaluable for any parent trying to teach Growth Minset principles. And could also be incredibly useful for Anxious children who need to be shown how to get back in the driver's seat of their brain. The message is effective and has worked wonderfully with my 5 year old.

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Louisa B
Excellent
Reviewed in Australia on April 18, 2019
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
My 6 year old loves this book and we talk about ‘stretching our brain’ now.

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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Stretch and Shape Their Brains Hardcover – Picture Book, December 13, 2010

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5.0 out of 5 stars Super

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This book is truly FANTASTIC. I've been reading it to my son for ...

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