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

Help your child turn mistakes into superpowers, and unlock the magic of their mind, with this growth mindset book for kids

Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is more than a book―it’s a mindset revolution wrapped in a kid-friendly package. Written by renowned psychologist Dr. JoAnn Deak, this bestselling picture book will empower each young reader to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and grow their fantastic, elastic brain!

Perfect for ages 4–8, it gently guides young readers through the basics of brain anatomy and the powerful science of neuroplasticity. With vibrant illustrations and playful storytelling, it’s a read-aloud experience that builds both knowledge and confidence.

Why thousands of educators and families recommend Your Fantastic Elastic Brain:

• Builds emotional resilience: Reframes failure as growth, helping kids bounce back stronger.
• Introduces real brain science in kid-friendly terms: From neurons to the prefrontal cortex, children gain a sense of ownership over their own learning.
• Drives motivation through empowerment: Encourages kids to take risks, try new things, and embrace challenges.
• Supports social-emotional learning (SEL): Aligns with SEL standards and classroom curricula.
• Recognized by educators and industry experts: Winner of the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, Moonbeam Gold Award, and more. Endorsed by leaders in brain science and education.

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

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.

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.