Everyone Has a Dinosaur: Guidebook: Understanding our extraordinary brain-body-heart connection
Jan 2026 · FriesenPress
Ebook
73
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
About this ebook
What if understanding a child’s emotions could begin with a DINOSAUR, an OWL, and a HEART?
Emotional outbursts. Sleepless nights. Big feelings with no words. Every parent, teacher, or caregiver has felt the weight of trying to guide a child through these moments. A companion to the children’s storybook EVERYONE HAS A DINOSAUR, this guidebook offers a practical, science-backed path forward.
Rooted in neuroscience and grounded in the Triune Brain Theory, co-authors Linda Ness and Cherry Muir use three simple, memorable metaphors to explain how the developing brain processes emotion:
• The DINOSAUR – the instinctual Protector
• The OWL – the thoughtful Thinking Manager
• The HEART-in-the-brain – the emotional Maestro connecting brain and body
This book is about understanding children—not fixing them. It empowers adults by providing clear insights, co-regulation strategies, and tools for every developmental stage, from infancy to adolescence. Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals will find the resources needed to create calmer homes, stronger bonds, and more emotionally resilient kids.
When we co-regulate with children, we help them thrive—one heartbeat at a time.
I highly recommend this guidebook for parents, educators, and leaders looking to support children in understanding and managing their emotions with confidence and care."
Karen Nancarrow, Educational Support Program
Professor | Conestoga College
XCFounder, Indigo Tutoring and Consulting
EveryoneHasADinosaur.com
Emotional outbursts. Sleepless nights. Big feelings with no words. Every parent, teacher, or caregiver has felt the weight of trying to guide a child through these moments. A companion to the children’s storybook EVERYONE HAS A DINOSAUR, this guidebook offers a practical, science-backed path forward.
Rooted in neuroscience and grounded in the Triune Brain Theory, co-authors Linda Ness and Cherry Muir use three simple, memorable metaphors to explain how the developing brain processes emotion:
• The DINOSAUR – the instinctual Protector
• The OWL – the thoughtful Thinking Manager
• The HEART-in-the-brain – the emotional Maestro connecting brain and body
This book is about understanding children—not fixing them. It empowers adults by providing clear insights, co-regulation strategies, and tools for every developmental stage, from infancy to adolescence. Parents, caregivers, educators, and professionals will find the resources needed to create calmer homes, stronger bonds, and more emotionally resilient kids.
When we co-regulate with children, we help them thrive—one heartbeat at a time.
I highly recommend this guidebook for parents, educators, and leaders looking to support children in understanding and managing their emotions with confidence and care."
Karen Nancarrow, Educational Support Program
Professor | Conestoga College
XCFounder, Indigo Tutoring and Consulting
EveryoneHasADinosaur.com
About the author
ABOUT THE CREATORS
Linda Ness
Linda is an educator, learning coach, leadership mentor, and registered NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback trainer, specializing in the mind-body connection and peak performance. Her extensive experience and research into brain function has inspired the creation of an innovative, simple approach to help children, youth, and adults grasp the complex concept of emotional regulation. Linda enjoys reading, nature, choral singing, and homemade apple pie.
Cherry Muir
As an experienced teacher in brain-based learning, Cherry eagerly embraced her co-author’s innovative model for understanding emotional regulation, applying it with children of various ages. Inspired by the positive feedback from families, Cherry combined her love for creative writing and early childhood education to co-create this compelling message for all children. Cherry enjoys music around a campfire and river walks with her dogs.
Myrna McBrien
Illustrating Everyone Has a Dinosaur has been a privilege for Myrna, who deeply believes in the value of the book’s message. Her illustrative talents began in 2001 with the award-winning That Chickadee Feeling by renowned author and environmentalist, Frank Glew. After a 30-year teaching career as an elementary teacher, Myrna is now a professional actor and director, engaging in theater, illustrating, and exploring nature with her family.
Linda Ness
Linda is an educator, learning coach, leadership mentor, and registered NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback trainer, specializing in the mind-body connection and peak performance. Her extensive experience and research into brain function has inspired the creation of an innovative, simple approach to help children, youth, and adults grasp the complex concept of emotional regulation. Linda enjoys reading, nature, choral singing, and homemade apple pie.
Cherry Muir
As an experienced teacher in brain-based learning, Cherry eagerly embraced her co-author’s innovative model for understanding emotional regulation, applying it with children of various ages. Inspired by the positive feedback from families, Cherry combined her love for creative writing and early childhood education to co-create this compelling message for all children. Cherry enjoys music around a campfire and river walks with her dogs.
Myrna McBrien
Illustrating Everyone Has a Dinosaur has been a privilege for Myrna, who deeply believes in the value of the book’s message. Her illustrative talents began in 2001 with the award-winning That Chickadee Feeling by renowned author and environmentalist, Frank Glew. After a 30-year teaching career as an elementary teacher, Myrna is now a professional actor and director, engaging in theater, illustrating, and exploring nature with her family.
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