Cranium Kids Media is dedicated to promoting social-emotional learning and brain awareness for children and the adults who support them. Created by an elementary school counselor and principal duo with over 50 years of combined experience in education, we help children understand their minds and manage their emotions through engaging and informative resources. Bringing together our expertise in child development, education, and emotional wellness, we are passionate about creating high-quality, impactful content that resonates with children and adults alike.
Our Mission
Our Products
The Cranium Critters Book series introduces young readers to the brain through the adventures of Scout the Safety Pup and Einstein the Owl. In "Cranium Critters: Paws at the Pause Place," children learn about the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, understanding how the brain manages emotions and the fight, flight, and freeze response. "Cranium Critters: Einstein Acts When Squirrels Distract" follows the duo as they teach essential skills like focus, planning, and managing distractions. Through engaging stories and relatable characters, the series makes complex brain functions accessible and fun, helping children develop crucial social-emotional skills.
Crocheted plush toys representing our book characters, provide comforting companions for children as they learn about their brains and emotions. They are available for purchase through our Etsy shop.
Create your own Pause Place! Begin with a collection of breathing cards and mindfulness activities, designed to help children practice the calming techniques featured in our books. Then add stress balls, breathing beads, and a mind jar to provide a variety of options for children to explore as they learn how to cope with strong emotions. For more ideas and detailed guidance, visit our blog post.
Our YouTube channel offers a complimentary series of lessons on social and emotional learning topics, including self-awareness, self-management, and relationship skills. These free video lessons extend the learning from our books and provide additional support and resources to children and the adults who support them in a dynamic and accessible format.
Author Visits and Worshops
We offer author visits and shared experience workshops for parents and children. These events bring the concepts from our books to life through interactive activities, storytelling, and practical demonstrations. Our workshops provide hands-on learning experiences that teach essential social-emotional skills in an engaging and memorable way. We tailor our sessions to fit the needs of schools, libraries, and community organizations, making each visit a unique and impactful experience for young learners and their families. For more information click here.
Our Impact
Through our presentations, books, stuffed critters, calming tools, and free YouTube lessons, we equip children with the knowledge and skills they need to understand their minds, navigate their emotions, and enhance their focus. Our resources have been well-received by educators, parents, and counselors, and we continue to expand our offerings to meet the evolving needs of young learners.
Interested in learning more? Follow us on social media @craniumkidsmedia and @cranium.critters