Everyone Has a Dinosaur: Guidebook
Understanding our extraordinary brain-body-heart connection
by Linda Ness and Cherry Muir

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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.

https://everyonehasadinosaur.com/

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As a mother of neurodiverse children, a business owner, and a professor of education, I am always seeking resources that are grounded in science yet practical enough to apply in real life. Everyone Has a Dinosaur: Guidebook is exactly that kind of resource. This guidebook offers a clear, compassionate explanation of how children experience emotions through the brain-body-heart connection. The use of symbolic characters—the DINOSAUR, the OWL, and the HEART-in-the-Brain—brings complex neuroscience to life in a way that is meaningful and accessible for both children and adults. Professionally, I see this book as an essential tool for educators, caregivers, and anyone working with children. It provides a language and framework that fosters co-regulation, builds resilience, and promotes emotional literacy—skills that are increasingly critical in today’s world. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or education leader, EVERYONE HAS A DINOSAUR offers a framework that fosters empathy, strengthens relationships, and supports growth. It can help understand children’s behaviours and, more importantly, help to support them with empathy and compassion. 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 Professor | Conestoga College XCFounder, Indigo Tutoring Consulting

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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.

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Contributors

Author

Linda Ness

Author

Cherry Muir

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FriesenPress Editions

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Other eBook Editions

This book is also available in eBook format from these sites.

• Google Play