The Tangled String

The Tangled String
A gentle story about hope, healing, and knowing what belongs to you.

By J.L. Aubry

What happens when someone you love is carrying a heavy burden you can't understand?

Nine-year-old Sam discovers that everyone has a "feeling string." On happy days, Sam's bright yellow string dances with joy. But when someone Sam loves begins struggling with a mysterious gray tangle, Sam believes it's their job to make everything better.

With the help of a caring teacher, Sam learns one of life's most important lessons:

You didn't cause it.
You can't control it.
You can't cure it.

Through kindness, courage, and healthy choices, Sam discovers how to care for their own feelings while learning that it's okay to ask for help.

Using the powerful metaphor of a tangled ball of yarn, The Tangled String gently introduces children to difficult family situations involving addiction or substance misuse without fear or shame. It helps children understand that while they cannot fix another person's struggles, they can protect their own hearts, express their feelings, and build healthy coping skills.

Perfect for:

• Children ages 5–10
• Families affected by addiction or substance misuse
• Schools and classrooms
• School counselors and therapists
• Prevention programs
• Foster and kinship families
• Support groups
• Social workers and child advocates

Inside this beautifully illustrated story, children will learn:

• The 7 Cs of addiction prevention
• Healthy ways to express emotions
• Coping skills for stress and worry
• The importance of trusted adults
• Self-worth, resilience, and hope

Filled with warmth, compassion, and encouragement, The Tangled String reminds every child of one important truth:

Your job is not to carry someone else's knot.
Your job is to let your own beautiful string shine.