Parenting & Family
I Spent Years Buying My Grandchildren Toys They Forgot in a Week. Then I Found Something That Actually Made a Difference.
How one book set turned chaotic visits into our favorite time together — and gave my grandkids tools they still use today.
Story time has become the highlight of our visits together.
If you're a grandparent, you know the feeling: you want to give your grandchildren something meaningful. Something that matters. Something that doesn't end up in the bottom of a toy bin three days later.
I learned this the hard way. For years, I was the grandma who showed up with the latest toy, the trendy gadget, the thing I thought would make me the "cool grandma." And sure, there was excitement when they opened it. But a week later? Forgotten. Another piece of plastic collecting dust.
Meanwhile, I watched my daughter struggle. Her kids — my beautiful grandchildren, ages 3 and 6 — were having more meltdowns. More tantrums. More "I can't calm down" moments that left everyone exhausted.
I wanted to help. But I didn't know how without overstepping.
The Problem With Most "Feelings" Books
Like any good grandma, I did my research. I bought a stack of those "emotional learning" books everyone recommends. Calm-down books. Feelings journals.
Here's what happened:
What I Discovered
The kids wouldn't read them. The books were boring. Preachy. My grandson literally pushed one away and said "this is boring, Grandma."
The lessons didn't stick. Even when we did read them, nothing changed. The next meltdown came right on schedule.
Some books made it worse. One popular book basically taught my granddaughter that her big feelings were bothering everyone around her. She started hiding when she was upset instead of asking for help.
I was frustrated. There had to be something better than books that collect dust or — worse — make kids feel ashamed of their emotions.
Then My Daughter Mentioned "Team Supercrew"
She'd heard about it from another mom at school. A book set about four characters — Benny the Brave, Keisha the Kind, Chloe the Calm, and Gen the Grit — who help kids work through big emotions.
I was skeptical. Another feelings book? But I ordered it anyway.
What happened next surprised me.
My 3-year-old granddaughter asked to read them. Again. And again. Not because I suggested it — because she wanted to. She'd bring me "Chloe the Calm" and climb into my lap before I even sat down.
That had never happened with any of the other books.
Why These Books Are Different
After reading them dozens of times (my grandkids' request, not mine), I finally understood what makes Team Supercrew work when other books don't:
Other "Feelings" Books
Preachy and lecture-y
Boring stories kids won't re-read
Shame emotions as "negative"
No real tools to use
Written by committees
Team Supercrew
Adventures kids actually enjoy
Characters become like friends
Emotions are superpowers
Real CBT-based techniques
Created by parents and experts
The secret is that these books are grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — the same approach therapists use — but disguised as fun adventures. Kids don't feel like they're being taught. They feel like they're going on a journey with friends.
And here's the part that amazed me: research shows kids are much more likely to remember information when it's learned through story. That's why my granddaughter now says "I need to be like Chloe!" when she's getting frustrated — she remembers the character, so she remembers the tool.
What Changed For Our Family
It's been six months since I gave my grandkids the Team Supercrew box set. Here's what's different:
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Story time is now "our thing." Every visit starts with them running to get the books. It's become our ritual — and honestly, it's made me feel more connected to them than any toy ever did.
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The meltdowns have decreased. My daughter says tantrums happen less often, and when they do, the kids recover faster. They have words for their feelings now.
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My grandson uses the tools on his own. Last month, he got frustrated with a puzzle and said "I need to take calm breaths like Chloe." He's 6. He figured that out himself.
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I finally feel like I'm helping — not overstepping. These books gave me a way to support my grandkids' emotional growth without telling my daughter how to parent.
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★★★★★
My 2-year-old granddaughter loves them. The illustrations and messages are so sweet and there are limited words on each page, which is nice for this age! The subject matter will be relevant forever so these books will be part of her library for many more years to come.
— Verified Grandparent Review
A Gift That Actually Matters
Here's what I wish I'd known years ago: the best gifts aren't things. They're tools.
Team Supercrew isn't just a book set. It's a way to connect with your grandchildren over something meaningful. It's giving them skills they'll use for the rest of their lives. It's being the grandparent who gave them something that actually helped — not just something that looked good under the tree.
And at $39.99 for all four books? It costs less than most toys that'll be forgotten by next month.
Team Supercrew: Emotions & Powers
4-Book Box Set for Ages 2-8
Grounded in CBT • Loved by 10,000+ Families
$60.00
$39.99
Get the Box Set →
What Other Grandparents Are Saying
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★★★★★
I purchased all the books, capes and dolls last year as a gift for my grandchild, who was struggling with expressing her emotions. The books have been a big help — she's worn her calm cape while traveling and even dressed as Chloe Calm for a book-character day at school. I recommend this series to other Grandparents all the time. Thank you and well done!
— Susan Hirschfeld, Grandparent
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★★★★★
Unboxed them as soon as they arrived. Our grandson, whom we take care of every day, insisted we read them all immediately. He was attracted by the pictures, and the stories spoke to him too. He liked the superheroes and related to the issues the kids faced. Calm has been a repeat request.
— John A., Grandparent
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★★★★★
I bought these books for my grandchild. She has difficulty managing her emotions and I hoped the books would help. My son has been reading Calm to her each night since they arrived. This morning she said she was "angry" as she was frustrated with a puzzle piece. My son said "let's think about Calm and breathe in." She did. "Now breathe out." She did. My son asked her, "doesn't that feel better than angry?" And she said, "yes!"
— Janis H., Grandparent
What Experts Say
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★★★★★
Julie Anne Penn and Darren Penn have hit the nail on the head with Team Supercrew — a celebration of the strength that already lies within each of us and allows us to use positive self-talk, access our emotional regulation skills, and remember that we all have the power to be brave.
— Jamie Schrager, Psy.D., Clinical Psychologist
"
★★★★★
This book should be on every classroom shelf and in every child's home! With diverse characters and thoughtful, engaging text, they use humor to create a safe space for students to explore big feelings.
— Erica L., NYC Public School Teacher
The Bottom Line
If you're tired of giving gifts that get forgotten... if you want to actually help your grandchildren (without overstepping)... if you want story time to become something special you share together...
Team Supercrew is worth trying.
It's the gift I wish I'd found years ago. And now, it's the only thing I recommend when other grandparents ask what to buy.
Perfect For Grandparents Who Want To:
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Give a meaningful gift that lasts for years
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Help grandchildren manage big emotions
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Create a special ritual during visits
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Support parents without overstepping
Ready to Give a Gift That Actually Makes a Difference?
Join thousands of grandparents who've made Team Supercrew part of their family's story.
Get the 4-Book Box Set →
4.9/5 Stars from 241 Reviews • Free US Shipping on Orders $69+
