847.267.1200judith@judithmatz.com

Judith Matz, lcsw

THERAPIST • AUTHOR • SPEAKER • CONSULTANT

Still battling with food?Stop fighting. Make peace.

Amanda’s Big Dream

A healthy body image is essential for kids to feel confident and strong!

Parents want their children to have a healthy body image, but may be unsure how to respond to their kids’ anxiety about weight. Amanda’s Big Dream helps parents, teachers and other caregivers discuss this topic with children in an entertaining and positive way.

Amanda’s Big Dream is an engaging story of a girl who dreams of a solo in the Spring Ice Show.

When her skating coach makes a comment about her weight, Amanda loses confidence in her ability to make her dream come true.

Despite reassurances from her parents, her doctor, and her best friend,  Amanda decides to quit skating.

Will Amanda return to the ice?

Or has she given up forever?

Come along with Amanda as she realizes the true secret to following her big dream!

What People are Saying:

  • I love this book. It says everything it has to say. All the hurtful words and ideas are there, the real impediments created by high body weight (can’t bend as far) the child’s impulse to lose weight is there, but what is SO different is the way Amanda’s parents and doctor react. They give her the exact, reality based support that she needs, and she becomes a stronger person for it

    Ellyn Satter, MS, RDN, MSSWEllyn Satter Institute and Author

  • What a sweet story! It’s a shame that there’s so much weight stigma in our culture, and this book offers a fun and positive way to start conversations with children. We can show kids that there are more respectful ways to view bodies, that they can follow their dreams in whatever body they have, and that self-care is nourishing in and of itself, not something to be undertaken for weight control. This is a “feel good” kind of book, with great messages about body respect, eating well, honoring emotions… Oh – and the lovely illustrations drew me in too.

    Dr. Lindo BaconAuthor of Health At Every Size, Body Respect, and Radical Belonging

  • Parents want to raise children who are healthy and happy, and Amanda’s Big Dream supports that goal. “Amanda’s Big Dream” is a beautifully illustrated resource for children and parents struggling with harmful dieting messages and weight bullying. This book actively challenges common and harmful myths about weight, and supports healthy behaviors. “Amanda’s Big Dream” is a rare resource from a trusted professional that helps children understand that health and happiness is about far more than a number on a scale.

    Katja Rowell, MDChildhood Feeding Specialist and Author

  • This inspiring story and it’s beautiful pictures should be required reading in every child’s home, classroom, and pediatrician’s waiting room. All kids will be moved as Amanda realizes that who she is should never be limited or defined by her size and shape. This book teaches children that staying true to themselves, caring for, and taking care of their health and well-being is the way to a happy ending. Bravo to Matz and Patch for this much needed jewel of a book!

    Kathy Kater, LICSWPsychotherapist, Consultant, and Author

  • I love that “Amanda’s Big Dream” promotes young people being involved in sports and following their dreams through an active and healthy lifestyle.

    Jason Brown2015 US Figure Skating Champion, 2014 US Olympic Bronze Medalist, Team Figure Skating