StoryMakers

StoryMakers with Alex Boniello and April Lavalle A CASE OF THE ZAPS

Join authors Alex Boniello and April Lavalle on StoryMakers for a chat about their new picture book set in the future, A CASE OF THE ZAPS. In the story, the main character, PI sometimes gets a case of the zaps — maybe you have experienced them too. It’s that feeling of being a bit nervous, overwhelmed, or when it all gets to be just a bit too much. April and Alex share some strategies for coping when you start to feel the zaps coming on, like writing your feelings in a journal, taking a long walk, or a technique you might not have heard of yet called paced belly breathing. Watch April, Alex, and Rocco — then you give it a try!

About the Book

A charming and heartfelt picture book that’s a great way to start a conversation about anxiety and mental health with readers a few generations old or fresh off the assembly line!

Meet 3.14159265358979323846264338327950 . . . Or Pi, for short.

Pi’s just like any other kid robot: They love to listen to music, play with their dog, and hang out with their friends. And when their teacher announces a field trip to Olde Silicon Valley, Pi couldn’t be more excited! They daydream of all the awesome things they want to see and do there––but also begin to worry about all the things that could go wrong . . . Then, on the way home, Pi feels a ZAP! They try to avoid the strange feeling, but the Zaps keep happening. Pi doesn’t understand. They have a firewall installed! What could be going on?

A tale with equal parts humor and heart, A Case of the Zaps is a great way to begin talking about mental health and anxiety for readers of all ages.

Find MORE Resources for A CASE OF THE ZAPS here!

About Alex Boniello

Alex Boniello is an actor, musician, singer, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer from New York City. Most recently, he starred as Connor Murphy in Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen, and has also appeared as the voice of Moritz in Deaf West’s revival of Spring Awakening and in numerous TV shows and films. Alongside April Lavalle, he’s also a producer on Hadestown, for which they both received Tony Awards. Boniello is a passionate advocate for mental health, having worked closely with some of the most prolific organizations in the country.

About April Lavalle

April Lavalle is an actor, comedian, writer, and Tony Award–winning producer living in New York City. As an actor, Lavalle has appeared on television and on stages throughout the world, and as a writer, she has been featured in publications such as Reductress, McSweeneys, Medium, and Vulture. She is also a director for the Story Pirates, which celebrates the imaginations of children worldwide.