“Chad the Cougar and the Forest of Feelings” to Release on August 6, 2025

QUINCY, IL – Chaddock is proud to announce the release of its first-ever children’s book, Chad
the Cougar and the Forest of Feelings, launching August 6, 2025. Written and illustrated by
Chaddock staff, this story blends real strategies Chaddock uses with fun and engaging storytelling
to help children better understand and manage big emotions.
The book follows Chad the Cougar on a journey through the Forest of Feelings. Chad meets Baxter
Badger, who’s feeling really angry but isn’t quite sure why. With help from their wise friend Olivia
Owl, Chad helps Baxter navigate those feelings and shows young readers how to do the same.
The book is inspired by Chaddock’s Developmental Trauma and Attachment Program
(DTAP®). The strategies modeled in the story reflect real, evidence-informed practices used at
Chaddock to support children who have experienced trauma and attachment disruptions, but they’re valuable tools for any child.
The book helps children understand and name their emotions, learn strategies to manage big feelings, and practice compassion and peer support.
The project was brought to life by local author Ron Kinscherf in collaboration with Chaddock staff. 
The illustrations were hand-painted by Chaddock’s Family Coach, Sarah Goodapple.
“My biggest hope for the book is that children will see themselves in the story and that they’ll come away with new skills to help them navigate big emotions like anger,” said Sarah. “I also hope teachers and therapists will find it to be a valuable tool they can use regularly with the children they support.”
To celebrate the release of this book, Chaddock will hold a special launch event for local educators:

 When: August 6th
 Morning Session: 9am – 11:30am, with a program at 10am
Afternoon Session: 1pm – 3:30pm, with a program at 2pm
Where: Chaddock School – 205 S. 24th St. Quincy, IL

At this event, the first 100 educators who attend will receive a free copy of the book. Plus, they’ll get to hear from our staff who worked on this project and learn about additional resources Chaddock offers to support schools throughout the year.

A member of the Chaddock Family of Organizations

Chad the Cougar and the Forest of Feelings will be available for purchase online starting August 6, 2025.
Located in Quincy, IL, Chaddock is an internationally recognized leader in the treatment of children suffering from the psychological, emotional, and spiritual effects of significant abuse, neglect and trauma. Chaddock’s full range of preventative, educational and treatment services to children from birth to age 21 and their families include community-
based services, a special education school, in-home intensive programs, residential treatment and professional development opportunities for child-serving professionals.