Left-Out Lane
Maya loves her new baby brother, but she also misses time with her mother. Feeling left out is where her journey begins.
All aboard · Ages 6–10
Feelings help us know where we are, but we don't have to stay there.
By Terri McColl, LCPC & NBCC
Renewed Minds Publishing Company · 2026
A gentle way to talk about big feelings
Notice
Feelings help us know where we are right now.
Pause
Maya pulls the red STOP lever to slow the train, pause and breathe.
Choose
Pick a direction and change course.
Meet Maya, Coco & the Conductor
Maya loves her new baby brother—and she misses having more time with her mother. Feeling left out, she sets off with her dog Coco. A warm Conductor welcomes her aboard a magical red-and-gold train, where every stop opens a conversation about big feelings.
When Maya discovers the red STOP lever, her journey takes another turn: she can slow down, breathe and choose a different path.
Peek inside the book
Climb aboard — take a look!
A few of the bright, full-color pages waiting inside. Tap any page to see it up close.
Sample pages © 2026 Terri McColl. Shown as a preview only.
Inside the Journey
Every feeling has a place on the map
Jealousy Junction
Jealousy is one of the big feelings explored along the journey.
Sadness Station
The journey makes room for sadness, too.
Worry Way
Worry is another feeling children encounter aboard the train.
Anger Station & Anger Avenue
Anger may have other feelings beneath it: hurt, loneliness, fear or embarrassment.
Self-Control Station
Maya discovers tools for another path: calming strategies, patience, positive thinking, focus and self-control.
A small pause. Another path.
Maya discovers the red STOP lever and pulls it to slow the train. She can pause, breathe and choose another path. Back home, she talks with her mother about how she feels.
Paperback · 40 full-color pages
Designed for reading together at home, in classrooms, and in school counseling sessions — with natural stopping points for discussion.
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For counselors, educators & schools
Ordering for a classroom, counseling office, or whole school? Send a bulk inquiry and Terri will reply personally.