When the neighbor complains, Ruby teases and the kindergarten teacher keeps nagging, Joseph couldn't care less. Luckily, you have two ears: one for in and one for out. There is only one person in the world that Joseph listens to...

❤️ Top 10 Aspects

"In Here, Out There!" is a popular picture book (available as a free ebook on the author's blog) for proactively talking to children about the topic of self-protection and setting boundaries:

1. Healthy Boundaries ️

This is the superpower that Joseph masters in this book. He doesn't let hurtful or unnecessary criticism get to him. The book shows children that they have the right to draw an inner boundary and decide what they let into their "heart" and what they don't.

2. Self-Protection

The "In Here, Out There!" method is an act of self-protection. Joseph protects his good mood, his creativity, and his self-image by simply letting the negativity "pass through". It is a child-friendly metaphor for emotional hygiene.

3. Dealing with Criticism and Negativity ️

The book is full of (mostly unjustified) criticism. It is the perfect opportunity to ask: "How do you think Joseph felt there?" or similar questions. Children learn that not every criticism is justified or helpful.

4. Selective Perception

Joseph isn't deaf; he uses a filter. He actively decides to whom he pays attention. This is an important life skill: Learning to distinguish the important from the unimportant, the constructive from the destructive.

5. Inner Strength and Self-Esteem

Despite all the pushback, Joseph stays true to himself. His self-worth obviously doesn't depend on the approval of these complainers. He knows what he likes, and that is enough for him.

6. The Power of Positive Attention ❤️

The turning point of the story is the one person who does not complain but turns to Joseph with love and genuine interest (in the book, it is his grandma).

7. Individuality

Joseph is a child with a "mind of his own". The book is a wonderful plea for defending one's own individuality and interests.

8. Empathy

The book is also a mirror for adults. You can specifically talk to children about it: "How could the neighbor have said it more nicely?" or similar.

9. Focus

By ignoring the background noise from the outside, Joseph can concentrate on what is important to him, e.g., painting. It is an example of how setting boundaries helps to direct focus toward the positive.

10. Finding (Inner) Peace

The "In Here, Out There!" mechanism is also a way to maintain inner calm. Instead of letting himself be drawn into every conflict, Joseph chooses the path of inner peace.

Have fun reading aloud and enjoy the exciting conversations that result from it!

Important Notes

• This edition differs in page count from some other editions. Ebook editions in many languages with colored illustrations are available for free on the author's blog
• This edition is a bilingual edition with a 1:1 translation created by professional translators (see translator credits in the book details)
• Ebook editions are designed for large displays, e.g., tablets, laptops, etc. Please use a device with a large color display for reading. Free reading apps are available for all standard devices
• Ebook editions may contain magnification areas. Please use the zoom function to display text areas in a larger size. You usually activate the zoom function via double-tap or double-click. Details can be found in the help pages of your reading app