About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child is stuck in a mysterious, grumpy mood and can't explain why. This quirky story follows a Bad Mood after it leaves a little girl named Curly and attaches itself to a stick. The mood then travels from the stick to her brother, an ice cream man, a dog, and beyond, showing how a single feeling can ripple through a community. Perfect for ages 4 to 8, its witty, observational style helps externalize big emotions, making them feel less overwhelming and easier to discuss. It normalizes grumpiness by showing it as a temporary visitor that eventually goes away on its own.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with negative emotions (anger, frustration) but does so metaphorically. The bad mood is an external entity, not an internal struggle. The approach is entirely secular and observational. The resolution is hopeful, demonstrating the transient nature of feelings without needing a specific intervention or apology. The mood simply runs its course and disappears.
Ideal Reader
This book is for a 4 to 7 year old who gets stuck in inexplicable funks or has trouble articulating their anger. It's perfect for the child who externalizes blame for their feelings or who finds the intensity of their own anger frightening. It provides a non-threatening way to talk about where bad moods come from and where they go.
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