Cocoa's Cranky Valentine

Name: Cocoa's Cranky Valentine
ISBN: 9781400231836

by Bethany V. Braun-Silva

Cocoa Series

For the child who feels overwhelmed by the pressure of holiday cheer or struggles to shake off a bad mood when everyone else is celebrating.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child is feeling 'out of sync' with a celebration or struggling with a bad mood that they cannot seem to shake. It is a perfect choice for those days when the pressure to be happy and festive feels overwhelming, or when a child feels guilty for not being in the 'right' spirit. This story follows Cocoa, a dog who is simply not having a good Valentine's Day, despite everyone around him being full of love and cheer. Through Cocoa's relatable grumpiness, the book validates that it is okay to feel cranky even during holidays. It models how friends and family can provide supportive space without forcing a 'fix' for someone's mood. Best suited for children ages 4 to 8, it offers a gentle, humorous way to discuss emotional regulation and the importance of empathy in friendships.

Dogs Anger & Frustration Holidays & Seasonal Feelings & Emotions Animals Friendship & Loyalty Friendship & Social Empathy & Kindness

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Depicts temporary social isolation and grumpy moods.

Sensitive Topics

The book is entirely secular and grounded in realistic emotional experiences. There are no heavy topics like death or trauma; the focus is strictly on emotional dysregulation and the social pressure of holidays.