Funny Faces

This Todd Parr title, "Funny Faces," is a delightful and accessible concept book designed for the youngest readers. Through his iconic bold lines and vibrant, childlike illustrations, Parr presents a range of basic emotions, such as happy, sad, silly, and sleepy, by depicting corresponding facial expressions. The book's direct and simple approach makes it an excellent tool for early social-emotional learning. It handles the topic of emotions with gentle clarity, normalizing all feelings as part of the human experience. There are no complex narratives or sensitive topics, just a straightforward exploration of how feelings manifest on our faces. The emotional arc is consistently playful, warm, and affirming, making it a comforting read. This book is specifically for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who are beginning to recognize and name emotions in themselves and others. It's particularly well-suited for children who are visually stimulated and respond to clear, engaging artwork. A parent would reach for this book when they want to introduce basic emotional vocabulary, encourage self-expression, or simply share a cheerful, interactive read-aloud. No special preparation is needed; parents can easily engage children by mimicking the faces and asking about their own feelings. Babies will be captivated by the bright colors, while toddlers will start to connect the faces to the words. Preschoolers can use it as a springboard for discussing what causes different emotions. Todd Parr's distinctive art style and his knack for making complex topics simple and fun set this book apart from other emotion-focused titles for this age group.