Hannah's Temper

Celia Berridge's "Hannah's Temper" is a picture book, despite being listed as a 'chapter book,' perfectly suited for young children navigating big emotions. The narrative follows Hannah, a toddler, as her day progressively worsens, leading to an escalating temper. The book's strength lies in its relatable depiction of a child's frustration when minor setbacks accumulate, making it an excellent tool for normalizing these feelings. The story handles the sensitive topic of anger directly but gently, likely through a rhyming text as indicated by the 'stories in rhyme' subject tag. It doesn't shy away from showing Hannah's bad temper but guides the reader through her emotional arc, from intense frustration to a more peaceful resolution, often with the implied support of a parent. This makes the book's emotional journey start with a relatable struggle and end on a hopeful, comforting note. This book is specifically for children aged 4-7 who are experiencing or witnessing frequent tantrums and struggling to understand or manage their own anger. A parent would reach for this book when their child is having difficulty with emotional regulation, perhaps after a particularly challenging day, or as a proactive way to discuss feelings. Parents should be prepared to discuss what makes their child angry and healthy coping strategies. Younger children (4-5) will connect with Hannah's feelings and the simple narrative, while slightly older children (6-7) can engage more deeply with the discussion prompts about emotional control and empathy. What sets this book apart is its focus on the *escalation* of temper due to a series of small events, providing a nuanced look at how frustration can build, rather than just a single trigger.