
Reach for this book when your child is overwhelmed by a big emotion and lacks the vocabulary or the 'brakes' to handle it. It acts as a bridge between the physical sensation of a feeling and a constructive response, offering a calm and structured way to talk through what is happening inside. This interactive guide moves through twelve common emotions including anger, boredom, and jealousy, providing a menu of practical strategies for each. The tone is nonjudgmental and supportive, emphasizing that all feelings are okay even if some behaviors are not. It is an essential toolkit for preschoolers and early elementary children who are beginning to navigate complex social situations and internal moods. Parents will appreciate the clear, bite-sized advice that empowers children to take agency over their own emotional well-being.
The book handles all emotions with a secular, practical, and highly realistic approach. It touches on sadness and worry without naming specific traumas, making it a safe entry point for general emotional regulation. The resolution is consistently hopeful and focused on self-regulation.
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Sign in to write a reviewA 4 to 6 year old who frequently experiences 'emotional flooding' and needs a visual or physical prompt to help them disengage from a meltdown and move into problem-solving mode.
This book is best read 'cold' during a calm moment so the child is familiar with the strategies before an actual emotional crisis occurs. The 'Note to Parents and Carers' at the back is excellent for setting the right tone. A parent might reach for this after a child has had an outburst at a playdate, expressed significant anxiety about school, or seems stuck in a 'blue' mood and cannot explain why.
A 3-year-old will enjoy the vibrant illustrations and the simple naming of feelings. A 7-year-old will engage more deeply with the 'Try This' suggestions, using them as a literal menu for self-soothing.
Unlike many feelings books that just describe what it's like to be sad or angry, Potter's book is strictly action-oriented. It treats emotional management as a skill that can be practiced and mastered, much like riding a bike.
This is a non-narrative, interactive concept book designed as an emotional toolkit. Each spread focuses on a single emotion, asking the reader 'Are you feeling...?' and offering a 'Try this' section with five or six concrete actions. It includes a 'Feelings Wheel' and a section for parents on how to discuss mental health with young children.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.