I Was So Mad

Reach for this book when your child is having a day where every 'no' feels like a personal affront and their frustration is reaching a boiling point. Little Critter wants to do everything from keeping frogs in the tub to building a backyard clubhouse, but his family keeps setting boundaries that make him feel small and powerless. This classic story validates the intense, righteous indignation children feel when their autonomy is restricted. The book beautifully captures the cycle of a childhood tantrum: the initial spark, the dramatic plan to run away, and the eventual cooling off when a better offer (like going to the park) comes along. It is a perfect tool for normalizing anger without judging it, making it ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students who are still learning to navigate the 'big asks' of growing up.