Joaquin's Angry Quills

Reach for this book when your child's big emotions result in physical outbursts, such as hitting, pushing, or hurting others during play. It is particularly helpful for parents of preschoolers who struggle with impulse control and the frustration of things not going their way. Joaquin the porcupine serves as a gentle metaphor for how our anger can accidentally 'prick' those we love, making the concept of impact versus intent easy for a young child to grasp. Written by a child psychologist, the story moves beyond just identifying anger to providing actionable coping mechanisms. It normalizes the feeling of frustration while teaching children how to pause and calm down before their quills cause harm. It is an ideal choice for families practicing respectful parenting or positive discipline, as it focuses on skills and empathy rather than shame or punishment.