Why Cry?

Reach for this book when your toddler is overwhelmed by the 'big' feeling of sadness and needs a gentle, physical way to transition toward comfort. Using a clever interactive format, Yusuke Yonezu invites children to help a series of crying animals by literally wiping away their tears to reveal a hidden smile. It is a brilliant tool for the 'terrible twos' or any stage where emotional regulation is still developing. The book normalizes crying as a natural response to being hurt or lonely, while providing a tactile sense of agency in finding happiness again. The sturdy board pages and bright, minimalist illustrations are perfect for little hands and developing eyes. By making the act of 'cheering up' a game, it helps children build empathy for others and teaches them that sadness is a temporary state that can be navigated with a little help and love.