Today I am sharing two Feel Better Books written by authors Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen and illustrated by Shirley Ng-Benitez. Both books compliment each other and can be used together. They are written for children ages 3 to 6.
A Feel Better Book for Little Worriers
Magination Press, Fiction, Aug. 7, 2017
Themes: Worry, Anxiety, Rhyme
Opening: How’s it going today, / are you doing all right? / Are you fantastic, and happy and bright?
Synopsis: Worries can feel like a BIG problem to a LITTLE kid! This book helps little ones who are just beginning to recognize and identify their emotions to understand how worry feels and affects them. Do they feel butterflies in their tummies? Is their heart beating fast? Worries differ for each child. Some children worry about going to bed, finishing homework, learning to swim, and speaking in front of the class. And some worries can be important and protect them from harm.
A Feel Better Book for Little Tempers
Magination Press, Fiction, Mar. 19, 2018
Themes: Anger, Tempers, Rhyme
Opening: Is it one of those days / you feel misunderstood? / You’re huffy and puffy / and just plain not good.
Synopsis: Sometimes the LITTLEST kids can have the BIGGEST tempers! This books helps young children who are just beginning to recognize and identify their emotions understand how anger feels and affects them. Are they clenching their fists? Are they so mad they feel like they may explode? Readers are taught that it’s okay to get mad, if you know what to do.
Why I like these two books:
They are told in catchy rhymes that are joyful and fun to read out loud. The narration is gentle and calming and introduces the subject of worry and temper in a very simple and straightforward manner. Each book first identifies the feelings of worry and anger through a diverse group of children doing a variety of activities. And then the children are introduced to activities like jumping up and down, spinning, stretching, wiggling, dancing, running, taking deep breaths and giving themselves a BIG hug.
The lively and expressive illustrations will charm children from the start. They are bold, colorful and perfectly capture each story.
Resources: Both books include a “Note to Parents and Caregivers” that gives information about recognizing worry and anger, and offers tools to help manage anxiety and anger. This is an excellent discussion book for home and at school.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
The publisher provided me with advanced copies of the books.