A Book of Feelings
on Goodreads (89)
What’s inside...
A Book of Feelings stars a brother and sister, Sam and Kate, and their dog, Fuzzy Bean. Sam and Kate know what makes them happy: cuddling Mum, reading a story with Dad, swimming, running and dancing... lots of things. But they don’t feel happy all the time (nor does Fuzzy Bean), and in the course of the book we see them feeling grumpy, embarrassed, shy, nervous, frightened, sad and jealous. Both words and pictures portray the children in many different situations at home and at school, and show show they change over time, how emotions can escalate, and how people can help each other. Amanda McCardie’s supremely subtle and sensitive text is as alive to the nuances of children’s behaviour as Salvatore Rubbino’s amazing pictures. A remarkable book ... simple but never over-simplified.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when you saw the character experiencing sadness? Can you describe that feeling?
What is something that makes you feel happy, and why do you think it makes you feel that way?
Can you remember a time when you felt angry? What helped you feel better?
Why is it important to let someone know how we are feeling?
How do you think understanding others' feelings can help us be better friends or family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings using their own words or drawings, linking their thoughts to the characters' experiences in the book.
Validate your child's feelings as they express them, reassuring them it's normal and okay to feel a wide range of emotions.
Discuss personal experiences related to the emotions depicted in the book to help your child connect the content to real life.
Use a calm and patient tone to create a comfortable space for your child to open up about their feelings and thoughts.
Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding others' feelings can improve relationships.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: This book teaches children to recognize and name different feelings, from happiness to sadness, through engaging and relatable scenarios.
Real-World Application: Children can use this knowledge to better communicate their emotions and understand others, fostering empathy and social skills.
Example Lesson: Managing Frustrations
Explanation: Through its stories, the book shows children that feeling frustrated is okay and provides strategies for managing these emotions.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply these techniques in real life, helping them to handle school challenges or interpersonal conflicts more effectively.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Diversity in Feelings
Explanation: The book highlights how everyone experiences emotions uniquely, teaching respect and acceptance for different emotional expressions.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate diverse perspectives and supports healthy social interactions in their community and school environments.
Example Lesson: Building Emotional Resilience
Explanation: The narrative encourages children to face their emotions bravely and understand that feelings are transient.
Real-World Application: This understanding can help children navigate their emotional world, promoting resilience and mental health from a young age.