An Emotional Menagerie: Feelings from A-Z
What’s inside...
This book offers a poetic exploration of a wide range of human emotions, each one represented by a letter of the alphabet. Illustrated with engaging artwork, 'An Emotional Menagerie' delves into the complex world of feelings, encouraging young readers to recognize and express their emotions in a healthy way. It presents an emotional glossary for children through 26 rhyming poems, each transforming an emotion into a different animal to provide a clear and engaging illustration of its effects. Filled with wise, therapeutic advice and beautiful illustrations, the book aims to increase emotional literacy in a universally appealing way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-11
Length
60 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel when we read about the emotion 'Joy'? Can you think of a time when you felt that way?
The book talks about 'Fear'. What are some things that make you feel scared, and how do you handle those feelings?
Why do you think understanding different emotions is important?
Can you pick an emotion from the book and tell a story from your life that fits with that emotion?
How might you help a friend who is feeling a 'Sad' or 'Lonely' emotion?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to openly express their feelings about each emotion discussed in the book. Validate their feelings and share your own experiences with similar emotions to create a deeper bond. Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and pace, to match the emotions described in the book. This will help make the reading more relatable and engaging. After discussing each emotion, ask your child to draw or write about what that emotion feels like to them, turning the reading into an interactive experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book uses poetry to describe a wide range of emotions, helping children put names to their feelings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to identify and express their emotions more clearly, aiding in emotional development and communication.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: Describing diverse feelings experienced by different characters, the book teaches children to understand and empathize with others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This understanding fosters kindness and consideration, helping children interact harmoniously with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Emotional Resilience
Explanation: Through narrative arcs in the poems, children learn that all emotions, including negative ones, are transient and manageable.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge to handle setbacks or challenges calmly, enhancing their coping skills in various real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Vocabulary Expansion
Explanation: The alphabetic exploration of emotions introduces children to new words and concepts, broadening their linguistic abilities.
Real-World Application: Enriched vocabulary aids in better academic performance and more effective communication in daily interactions.