The Great Big Book of Feelings
on Goodreads (137)
What’s inside...
Hoffman, Mary; The book opens with the question: 'How are you feeling today?' And this leads on to a spread by spread presentation of a wide range of feelings, including:
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which feeling in the book did you relate to the most and why?
Can you remember a time when you felt like one of the characters? What happened and how did you manage it?
How do you think the characters could have handled their feelings differently?
Why do you think it's important to talk about our feelings?
What are some ways we can help a friend who is feeling sad or angry?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you explore each feeling in the book, share a personal story where you experienced that emotion. This openness invites your child to share their own experiences.
Use expressive faces or voice modulations to mirror the emotions depicted in the book, making the reading experience lively and engaging.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or write about a time they felt a strong emotion, helping them process their feelings through creativity.
Pause after each emotion shared in the book to ask your child how they might feel in a similar situation, promoting empathy and understanding.
Ensure a comfortable and quiet reading environment to make the discussion of personal and potentially sensitive topics easier for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Emotions
Explanation: The book introduces a wide array of feelings, helping children identify and name their emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by better communicating how they feel in various situations whether that’s at home, school, or with friends, fostering better emotional awareness and intelligence.
Example Lesson: Empathy Development
Explanation: By showing how different characters experience different emotions, the book teaches children to understand and empathize with others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson aids children in developing compassion and understanding, essential for building healthy relationships and inclusive environments.
Example Lesson: Emotion Management
Explanation: The book discusses appropriate responses to various emotions, guiding children on how to handle their feelings constructively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to manage their reactions in real-life scenarios, such as using words rather than tantrums when upset, which is beneficial for their personal development and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Normalizing Feelings
Explanation: The book illustrates that all feelings are natural and valid, which normalizes experiencing and expressing emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open about their feelings and not feel isolated or ashamed, promoting mental health wellness from a young age.
Example Lesson: Identifying Triggers
Explanation: Through various scenarios, the book helps children link emotions to specific situations, highlighting the cause and effect of feelings.
Real-World Application: It assists children in understanding what might trigger different emotions in themselves and others, helping them navigate and adapt to environments more thoughtfully.