What Feelings Do When No One's Looking
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,343)
What’s inside...
This charming illustrated book delves into the hidden lives of feelings and emotions, exploring their whimsical behaviors when they think no one is watching. It invites children and parents to discuss and reflect on the emotions that reside within each of us. The book combines poetic text by Tina Oziewicz with humorous illustrations by Aleksandra Zając, which together provoke the imagination and evoke emotions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What feeling did you notice most in the story, and why do you think it acted that way when no one was looking?
If you could talk to one of the feelings in the book, which one would it be and what would you ask it?
How do you think the feelings in the book are similar or different from your own feelings?
Can you think of a time when you felt like one of the feelings in the story? What happened and how did you handle it?
Why do you think it's important to understand and talk about our feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a comforting tone to assure your child that all feelings are okay and it’s natural to discuss them openly.
Relate the feelings in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, to make it more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a feeling they frequently experience, fostering a deeper connection to the themes discussed.
Be patient and give your child time to think about their responses to the questions to encourage meaningful conversation.
Reiterate that understanding feelings can improve self-awareness and empathy towards others, highlighting the real-world application of the book's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: The book personifies feelings, teaching children that emotions are a natural part of life and it's important to acknowledge and express them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own emotions and communicate them effectively, aiding in emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: By seeing how different feelings behave and react, children can understand that everyone has emotions and they might not always be visible.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and understanding towards how others feel, promoting kindness and empathy in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Managing difficult emotions
Explanation: The story shows how feelings like sadness or anger manage themselves when no one is looking, providing strategies to handle them.
Real-World Application: Kids can adopt similar strategies to cope with negative emotions, such as taking deep breaths or finding quiet time, fostering better emotional regulation.
Example Lesson: Celebrating positive feelings
Explanation: The joy and happiness feelings demonstrate uplifting activities, teaching kids the importance of enjoying and sharing good moments.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to seek out and cherish positive experiences, influencing a positive outlook on life and enhancing overall wellbeing.