In a feel-good concept book, the Geisel Award–winning illustrator of See the Cat gives young children a vocabulary for naming—and managing—their emotions.
From delight to disgust, excitement to fear, worry to confidence, boredom to curiosity, feelings can shift in a heartbeat. Mike Wohnoutka’s simple words and tender, nuanced illustrations follow three young children as they traverse emotional highs and lows over the course of a school day. The wide spectrum of emotions covered—far beyond happy and sad—invites readers to share their own contradictory, unpredictable, ever-present feelings. Vetted by an expert in the science of children’s emotions, this day in the inner life of three kids encourages first steps toward emotional literacy and is a satisfying narrative that ends with the adorable trio converging after school in the park—ready for play!---from the publisher
32 pages 978-1536227376 Ages 3-7
Keywords: feelings, emotions, concepts, dealing with feelings, dealing with emotions, Social Emotional Learning, understanding yourself, 3 year old, 4 year old, 5 year old, 6 year old, 7 year old
**********
"’By building kids' vocabulary for emotions, children learn to express their feelings, rather than acting out with misbehavior.’
By talking about emotions, parents can help even very young children recognize the feelings they're experiencing. There are many age-appropriate books, games and charts about feelings that can help – even starting with board books for babies and toddlers. These can help children find the right words to express and communicate their feelings.
– Children’s Health “Teaching Kids About Emotions”
“I said, ‘Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up if you're feeling happy
But if it's bad then let those tears roll down’”
– Joan Armatrading (1977)
Books that depict feelings are so essential, so helpful in helping kids develop a vocabulary of emotions. This is an essential part of their building effective communication skills
“Relaxed
Stressed
Pleased
Jealous
Lonely
Hopeful”
In the upbeat picture book UPS AND DOWNS, author/illustrator Mike Wohnoutka puts names to more than two dozen feelings. They are accompanied by gouache illustrations depicting these emotions, featuring the book’s cast of young multicultural characters.
The book concludes on a high note–”Joyful!”--as a young trio goes charging harmoniously after a soccer ball.
I have the feeling that UPS AND DOWNS will be well-received by young audiences and will prove to be of great educational value in elementary and pre-K classrooms and libraries.
Recommended by: Richie Partington, MLIS, California USA
See more of Richie's Picks <http://richiespicks.com/
