PPBF: Big Feelings

Today I'm feeling grateful for beautiful springtime weather.

And for our son, Joshua, who loves to play the piano for us.

For my husband, who's busily planting our spring garden.

And for today's PPBF, which is currently in the Kohl's Cares Collection.

Title: BIG Feelings

Author: Alexandra Penfold

Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

Publisher: Knopf Books For Young Readers

Birth date: March 2, 2021

Suitable for: ages 4-8

Themes: emotions, perspective, kindness

Brief synopsis: Emotions don't just go away when it's playtime; in fact, that might be when they come out in myriad shapes and sizes we didn't even know they could take. It's not how big they are, however, but what we do with them that counts.

Opening page: It's time to play.

Resources:

Enjoy an author read-aloud {here}.

Read a Kirkus review {here}.

Read a Common Sense Media review {here}.

Help Identify Emotions with I-Statements {here}.

Why I like this book: Adorable illustrations, catchy rhyme, a diverse cast of characters; what's not to love? To top it off, it's a simple text that takes a deep dive into what happens when different feelings visit, BIG or small, comfortable or uncomfortable, wanted or unwanted. 

And how do we pivot to protect our peace?

Use this gem as a springboard for discussing how

feelings look, sound, and feel to/for each child.

Teach, model, and role play a healthy expression of emotions.

Encourage students to keep a journal of their feelings in words or pictures,

or discuss them in think, pair, share, using prompts like these:

I feel happy when . . .

I feel scared when . . .

It makes me made that . . .

I get worried when . . .

I feel annoyed when . . .

I feel sad that . . .

It frustrates me when . . .

I get excited about . . .

I feel disgusted when . . .

I feel envious or jealous when . . .

I feel calm and relaxed when . . .

I feel surprised when . . .

I get upset when . . . 

I would feel sick if . . .

I feel joyful when . . .

I am embarrassed by . . .

I feel ashamed when . . .

I am hopeful about . . . 

I am excited that . . .

I feel hopeless when . . . 

I am nervous when . . .

I feel prepared when . . .

Compare and contrast with any of these other feelings titles.

Self-regulation is a critical skill, so that when

big feelings visit, we are ready for them,

to use them as energy to propel us

into making healthy, solid choices.

Check out this All Are Welcome hardcover or board book,

then head over to Susanna Hill's blog for the other picks.