My Feelings and Me

Adults don’t always express their emotions, suggests Kreul in an introductory note addressed to “Grown-ups,” which makes it hard for children to know how to navigate their own. A small cast of pale-skinned kids experience different emotional states in the author’s practical guide to coping with feelings, illustrated with Geisler’s bright, emotive cartoons. “Sometimes I stomp on the floor in rage, or I break something. Then no one can get too close to me,” says one girl, her ponytail flying and a jagged, lightning bolt-like shape flashing behind her. Elsewhere, a boy comforts a friend in need: “Because I know my own feelings, I can often understand other people’s feelings, too. It’s nice to feel that I can help others.” Kreul, a therapist, provides an affirming look at how understanding emotions is key to expressing them safely and constructively. Ages 3–6.[em] (Apr.) [/em]