Three Books for Helping Children Understand Big Emotions

Magination Press is new to me, but it’s been around since 1987 publishing books that help children learn about the stresses and challenges in the world around them.  I was looking for more books that had children with learning disabilities as main characters to put on the shelves at the Library when I came across the listings for these three titles.  Of course, I was instantly intrigued and was very excited to read them. One big bonus for these particular titles is the Reader’s Note found at the end of each. The Note contains tips for parents on how to extend the reading experience and start a discussion with their child about the topic.  

My Whirling Twirling Motor by Merriam Sarcia Saunders focuses on Charlie, a young boy who feels like he is controlled by a spinning motor inside of him.  That whirling, twirling motor causes him play when he should be learning at school, accidentally hurt his friends, and run around the table instead of doing his homework.  But even with all of his wiggling and buzzing, Charlie’s parents are patient and understanding of his behavior and point all of the good things that Charlie did that day instead of just focusing on his faults.

With simple language and beautiful illustrations, My Whirling Twirling Motor would make a great addition to any library collection.  

Mindful Bea and the Worry Tree introduces us to Bea, a young girl who is very anxious about her birthday party.  What if there isn’t cake? What if her friends don’t like her? What if everything goes wrong?  When Bea becomes overwhelmed by her anxiety, she runs outside to her favorite tree and focuses on her breath to calm her thinking down.  

Beautiful, lyrical language paired with lovely illustrations make for a wonderful way to read about and discuss anxiety in children.

Goodbye School by Tonya Lippert, PhD.

There are plenty of books out there that show children that starting a new school can be an exciting and fun experience, but I’ve yet to come across one that discusses how it can feel to leave a school.  On Franny’s last day of school, she is trying to say goodbye to her classroom but is overcome with memories. Franny’s love for her classroom and friends allow her to remember the good memories and give her the ability to say goodbye to her old school.  The Reader’s Note at the end of the book provided important and concrete ways to discuss the topic of transition with your child after reading the story.

Clear and simple language paired with beautiful illustrations make for a wonderful reading experience.  

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review these titles.  All opinions are my own.

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