A group of children get together to turn a patch of waste ground into a playground. But their big plans are knocked off course when big feelings get in the way. What to do? ‘Talk it out, talk it through’ of course. After some straight talking, and some ‘sorrys’ the smiles are back and the kids are working together again. ‘Whatever we’re feeling, we’re never alone’ the story concludes and its message of empathy and problem-solving comes over loud and clear. The story works particularly well because the gang of children – different in every way – are so lively, appealing and real, and the playground they created a terrific reward for their hard work. This is a great book to inspire discussions around feelings, and the importance of listening and working together.
Tom Percival’s Big Bright Feelings series is equally good for starting such discussions.
A powerful, uplifting picture book about BIG feelings and the things we can do to see each other’s point of view. From the bestselling creators of All Are Welcome I have big feelings. You have them too. How can I help? What can we do? '[The book's] strength is the diversity on display in its pages. There's a rainbow of skin tones and hair colours ... and markers of religious and cultural diversity. Allows kids to practice identifying and dealing with their own big feelings' Kirkus Reviews Follow a group of children through a day in their neighbourhood, as they play together and navigate the BIG feelings that we all experience. What should we do when things don’t go to plan? We may feel angry, frustrated or overwhelmed; we may feel hopeful, tired or even . . . inspired. No matter how we’re feeling or how different we are, it’s never too late to talk things through and learn to see the world from another point of view. Warm and inspiring, this uplifting picture book helps children name and acknowledge feelings of all kinds, and learn to put themselves in others’ shoes. Because whatever we’re feeling, we’re never alone.
