Kirsten Forgione (text), and Anna Panchuk (illustration), Feelings – the Big and Heavy Kind, Little Pages, May 2023, 30 pp., RRP $32.00 (hbk), ISBN 9780645815405
Bam-Bam and Pep are best friends. They are also Italian greyhounds, who along with a few animal friends, embark on a journey to explore all the big feelings like anger, sadness, and worry! We have previously reviewed another book featuring them, Happiness.
Feelings – the big and heavy kind speak to little hearts—and grown-up ones too. With gentle words and thoughtful questions, it opens the door to big conversations about feelings, self-awareness, and kindness.
Kirsten Forgione, with a background in Psychology, offers an insight on how to spark connection and grow emotional superpowers for young children exploring anger, worry, or the magic of empathy. Evidence-based strategies for building emotional intelligence give peace of mind to parents looking for practical ways of tackling themes such as awareness, regulation, validation, mindfulness and reflection of emotions.
Anna Panchuk offers a soft colour palette and expressive characters along the way that resonate with young readers, making complex emotions accessible and engaging. The cute, yet magical aesthetic provides meaningful layers for adults, fostering shared moments of discovery and connection.
This is a wonderful read filled with warmth and whimsy, and lots of little toolkits and conversation-starters for navigating the ups and downs of life.
And feel all the different things…
Because when you do, you’ll learn the
ways to get through what life brings.
This title is available from the author’s website.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
