
Reach for this book when your toddler is beginning to notice that their face changes based on how they feel inside. It is a perfect tool for children who are just starting to label their emotions but might need a playful way to practice identifying them in others. The book introduces a diverse group of children, including Sam, Olive, and Milly, who each demonstrate a different facial expression, ranging from happy and sad to sleepy and scary. Anna Walker uses clear, bright illustrations and gentle humor to make emotional literacy feel like a game. It is an ideal choice for parents looking to build empathy and vocabulary in a low-pressure, joyful way. By the end, the group comes together for a silly 'funny face,' reminding children that while emotions are important, play is also a vital part of their day.
None. The book is secular and focuses entirely on the physical expression of common childhood states.
A two year old who is starting to mimic adult expressions or a preschooler who is currently struggling to articulate their feelings and needs a visual reference guide.
This book can be read cold. It is highly interactive, so parents should be prepared to make the faces along with the text. A parent might reach for this after a toddler has a meltdown and they want to reconnect, or when they notice the child staring curiously at other children's faces at the park.
For a one year old, the focus is on high-contrast colors and simple facial features. For a three year old, the book becomes a social-emotional lesson in labeling complex feelings like 'surprised' or 'scary.'
Unlike many 'feelings' books that focus on conflict, this one focuses on the joy of expression and play. Anna Walker's signature soft yet bold aesthetic is perfectly calibrated for the developmental needs of the 1-4 age group. """
The book follows young children, Sam, Olive, Lucy, Milly, Joe, Tess, and Charlie, as they each showcase a specific facial expression. Each page introduces a child and an emotion or character type, such as 'happy,' 'angry,' or 'bunny.' It concludes with a group shot of everyone making a 'funny face' and an invitation for the reader to join in.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review