Sometimes I'm a Baby Bear, Sometimes I'm a Snail

Comparing specific feelings to animals is an unusual approach for explaining to children that it is okay to feel different at different times in life.  Advised by a child psychotherapist, the story consists of a number of two-page spreads, each containing a child feeling like a puppy when he or she wants to have active fun, or a snail when quiet and peace is needed, a blowfish when hugs are not wanted but a blown kiss may be okay, a lion feeling brave, and a mouse who is shy and scared.  Many others are included, and sometimes we meet a friend who is feeling the very opposite of us, and that is okay too.  Being cross is like a ‘grumpy gorilla’ and sad resembles a ‘dog with droopy ears’. The suggestion is made in two pages of information for parents, that suggesting children use the animal terms when feeling a particular way, such as ‘I feel like a snail today – or a lion, or a small mouse will help people understand their needs more easily.  Children should respond positively with the idea of animals and feelings going together, and this is convincingly shown by the illustrations, often humourous  and always expressive. There is clever partial rhyming throughout which will appeal too.  A fun way to share with one’s child the importance of being able to express feelings, both positive and negative.