The Whirlpool: a book to scaffold language about emotions

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The Whirlpool: a book to scaffold language about emotions

It can happen that, in the midst of crisis, children need explicit words to help them give structure to fears and thoughts and hopes. The Whirlpool is a book for those times.

I’ve seen the power of read-it-before-you-need-it books many times and, with that solid foundation, a book that gives words to feelings can be the next piece in the puzzle that is emotional resilience.

In The Whirlpool, we see ourselves in the everyday life of a sweet polar bear who is full of confidence and brimming with happiness while he is  '… a mastermind. A storyteller. A traveller and adventurer.”

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some terrific hints for moments when anger threatens to take over—from a mouse!

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some terrific hints for moments when anger threatens to take over—from a mouse!

ages 2 to 8 years
Learning to express anger appropriately is a lifelong process (or at least that’s how it feels for me) and Ivy has been experiencing a lot of the stomp, slam and scream kind lately. I can feel it coming over her in waves—and the fear in her eyes as it picks her up and sweeps her away in a flood of feelings she can’t get under control breaks my heart. (It’s really not easy being 3!)

A book that has been exceptionally helpful for us is Mouse Was Mad. 

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a beautifully illustrated call to be wary of first impressions—and to seek out the best in life

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a beautifully illustrated call to be wary of first impressions—and to seek out the best in life

ages 2—8 years
There’s a scene in Emma (by Jane Austen), where Emma is talking to her friend (or plaything depending on your viewpoint) Harriet about a proposal. Emma says, ‘You must be the judge of your own happiness.’—and then proceeds to tell her how to judge her happiness!

Most of us are spared an Emma in our lives—we mostly judge our own happiness and find our own way. But sometimes we can be so secure in our current happiness that it becomes difficult to envision a different happiness.Children are prone to this too.

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putting a name to emotions and feelings

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putting a name to emotions and feelings

ages 0 to 8 years
 

Childhood is a wondrous and joyful time. Everything is magical and full of wonder. But it's easy to forget that childhood is also intense!

Those small bodies can experience such BIG emotions. Learning to understand, process and communicate emotions is a difficult process.

A book that's been incredibly helpful in our home recently is In My Heart: A Book Of Feelings.

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friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

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friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

The story of Milo, a dog with 'few complaints', whose life and perspective changes when he's tossed about in a gale. Luckily, he has friends and good luck on his side. A lovely way to begin a discussion about mental health issues - and more.

ages 2 to 8 years 

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everything is relative!

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everything is relative!

ages newborn to 8 years, but adults and teens will get a kick out of it too
Theodore Roosevelt apparently said that 'comparison is the thief of joy' and that's almost always true. But in this great-fun story, comparison is the key to all sorts of funny and joyful moments. Great lessons wrapped up in a hilarious and fast moving story.

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trauma and conflict, love and courage, despair and hope

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trauma and conflict, love and courage, despair and hope

Set in Israel, there's an overwhelming sense of 'if only' when you reach the end of this beautiful book .... If only … children really could lead the world to peace. If only … all the walls, real and metaphorical,could come tumbling down. If only … we could heal the wounds of war.
ages 4 years to grownup

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