Here is the follow up to Josh Langley's fabulous book Being You is Enough. I have an eight year old daughter, who is socially a bit awkward and a reluctant reader. She gobbled up Being You is Enough, took it to school to share with her class, cuddled it in bed, and read it multiple times. So I was really keen to get my hands on It's OK to feel the way you do--I was not disappointed. My daughter instantly recognised the format of the book, grabbed it and immediately began to read. It's OK to feel the way you do is about feelings. Good feelings, such as, happy and proud, and more difficult feelings, such as, angry and anxious are presented in a very easy to read style. The ideas are displayed with minimal words, bright colours and simple illustrations--making difficult feelings easy to digest. There is a lot of white space (and coloured space) on the pages that leaves room for thinking and talking--or just being!
The book gives children the important message that all feelings are valid and offers simple, practical ways to cope with and accept these feelings.
My daughter is very sensitive and is often overwhelmed by her feelings, leading to a lot of crying. I asked her what she thought of this book. She said, "I like how it talks about feelings and it is OK to feel like that. It made me feel happy."
I am very happy that I have found these two books by Josh Langley. I love how my daughter, who has struggled with reading and emotions, is able to read the messages in this book independently. It has given her an avenue to talk about her feelings and it has uplifted her, knowing that her feelings are OK.
I highly recommend this book for everyone--parents, children, schools, public libraries--anyone or anyplace that involves feelings!
Title: It's OK to feel the way you do
Author: Josh Langley
Illustrator: Josh Langley
Publisher: Big Sky Publishing, $ 14.99
Publication Date: October 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925520965
For ages: 5-12
Type: Picture book
