Way to Grow knows that feelings matter. Feelings live in our bodies, shape our days, and connect us to the people we love. That is exactly why Family Educator Ms. Maria reaches for The Feelings Book / El libro de los sentimientos by Todd Parr when families need language for what they are carrying. Todd Parr’s bilingual children’s book builds emotional literacy for children through simple words and bold pictures.
A Book That Names What We Feel
Todd Parr’s signature bold colors and simple illustrations fill each page with honest declarations: “Sometimes I feel silly. Sometimes I feel brave. Sometimes I feel cranky. Sometimes I feel scared.”
Overall, the format is straightforward and powerful because each feeling is paired with Parr’s vibrant, childlike drawings. Some emotions are happy, like feeling strong and excited. In contrast, others are hard, like feeling confused and afraid. Ultimately, the book’s message is clear: all feelings are okay. All feelings are part of being human.
“I really like this book because it talks about something we all have: feelings and emotions,” Ms. Maria shares. “Sometimes, in different cultures, it can be a little difficult to discuss this topic.”
The Most Important Part
Then comes Todd Parr’s closing message. On the final page, he reminds readers: “No matter how you feel, don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Share them with someone you love.” That message is what makes this book essential right now.
According to Ms. Maria, this approach opens conversations that families need. “Lately, I’ve been using it a lot, given the circumstances families are navigating,” she says. “It has been very beneficial for families to express how they feel and what to do with those feelings. As a result, it relieves stress and fear.”
In times of uncertainty, children absorb what adults around them carry. When caregivers name their emotions out loud, children learn they are not alone. Importantly, this is true for hard feelings and happy ones. The Feelings Book helps families do that work together.
Why We Start With Feelings
At Way to Grow, we walk alongside families from pregnancy through third grade through our home visiting programs. We support not just school readiness but whole-family well-being. In fact, books like this one become tools for connection and healing. They remind us that emotional literacy is essential to learning and growth.
When children understand their feelings, they can better regulate behavior, build relationships, and show up ready to learn (Harvard Center on the Developing Child). Therefore, when caregivers have the language to talk about emotions—happy, sad, nervous, proud—they create homes where children feel safe, seen, and supported.
Available in English and Spanish
The Feelings Book is published in both English and Spanish (El libro de los sentimientos). This makes it available for bilingual families. In practice, Ms. Maria uses both versions in her home visits, meeting families in the language they speak at home.
Learn more about the book at Hachette Book Group.
How You Can Support Families
Want to help more families access books that build emotional literacy and connection? Your gift helps Way to Grow provide books, resources, and trusted support to families across Minneapolis.
Make a gift today to ensure more children have access to stories that help them name what they feel and know they are not alone.
