Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC to bring you this post.
Emotions can be tough for everyone but especially for kids. They don't always know how to express themselves or how to control the big emotions. Today we get to share a wonderful new book that helps them handle anger better. The book is Bella and Bird Explore Anger by Deana Plaskon, PhD, LMHC and illustrated by Lea Marie Ravotti. There is a giveaway at the end of this post!!
About the Book:
Bella and Bird Explore Anger Written by Deana Plaskon & Illustrated by Lea Marie RavottiAges: 5-10 | 36 Pages | Publisher: Bella and Bird Books (2025) | ISBN: 978-9872684-1-4
Publisher’s Book Summary: “Can’t you tell?” said Henry. “This is my angry face!”
When Henry storms into the pasture, Bella, the wise horse, and her wisecracking sidekick, Bird, step in to help. Together, the friends set out to explore why Henry is angry and offer better ways to cope.
By the time Henry leaves the pasture, he’s gained new insights, is in better control of his feelings, and has tools to take along with him.
Bella and Bird Explore Anger helps children understand and manage their anger, making it a valuable resource for open and honest conversations about this challenging emotion.
Purchase Links:
About the Author:
Deana Plaskon is an educator, licensed clinical therapist, mom, and author whose enchanting books entertain and inspire children to embrace, process, and manage big emotions and feelings. With a PhD in Education specializing in human behavior, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a Master’s degree in Education, Deana has a deeply informed yet engaging approach to children’s stories. Her Bella and Bird the Emotion Explorers book series is inspired by her real-life therapy horse Bella, and Bella’s friend Bird, the not-so-common barn swallow. Imbued with Bella’s calm, wise presence and Bird’s cheeky humor, these wonderfully unique children’s books are designed to delight and empower school-age children. These books combine three core elements: engaging storytelling, informed exploration of emotional intelligence, and science-based therapeutic tools. Each story captures children’s imaginations while also giving them powerful, practical tools to succeed.
For more information, visit
From Me:
Let's face we all have seen a child throwing a tantrum often because they are angry about something. Sometimes it can be a justified anger and others it is that they are over tired or just want something and are not understanding why they cannot get it. However, anger can be very hard to deal with both as the angry person and the person receiving the anger. It is hard as an adult to stay calm when a child is screaming at you and possibly hitting or throwing things. Often the child's anger triggers ours which makes everything worse. That is exactly what seems to happen in this story. Henry got upset because his mother wouldn't let him have a piece of pie. The story is however Henry telling Bella and Bird about what happened and how angry he is. Bella and Bird are a bit magical and can talk to Henry and each other. Bella is a very smart horse that definitely could be called a therapy horse. She helps explain to Henry that being angry is normal and not bad, but how you handle it is important. Henry explains that when he got angry, he threw his truck, and it almost hit his sister and landed in the dog's bowl. Bird and Bella sympathize with Henry on his feelings but also explain how his actions could make the situation worse. Bella teaches him two kinds of mindfulness activity to help him calm down when he is all worked up. After talking with Bella and Bird and calming down, Henry is able to return home and discuss with his mother why he is so angry. He also learns why he cannot have a piece of the pie. It is for his grandmother's birthday party.
I love how Bella and Bird first understand why Henry is angry and empathize with him. Then Bella teaches him a way to calm down before she really explains about how angry actions can make the situation worse. When Henry gets angry again, she teaches him a second method to calm down. Throughout the book Bella is sharing how to calm down and get back on track after being angry. I also love that with some understanding Henry realizes his mother had good reason not to give him the pie right then and had he let her explain his anger would have been unnecessary. Bird is very good at relating Henry's feelings with his own actions and life as well. Henry is also given an emotion wheel with different words for anger. The words help Henry discuss how he was feeling with Bella and Bird but also his mother. Often young children do not have words for their emotions which make it even harder for them to get past them. I love how Bella and Bird give Henry the tools to handle anger and discuss it.
This book is perfect for every parent, teacher, librarian to read to young children. Everyone feels angry. Kids need to understand they are not alone or that they are bad. They also need to understand that if someone reacts to their anger it doesn't mean they don't like them. Anger can fuel more anger and that is taught in this book. This book truly walks young kids through the feeling of anger and how to handle it! Plus, there is a free activity kit and a free educator's guide to make these books even more perfect for story time.
Click the picture for each of these free resources to go with the book!
Giveaway:
No comments:
Post a Comment
I love to hear your comments and ideas. Thank you for reading and contributing!