Dr. Josh Straub

Feelings are confusing things, especially for kids. What Am I Feeling? by husband and wife Josh and Christi Straub is an easy way for parents and kids to start the discussion about their feelings. The book takes Sam, a fun-loving kid, through a school day which starts out with him feeling flippy in the tummy. He encounters his friends and the gamut of their feelings — happy, angry, sad, and jealous. Each child’s body language, actions, and words are described in relation to their feelings. I loved the wise advice both Sam’s father and his teacher give. The kids are told to name their feeling and give it over to God. I also liked the fact shared that feelings do not have to control us. A cute book, this one is especially useful in teaching about the power of God and prayer in everyday situations. There is even a pull-out chart with illustrations of some feelings kids (and their parents) encounter in themselves and others. What Am I Feeling? is a good conversation starter and resource for parents. It helps put words to those elusive feelings.

Recommended.

Audience: kids ages 5-9 and their parents.

(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)… (mais)

What Am I Feeling? held my children's attention as I read it and they liked the cute pictures. We talked a little about emotions and the book's message. It's not a book they want to read daily, but they pick it up sometimes.

The concepts of (1) naming a feeling, (2) asking God for help with it, and (3) not letting the emotion control your actions are good lessons. Really good lessons, that both children and adults (myself included) need to remember.

In the story, several children experience emotions that are generally perceived as negative. One girl feels sadness, one girl feels jealousy, one boy feels afraid, and one boy feels angry. While the first three got reminded in various ways to acknowledge the feeling and not let it control his/her actions, the boy who got angry never got the same reminder or any consequence. He did apologize for his anger later in the story, but it stood out to me that he did not receive a reminder like the others did. Perhaps that bothers me more than it will others, but as the book is perpetuating self-awareness of emotions, I think that one should have been called out as well.

In conclusion, my kids liked the story and illustrations in What Am I Feeling? by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub. I thought it missed the mark, but I still appreciate the premise of naming an emotion, praying for help, and not letting it dictate one's actions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."… (mais)