Sometimes I Am Furious

From bestselling author Timothy Knapman comes Sometimes I am Furious, which was a Sunday Times' 'Book of the week'. This picture book sparks an immediate emotional response with a familiar illustration of a furious child, whose ice-cream has fallen off the cone and dropped onto the floor. We all know that feeling!

The book continues to resonate with children (and their adults) with each turn of the page as we meet a little girl who experiences strong emotions of frustration and who learns how to handle them. This new release reminds me of the current best-seller Ruby's Worry. However, this time it is the feelings our little ones get when things don't quite go their way that we learn to overcome. For example; when they are told to do something they don't want to do, when they don't feel like sharing their toys or when the shops have run out of their favourite treats.

Joe Berger has cleverly illustrated this book using simple, bold colours mainly consisting of reds, yellows and oranges to really depict those furious feelings. The feelings of anger are explored in a light-hearted manner so as not to trigger feelings of fury, but to help children to relate to times they may have reacted in a particular way.

The book ends with some really useful strategies which I have continued to imbed in my early year's classroom since sharing this book with the children. These strategies make this book perfect for reading allowed repeatedly to help children to be mindful of regulating their emotions. The funny, repetitive elements enables this books to be thoroughly enjoyed with a smile on our faces as we explore our emotions. A must have for any parent, toddler or children's setting!

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 3+