Feelings on the Farm – a book from the new publisher MAMABEAR Books

posted on October 12, 2023 by Eve Panzer

Feelings on the Farm
Written by Heather Wall
Illustrated by David Lock
Published by Mamabear Books
Board Book: $9.95

Feelings on the Farm is a charming little board book chock full of goodies. In a kid-friendly format, the book presents to young children an array of emotions that they commonly experience – cranky, peaceful, rowdy, happy, grouchy, calm, mad, silly, and disappointed. The author has a Master’s in Social Work and lives on a farm, which allows her to draw on her personal experiences.

Each emotion is represented by familiar farm animals, who are tended to by the Friendly Farmer who “loves taking care of his animals.” The author uses alliteration when naming the feeling and the animal – such as cranky chickens, peaceful pigs, silly sheep, and disappointed dog. The reason the animal feels each emotion is explained in seven words or less.

The illustrations convey the emotions expertly through the expressions on the animals’ faces. The text for each emotion is presented in a different color and font, giving the child a hint as to how each might make them feel. For instance, the words “Cranky Chickens” and “Mad Mouse” are in red-toned letters, colors often associated with being upset, and the fonts are sharper and less playful. The text “Peaceful Pigs” is in a soothing blue color using a more rounded font. The book also serves as a tool to teach colors.

Check out the activity sheets on the website: https://mamabearbooks.com/activities-for-kids/. Activity sheets feature each feeling and animal in the book to color. In addition, each contains questions such as “What makes you feel peaceful, happy, grouchy, disappointed, or angry?” Or “What can you do to become calm?”. Multiple answers are suggested that children can circle, but there is also an opportunity for children to write their own replies.

An entertaining and engaging SEL addition to add to your bookshelf from Mamabear Books, a new publisher! Future books in the series will explore each feeling in more depth.

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