Review by Booklist Review
This appealing picture book does an especially effective job of describing the chemical changes that take place in human brains during times of intense emotion. The text explains how four entities (Amy Amygdala, Hippo Hippocampus, Neo Neocortex, and Lim Limbic System) work together as a team to send out messages that evoke changes in breathing, heartbeat, muscles, and tummies. Engaging, brightly colored illustrations sympathetically portray these four characters (Amy is bright orange and wears a first responder's vest, yellow Hippo has brain antennae, Neo is a soothing blue, and purple Lim wears an orchestra director's tux) alongside empathetic drawings of kids dramatically sharing their feelings of happiness, sadness, anger, worry, or meltdown. Coping techniques are accompanied by literal magic potions: easy recipes using common household ingredients for Silly Slime, Sadness Goo, Anger Volcano, Sparkly Settling Potion, and a Mixed-Up concoction to help kids refocus and regroup. Helpful back matter includes a note for parents and list of required ingredients. Youngsters, parents, teachers, and counselors will enjoy this accessible SEL introduction to where feelings come from.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--In this charmingly illustrated book, feelings and the science of emotions are broken down in such an easily digestible way, children may not even realize they're reading nonfiction. Clinical social worker Daily accessibly describes each of the parts of brain that control emotions by giving them nicknames (Amy for amygdala and Limb for limbic system) and shares what their roles are in affecting emotions. Each of the more common emotions are addressed in their own chapter (Happiness, Anger, Worry, Sadness), describing the biological reactions each one causes. Examples of activities that readers and their families can do to evoke or channel certain emotions are featured, such as an anger volcano or a joy jar, which help with emotional regulation as well as self-awareness. The science of emotions is explained in a gentle and kind way, leaving readers feeling empowered in their newfound knowledge and more confident in how they can manage their feelings and reactions to stressors. The expressive and bright images are reminiscent of Roger Hargreaves's "Mr. Men" series. Back matter includes a letter to grown-ups and a supply list for the different crafts introduced in the guide. VERDICT A great and useful tool for SEL collections, families, and children who are experiencing hardship or having trouble expressing their emotions.--Jenna LaBollita
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