Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions

by Mike Wohnoutka, Mike Wohnoutka (Illustrator)

Overview

In a feel-good concept book, the Geisel Award–winning illustrator of See the Cat gives young children a vocabulary for naming—and managing—their emotions.

From delight to disgust, excitement to fear, worry to confidence, boredom to curiosity, feelings can shift in a heartbeat. Mike Wohnoutka’s simple words and tender, nuanced illustrations follow three young children as they traverse emotional highs and lows over the course of a school day. The wide spectrum of emotions covered—far beyond happy and sad—invites readers to share their own contradictory, unpredictable, ever-present feelings. Vetted by an expert in the science of children’s emotions, this day in the inner life of three kids encourages first steps toward emotional literacy and is a satisfying narrative that ends with the adorable trio converging after school in the park—ready for play!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781536227376
Publisher:	Candlewick Press
Publication date:	09/19/2023
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.44(w) x 10.94(h) x 0.38(d)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

Mike Wohnoutka is the author-illustrator of So Big!, the Croc & Turtle books, and Dad's First Day. He has illustrated more than thirty acclaimed books for children, including the Geisel Award winner See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog and its sequels, as well as How to Apologize, all written by David LaRochelle. Mike Wohnoutka lives in Minnesota.

Editorial Reviews

Children will feel reassured to have their own emotions validated, perhaps under circumstances they’ve experienced, and to note that the book ends happily. The soft gouache illustrations are comforting; occasional onomatopoeic words add dramatic interest to scenes. . . . Young readers will feel good about this book that mirrors everyday experiences.
—Kirkus Reviews

The text, primarily a series of descriptive, somewhat sophisticated single words, is expanded by gouache illustrations that humorously and thoughtfully convey the story.
—Booklist

This very simple book is illustrated with [Wohnoutka’s] trademark fun and funny gouache paintings, with no more than one or two words on each page. It's perfect for very young children, who will identify — and sympathize — with the rapidly changing emotions of the characters.
—The Star Tribune

From the Publisher

2023-06-21
How are you feeling?

Kids are frequently willing to discuss their emotions, though they can’t always explain why they feel and behave as they do. The “ups and downs” included in this book cover a range of common emotions that can be readily identified by children; illustrated pages depict easily understandable situations that might trigger those feelings. Each page usually mentions one emotion (or, as in the case of descriptors such as “sleepy” or “AWAKE,” a state of being). Through facial expressions, occasional spoken comments, or body language, a group of sweet-faced, racially diverse young kids demonstrate emotions aroused by realistic situations—on their own or with family members or peers at home, at play, at school, and in the neighborhood. Among the recognizable sentiments on display are “scared,” “lonely,” “worried,” “surprised,” “cheerful,” and “excited.” Some words that may be unfamiliar to many youngsters (although they will certainly be familiar with the sentiments) include embarrassed, disgusted, stressed, regretful, apologetic, flattered, and awkward, making this volume a nifty vocabulary developer. Children will feel reassured to have their own emotions validated, perhaps under circumstances they’ve experienced, and to note that the book ends happily. The soft gouache illustrations are comforting; occasional onomatopoeic words add dramatic interest to scenes. Adults sharing the book should encourage volunteers to discuss when they felt some of these emotions and what brought them on. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Young readers will feel good about this book that mirrors everyday experiences. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews