When I Feel Angry

The Way I Feel

by Cornelia Maude Spelman, Nancy Cote (Illustrator)

Anger is a scary emotion for young children, their parents, and caregivers. As this little bunny experiences the things that make her angry, she also learns ways to deal with her anger--ways that won't hurt others.

Genres: Picture Books, Emotion, Childrens, Parenting, School, Kids, Social Work

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Cornelia Maude Spelman, MSW, is a writer, artist, and former therapist. Her “The Way I Feel” picture books for children have sold over four million copies and been translated into eleven languages. Her new book A FOOT IS NOT A FISH! helps parents have fun while showing their children that it is not hard to see what is true and what is not, using absurd comparisons that will amuse every child—and parent.


SOLACE, a memoir, is about marriage, mothering, addiction, grief and friendship, and how listening can heal. Oo

Reviews

[Veronika Pizano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Knihy o émociách, kde sú naozaj správne pomenované a navyše je v nich spôsob vysporiadania sa s týmito emóciami, sú dôležité. Táto o hneve patrí k tým lepším.

[Hafeez Amreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text to self:This book is Simply written, but covers a good range of scenarios that will make one angry. I t reminded me on how easy it is for us to get angry on petty things without us realizing it.Also includes very useful strategies one can employ when s/he is feeling angry, Especially loved how Cornelia Maude Spelman reinforced the learning points in the last two pages of the book.

[Emily Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: This is a book about anger. It provides many different examples of situations that often make people upset and offers possible solutions and coping skills to help.

Evaluation: This is a great book that I would recommend read with students in elementary school, especially those struggling with how to handle their emotions and those who are bullying other students.

Teaching: I think this book is a great resource for a guidance counselor to read with students! Counselors could read this book one-on-one with a child and discuss emotions with them to help them through a certain problem or issue.

[La Coccinelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is it with books about dealing with anger that encourages children to run away? I encountered the same thing in Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry... and I think it's just as problematic here.

Dealing with anger is important, but I'm not sure how helpful this book is going to be. Yes, anger can be felt for many reasons, but quite a few of the instances in this book seem to point to different emotions (unless this particular bunny rabbit just gets angry over everything); jealousy, embarrassment, disappointment, and frustration are all possible alternatives for some of the scenarios presented in this book. But the bunny simply gets angry. (She's drawn with a perpetual scowl, which is rather off-putting.)

The book also introduces the idea that it's someone else's fault. While that may be true, it's also true that we can't change other people. Saying, "Maybe someone else needs to be different. Maybe someone needs to be nicer to me, or to stop being unfair," runs the risk of having the child take no responsibility for their feelings. It's always easier to blame someone else.

I'm sure there must be some good books about helping children deal with anger, but I've yet to find one. I've read two so far that encourage children to run away when they feel anger, potentially putting them at risk.

[Esther Barajikian · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When I Feel Angry" is a colorful picture book written for primary readers. Authored by Cornelia Maude Spelmen, this book is designed to help children explore their feelings of anger and how those feelings impacts their words and actions. The story is written from the viewpoint of a bunny who finds herself upset and angry by the day to day situations that often frustrate and confuse children. As she shares her thoughts, the reader can readily hear the voice and tone of the charming little rabbit. The book also offers several simple strategies that children can use when they find themselves feeling frustrated and angry. One thing that works for our little sweetheart is to "take deep breaths and blow the air out hard, to send the anger out."

The colorful and fun illustrations by Nancy Cote add a great deal to the simple and easy-paced story line. The pictures make the story come alive and engage the reader's attention. I gave the book a 4-star rating due to its wonderful message that addresses an issue that touches every child's life. The author begins her book with a wonderful note to parents that guides them in using this book to help their children express and manage their emotions in ways that do not hurt others. It is a wonderful teaching tool for parents and teachers alike.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little way to help deal w/anger issues and issues w/in the family that need to be resolved.

[Kimberlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually review children's books, nor do I have occasion to read them much anymore now that my children are grown (I hope to consume them again some day with grandchildren). This book and series of books on feelings has come up in a couple of professional emails I get, so I decided to check one out. I really liked it. From the introduction to parents, which is informative and challenging without being judgemental to the simple yet thought provoking text, the book serves its purpose. I feel like it even gave me ideas on how to handle angry situations, even as an adult. Written by a social worker, the book carries the reader through situations that piss the bunny off (the simple illustrations are of animals) to how the bunny is feeling and then to how the bunny can deal with the feeling, including seeking help outside of herself. The premise of the book (and likely of all the books in the author's feelings series) is that feelings are okay - it's what you do with them that matters. The only criticism I have with the book is that the author ends at least one sentence with a preposition. Cornelia Maude Spelman represents her profession well.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

you can tell what the main subject of this book is in this series.. And we all need to realize we are human and have feelings and not all of them are good. It is what we can do to handle them. And of course no one is perfect. My favorite part of the book, is it acknowledged that yes sometimes it is the person (I) who needs to do something different to not be angry, but...."maybe someone else needs to be different. Maybe someone needs to be nicer to me or stop being unfair.". That is my main reason for high praise for this book in the series. It is so important to say that to the person who is upset sometimes and see it. Maybe it's not that child who is upset. Maybe they aren't the "sensitive" one or causing the problem. Let's look at this in all directions. Let's figure it out. Would be great to get this series in all libraries. School and public. And highlight maybe in a growing up with our children series pamphlet. Something to research and consider in the educational field to share with the community in a positive gentle way.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title (italicize): when i feel angry
Author: Cornelia Maude Spelman
Illustrator (if separate from author): Nancy Cote
Genre: life lesson for children, challenges
Theme(s): emotions, expressing feelings,
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text): “when someone makes fun of me, i feel angry”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): this is a learning book for children to teach them how to handle and control their emotions. When to let emotions out and how to handle when someone is not being kind to you or others around you.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words):
Tell Me Framework (4 sentences in your own words):
Like(s): the bunny showing emotion, the character keeps children's attention drawn.
Dislike(s): none
Patterns(s): the bunny often being angry throughout the whole book
Puzzle(s): bunny showing emotions on and off

[Maliha Arman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has an interesting way that introduces anger. Children can relate to the practical events that occurred that may cause them to feel angry too. The story line is clear and understandable for Pre-K; and the images are identifiable as to what he is feeling in the story. It allows children to think of problem solving skills; that may eventually help them take control of their own emotions and the ability to control them. It describes the things that come with the feeling such as: heat, heart racing and wanting to yell.

[Nicole Kortright]

This book talks about feelings and what a child can do or say when they feel angry. This book would be appropriate for school-age children and help to develop appropriate social language or pragmatics. This book would especially be beneficial for social-emotional development which relates to language development. Children have complex emotions just like adults, many of which they may not yet completely understand. This book would help them realize that feeling angry is normal and help them find ways to resolve these feelings.

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was on my school's pillars of character reading list for responsibility It is a book that helps children understand their feelings of anger and figure out a way for them to respond to those feelings in a responsible way. It was cute and I liked the illustrations of the angry little bunny. I can name several adults that should read this book, too. :)

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it during work along with others from this series and it is a cute, helpful, illustrated book which explains how anger works, what you feel precisely and how to calm down and process everything in a calm manner. My only issue was the advice that basically suggested to leave and return when the feeling of anger has passed. It may work for grown ups, but I wouldn't advise a kid to do that.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

we all have moments of anger, i think for me personally it is more frustration than anger ... i mean i have to be really really over the top ... but it is normal and okay ... just work through those feelings and deal. i think u have to be honest and tell ur loved ones how u feel ... let them know u need to chat about it ... have a best friend some one u care for that can listen and help. lean on.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical steps to help children control anger

This book does a great job giving the reader ideas and tips and reasoning for turning anger into calm and activities and steps they can do and take to fix the problems without outbursts.

[Mely · Rating 3 out of 5]

Looking for a book to read to my little one to help her better understand her anger. She's 3 and the tantrums are frequent. This didn't really cover what I hoped it would, however does go over different reasons why children can feel anger.

[Faterider · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply written, but covers a good range of scenarios that will make one angry. Also includes very useful strategies one can employ when s/he is feeling angry, Especially loved how Cornelia Maude Spelman reinforced the learning points in the last two pages of the book! Highly recommended.

[Haylieboyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

younger children often go to hurting other or themselves when they seem to be angry about something. being angry is very common emotion and can happen very easily with younger children. this book may help children to understand how to control their anger more.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of the book is great but it could have expressed other words for “angry”. Not all of the things in the book were anger. It does help open a discussion on what kids can do to deal with their angry feelings.

[Danielle Quintero · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can be a great book to introduce for when we are learning about different emotions and how are the right ways to deal with them, it will help the kids understand more about them and that they aren't bad. We just have to show them what we can do to help them.

[Magdalena Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for talking about feeling angry. It also talks about ways to deal with their emotions which can be executed in the classroom. If any kids have any problems controlling their anger this book is the one to read to him/her.

[Nora Manriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This book has really amazing ways to cool down when you feel angry. I would definitely read this book to children because it can show them different ways to calm down when they feel angry and how it feels to be angry. This is a great book to read to children.

[TyRee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been on a hunt for quality picture books about emotional regulation. This one fits the bill. I appreciate the variety of ways to cope with anger described and the way they are illustrated within realistic situations.

[Ms. Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaches way to deal with the anger

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good book for my gold who struggles to manage her emotions!

[Ashley Kempkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, good strats

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice book that deals with being angry, and some of the steps that can be taken to deal with.

[Aneesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good taking points

[Chelsea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a helpful and informative book, but not very interesting or engaging enough for a child. I would have to read it over many times for the tools in it to be useful to my kids.

[Chanel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book to help children and adults learn how to manage anger and not hurt others with this powerful emotion.