When I Feel Sad

What it is

When I Feel Sad is a printable picture book for little ones ages 3 to 6. Warm, painted kids show that everybody feels sad sometimes, that sad is not bad, that crying is okay, and that sad comes and goes. Between the story pages, kids point, color, and draw: what makes me sad, where I feel it in my body, what my sad looks like, what helps, and who I can tell. No writing needed. It is about everyday sadness (a goodbye, a lost toy, a friend who said no, or a sad day with no reason at all), not about diagnosing anything. It never asks kids to hurry up and feel better.

What's included

• Cover with "this book belongs to" line
• 4 read-aloud story pages: Everybody feels sad, Sad is okay, Sad comes and sad goes, Now I know
• What makes me sad? (9 picture choices, including "I don't know why")
• Where do I feel sad? Body outline to color, body clues, and "my sad color"
• What does my sad look like? (8 picture choices + drawing space)
• What helps my sad? (9 picture helps + my own idea)
• Who can I tell? Draw my people + 4 simple things I can say
• 6 show-me cards for when words feel hard (I feel sad, I need a hug, Sit with me, I want quiet, Please listen, I feel better)
• 8 hug coupons (6 filled in, 2 blank)
• "Talk together" question on every story page
• 2 grown-up pages: reading the book together, how sad can look in little ones, words that help (gentle swaps for "don't cry"), and when to reach out to your child's doctor

Great for