Is this book part of a larger series?

Yes, it is part of the Social Emotional Learning Toolbox series by Emily Hayes. These books are often used by therapists and educators to help kids with emotional regulation and sensory processing.

How long is the book for a bedtime read?

It's a standard children's picture book length, usually taking about 5-7 minutes to read aloud, though it's designed to be paused for discussion.

Does it give kids actual coping strategies?

The primary focus is on identification and acceptance—the 'it's okay to feel this' part. While it validates the moods, you might want to pair it with a book like Little Monkey Calms Down if you want specific 'how-to' breathing or grounding exercises.

Is it too 'babyish' for a first grader?

It might be simple for a kid who is already highly emotionally articulate, but for a 6 or 7-year-old who still struggles with outbursts or shut-downs, the clear, direct language can actually be more effective than a wordier story.

All Feelings Are Okay – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

All Feelings Are Okay

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book

82%

WISE Score

A simple permission slip for preschoolers to be grumpy about the rain or scared of the thunder without feeling like they are doing it wrong.

All Feelings Are Okay

book

82%

WISE Score

A simple permission slip for preschoolers to be grumpy about the rain or scared of the thunder without feeling like they are doing it wrong.

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Where to Read

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.

Screenwise Verdict

All Feelings Are Okay is a functional, no-nonsense addition to your 'big feelings' library. It isn't going to win a Caldecott for its art, but it does the heavy lifting of telling a toddler that their frustration is normal and manageable.

If you are dealing with a kid who gets overwhelmed by sensory input or sudden mood shifts, this author’s background in sensory processing issues makes this a more informed pick than your average grocery-store emotions book. It’s a tool for the utility belt, not a bedtime epic.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 2 to 6 age range. It hits that sweet spot where kids are starting to feel complex social frustrations but lack the vocabulary to name them.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Directly models emotional acceptance and healthy self-regulation without being preachy or judgmental.

Imaginative

Functional and clear illustrations designed for clarity over artistic complexity, which is standard for SEL tools.

Safe

A gentle children's book with no hidden mature themes or unexpected triggers.

Enriching

High utility for building emotional literacy and vocabulary in toddlers and preschoolers.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Validates the full spectrum of emotions, specifically targeting the 'big feelings' that lead to preschool meltdowns.
Part of a specialized series (Social Emotional Learning Toolbox) that often considers neurodivergent needs like ADHD and SPD.
Direct, simple language makes it an easy read-aloud for kids with short attention spans who need the point delivered quickly.

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What to Watch For

This is an independently published book, so the production value and illustration style might feel more 'functional' and less polished than a major publisher's title.
It is a didactic tool first and a story second; do not expect a complex narrative arc or a plot that keeps kids on the edge of their seats.

Conversation Starters

"Which feeling in the book did you have today?"
"When the thunder is loud and you feel scared, what helps you feel okay again?"
"Is it okay to be frustrated when no one wants to play the game you picked?"
"What does your face look like when you feel gloomy like the rain?"

Deep Dive

The Social-Emotional Utility Belt

Emily Hayes has carved out a niche in the independent publishing world by focusing on the Social Emotional Learning Toolbox. This book sits alongside her other works that tackle specific challenges like Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and ADHD. While many children's books about feelings try to wrap the lesson in a whimsical metaphor, Hayes takes a more direct approach.

For parents of neurodivergent kids, this directness is often a feature, not a bug. The book uses relatable scenarios—like being sad about rain or scared of thunder—to anchor abstract concepts in the real world.

Why the Indie Vibe Matters

You should know going in that this is an independent release. That usually means the paper quality and the 'flow' of the prose won't feel like a Mo Willems classic. However, the trade-off is a book that feels like it was written by someone who actually works with kids in a therapeutic or educational setting. It’s less about being a 'beautiful object' and more about being a conversation starter for a Tuesday afternoon when everything is going wrong.

If your kid already has The Color Monster or In My Heart, this covers similar ground but with a slightly more clinical, tool-based edge. It’s particularly useful for kids who need to see their specific, 'uncomfortable' feelings mirrored and validated without the pressure of a high-stakes plot.

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