This is essentially feelings flashcards in book form. It does what it sets out to do—help very young children learn to identify emotions by looking at real faces—but it's not exactly riveting literature.

The 2003 photo-essay format feels pretty dated, and modern kids raised on Daniel Tiger and Inside Out have access to more engaging emotional literacy content. That said, if you're a preschool teacher, counselor, or parent of a 3-year-old who's struggling to articulate feelings, this is a solid, no-frills tool.

Just don't expect your kid to beg for this at bedtime. It's more 'circle time resource' than 'beloved story.' The 4.5 Amazon rating suggests parents find it useful, but useful isn't the same as captivating. For what it is—a simple, safe, educational photo book—it's perfectly fine. Just know what you're getting.