Book Review: What Am I Feeling?

About the Book:

Can show-and-tell day be saved?

It’s show-and-tell day at school, and Sam and his friends are feeling lots of emotions. He wonders why he feels flippy in his tummy. And why is Alex stomping his feet? And does Hudson usually have such a big grin?

After several unchecked feelings threaten to ruin the big day, Sam and his friends start to learn how to give each emotion a name and ask God to help them remember that “a feeling is just a feeling—it’s not in charge of you.” In a world where kids are dealing with everything from sibling rivalry to bullying, divorce to tragedy, What Am I Feeling? offers a biblically grounded way for children to verbalize their feelings, develop empathy and self-control, and understand their wonderful God-given emotions.

BONUS! Also includes a pull-out feelings chart for your wall! 


My Thoughts:

What Am I Feeling? held my children's attention as I read it and they liked the cute pictures. We talked a little about emotions and the book's message. It's not a book they want to read daily, but they pick it up sometimes.

The concepts of (1) naming a feeling, (2) asking God for help with it, and (3) not letting the emotion control your actions are good lessons. Really good lessons, that both children and adults (myself included) need to remember.

In the story, several children experience emotions that are generally perceived as negative. One girl feels sadness, one girl feels jealousy, one boy feels afraid, and one boy feels angry. While the first three got reminded in various ways to acknowledge the feeling and not let it control his/her actions, the boy who got angry never got the same reminder or any consequence. He did apologize for his anger later in the story, but it stood out to me that he did not receive a reminder like the others did. Perhaps that bothers me more than it will others, but as the book is perpetuating self-awareness of emotions, I think that one should have been called out as well.

In conclusion, my kids liked the story and illustrations in What Am I Feeling? by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub. I thought it missed the mark, but I still appreciate the premise of naming an emotion, praying for help, and not letting it dictate one's actions.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."