Review of “Full of Feelings” by Anna Andrews

Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)

When it comes to children's books, they don't come any more sweet and simple than “Full of Feelings” by Anna Andrews. But don't let that fool you. This book is useful, educational, and powerful in its own way despite its sweet and simple presentation. There are few things more important than recognizing, acknowledging, and understanding our feelings and emotions, and that's what this book is about. It shines in helping kids to review these things in a fun and interesting way.

What immediately jumped out at us about this book is the level of diversity! This is the most racial/ethnic diversity we've probably ever seen in a children's book. Each emotion/feeling is portrayed by a child of a different race or ethnicity. They have different hair colors, skin tones, eye colors, hair styles, and facial features. And somehow, none of these are what you'd consider stereotypical or insensitive. Everything is presented tactfully.

The art is not phenomenal by any means, but it doesn't have to be. The art itself was not intended to win any art competitions, it was intended to be easily accessible to children and to get its message across in an appealing way. It definitely accomplishes what it sets out to do!

One of the best sections actually asks children about times they've felt certain feelings. They are prompted with such questions as: “What makes YOU smile?” and “What makes YOU frown?”

The young readers are also shown the differences between negative and positive emotions, but also that all emotions are valid whichever category they fall into. It's ok to feel your feelings!

Check out this book on Amazon!