Reviews

Virginia Goowdwin

I am a second grade teacher at an independent school in Boston. We do extensive social emotional learning and this book was spot on! My students loved it. They were engaged, invested and excited about Jack’s journey. After reading the book I asked them why they enjoyed it? They said they could really relate to Jack and his feelings. They like the way you could easily let people know if you were running red or yellow, because it’s sometimes difficult to explain how exactly you’re feeling. They said it would be great to read this at home to help their siblings too. They also found the illustrations magical- especially the colored”feelings” around Jack, Positopia World and Dune! They whooped & hollered whenever they caught a glimpse of Dune. We have a feelings meter in class where they note their feelings throughout the day, 1-4, four representing feeling great. One of my students said we should change it to red, yellow and green. My students want to know when is the author going to make a new book? All in all, this is a fantastic book that is relatable for children and gives them tools to help them understand and cope with big feelings.

David R.

As a special education teacher, I enjoyed this book. First, this books has great illustrations! Secondly, the story is engaging. The premise of an engine, with emotions causing it to change colors, seems like it will be interesting for young readers. The emotions cause the engine to change colors, and the colors remind me of the Zones of Regulation colors, but it uses the colors of a traffic light. The book provides examples of coping strategies to calm down when agitated. If I worked with younger students I would use this in my class

Megan

This book’s beautiful illustrations engage even very young kids, and the story teaches an important lesson about regulating one’s emotions. I read it to a 2 year old, (who pointed at the drawings and said “Happy!” “Sad!”), and a 5 year old who practiced the breathing exercises and wanted to talk about what “yellow” emotions are for when we were done. Highly recommend!

Ken F.

Must read for parents with children who struggle with regulation

This book takes a complex topic and simplifies it in a way that a young child can not only understand but actually enjoy learning about it! I am a therapist who works with children and this is a must have for my waiting room. Great concept, amazing pictures , and fun story with an important purpose . Well done !!!

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