I Calm Down: A Book about Working Through Strong Emotions

A little girl works through strong feelings and learns how to calm down.

＂Sometimes things seem hard, and my feelings are really big.＂ Strong emotions can be overwhelming for young children, and at times they need help identifying and coping with what they’re feeling. ＂I want to feel peaceful. I won’t hit or hurt.＂

Gentle and encouraging, this board book helps toddlers work through strong feelings like anger and worry. Children learn to use deep breaths, mental images, and other simple strategies to calm themselves. With straightforward words and warm illustrations, I Calm Down helps children understand that feelings change and that their own actions can make a difference in how they feel. When their feelings are too big to manage, children can ask for help and comfort from a trusted adult.

A section for adults offers tips on talking about the book together, along with activities for helping children learn to calm themselves. Access to a digital download with ideas for helping toddlers feel calm is also provided.

Learning About Me & You Series
Support toddlers and young preschoolers in developing self-awareness and social awareness with these charming board books focused on early social skills. With her straightforward and encouraging style, author Cheri J. Meiners guides little ones to understand how they fit into their world and how other people fit in too. Children learn about belonging, feelings, playing, sharing, helping, and more. Perfect for group or home settings, each book includes tips and information for teachers, parents, and caregivers.

Cheri J. Meiners, M.Ed., has her master’s degree in elementary education and gifted education. A former first-grade teacher, she has taught education classes at Utah State University and has supervised student teachers. Cheri and her husband, David, have six children and enjoy the lively company of their grandchildren. They live in Laurel, Maryland.

Penny Weber is a full-time artist and illustrator working both digitally and traditionally in acrylics and watercolors. Penny attended classes at the School of Visual Arts in New York. She has illustrated many books and has also done residential murals, greeting cards, portraits, caricatures, and pet portraits. She lives in Long Island, New York, with her husband and three children.