Book Review: Little Monkey Calms Down (Hello Genius) by Michael Dahl
Little Monkey Calms Down, written by Michael Dahl and part of the Hello Genius series, is a gentle and engaging picture book that teaches young children essential emotional regulation skills. With its simple, yet thoughtful storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this book provides a perfect tool for helping children understand and cope with big emotions, particularly frustration and anger. Through the character of Little Monkey, the book introduces various calming techniques that children can use in moments of distress.
Plot Summary
In Little Monkey Calms Down, the titular character, Little Monkey, experiences a series of frustrations that build up over the course of the story. He is initially excited to play, but things quickly take a turn when he is unable to get what he wants. As he struggles with anger and frustration, Little Monkey learns to recognize and name his emotions, which is a critical step in emotional development. Throughout the book, readers are shown how Little Monkey tries to calm down through various coping strategies.
The narrative unfolds as Little Monkey’s frustrations escalate. After a series of failed attempts to manage his feelings, he is encouraged by an older, wiser figure (possibly a caregiver or friend) to pause, breathe deeply, and use other calming techniques. The story gently guides Little Monkey, and by the end, he is able to regain his composure, feeling calm and centered. This is accompanied by a positive reinforcement that it is okay to feel upset, but it is important to take action in order to calm oneself.
Themes
1. Emotional Awareness and Regulation:
One of the core themes of Little Monkey Calms Down is emotional regulation. The book skillfully demonstrates how even the most overwhelming feelings, such as anger and frustration, can be managed with the right tools. Little Monkey’s journey through understanding his emotions is presented in a relatable way, making it easier for young children to recognize similar feelings in themselves. The book emphasizes that feeling upset is normal and that it’s okay to experience those emotions, but it’s also important to have strategies to calm down.
2. Coping Strategies:
The book offers practical strategies for calming down, including deep breathing, counting, and using words to express feelings. These tools are portrayed in a way that children can understand and apply in their own lives. The repetition of these strategies throughout the story gives children a sense of comfort and structure, showing them that they have the ability to take control of their emotions. The simple solutions Little Monkey learns are accessible and can be easily incorporated into a child’s daily routine.
3. Positive Reinforcement:
Another important theme in the book is the positive reinforcement of healthy emotional expression. Little Monkey’s ability to calm down is celebrated, helping children understand that learning to control their emotions is an accomplishment. The book reassures young readers that it is okay to have moments of frustration or anger, but that through effort and practice, these emotions can be managed. This positive approach to emotional growth helps build a child’s self-confidence and encourages them to keep trying when faced with challenges.
4. Support and Guidance:
The presence of a gentle, supportive figure in the book – whether an adult or older character – is another key theme. This figure provides reassurance and guidance when Little Monkey is struggling. It highlights the importance of support networks, teaching children that it’s okay to lean on others for help when navigating difficult emotions. The story suggests that calmness and patience can be cultivated with the right help, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Illustrations
The illustrations in Little Monkey Calms Down are bright, playful, and full of emotion. Illustrated by Oriol Vidal, the pictures effectively complement the story by showing Little Monkey’s wide range of emotions—from excitement to frustration to calmness. The art style is simple but expressive, with warm colors and bold lines that keep young readers engaged. Little Monkey’s exaggerated facial expressions add a humorous touch to his emotional turmoil, making it easy for children to see exactly what he is feeling. These visual cues also help children understand how emotions manifest physically, which is crucial for developing emotional awareness.
The book’s design is clean and uncluttered, allowing the reader to focus on the story and the important emotional lessons it conveys. Each spread highlights a key moment in Little Monkey’s emotional journey, ensuring that children can follow along with the narrative and grasp the concept of emotional regulation in a concrete way.
Writing Style
Michael Dahl’s writing is clear, simple, and direct, making it perfect for young children. The text is written in short sentences, using language that is easy for preschoolers and early elementary students to understand. Dahl uses repetition effectively throughout the book, particularly with phrases like “Little Monkey was very upset” or “He took a deep breath and felt better.” This repetition not only reinforces the calming techniques but also helps children internalize the message, making the strategies feel familiar and accessible.
The tone of the book is warm and reassuring, never judgmental. It conveys a sense of understanding and empathy, which is crucial when addressing emotional regulation. Dahl’s approach allows children to feel that their feelings are valid, and that it’s normal to feel upset sometimes. Rather than a strict lesson, the story feels like an open conversation about emotions, making it a perfect read for caregivers and teachers to share with children.
Why It’s Relevant
In today’s fast-paced world, where young children are often exposed to a range of emotional stimuli, Little Monkey Calms Down is an essential tool for helping kids navigate their feelings. The story helps to normalize difficult emotions, encouraging children to manage them in healthy ways. By incorporating coping mechanisms such as breathing exercises and taking breaks, the book empowers children to take charge of their emotions, fostering resilience and emotional intelligence.
Given the increasing focus on mental health and emotional well-being in schools and homes, this book is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers. It aligns with growing efforts to teach children about emotional regulation from a young age, making it an important part of a child’s social and emotional development.
Final Thoughts
Little Monkey Calms Down is an exceptional resource for introducing young children to the concept of emotional regulation. Through its simple narrative, engaging illustrations, and gentle guidance, Michael Dahl provides an accessible and reassuring approach to dealing with anger and frustration. The calming techniques presented in the book are practical, effective, and easy for children to adopt, giving them the tools they need to handle difficult emotions in a healthy way. This book is a must-read for any child learning to navigate the complex world of emotions, and it will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to any child’s library.
Product details
- ASIN : B00O33P04G
- Publisher : Picture Window Books; Brdbk edition (November 1, 2014)
- Publication date : November 1, 2014
- Language : English
- File size : 11992 KB
- Text-to-Speech : Not enabled
- Enhanced typesetting : Not Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Not Enabled
- Print length : 22 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #32,980 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
