Big emotions for little people - board book

Big Emotions For Little People = Big Emotions Made Small and Simple! By Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips

Life’s biggest feelings can be overwhelming for young children, but Big Emotions for Little People is here to help! This beautifully illustrated board book is a must-have tool for parents and preschool teachers to support tamariki as they navigate emotions like anger, sadness, excitement, and calm. Crafted with care by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips, it empowers children to recognise, name, and understand their emotions in a way that feels safe and approachable.

Why We Love It

Its sturdy board book format and captivating illustrations make it perfect for little hands and curious eyes.

Each page breaks down complex emotions into words and images tamariki can understand and connect with.

The book celebrates all feelings, encouraging children to see emotions as natural and manageable, fostering emotional regulation and resilience.

How You Can Use It

Here are three powerful ways parents and preschool teachers can use this book to support tamariki wellbeing:

Daily Emotional Kōrero: Read through the book with little ones spending time on the pages they seem most interested in and enjoy You might show them your face and act out the emotions and your tamariki may copy you. It doesn’t matter, just keep it light, calm or fun while they become familiar with emotions and how they feel. 

Calm-Down Tool: When big feelings look like they’re about to bubble over, turn to Big Emotions for Little People for support. Explore the relevant page together, talk about the emotion, and practice a soothing strategy like deep breathing or a gentle hug. Naming emotions supports our children to feel validated and manage them. 

Creative Play and Learning: Pair the book with activities that extend emotional learning. For example, tamariki could draw their “happy face” or act out feeling excited, play the emotions guessing game. This helps children to anchor emotional literacy through creativity.

What Results Have We Seen?

Parents and teachers have shared inspiring stories of how this book has transformed their ability to teach tamariki early about their emotions, and in fun, engaging ways. 

Big Emotions for Little People is a stepping stone to emotional growth, wellbeing, and connection.