This is a great book about learning how to deal with our emotions, especially anger.  When upset about something, sometimes we do things we probably wouldn’t normally do.  I’m sure we’ve all been there, but kids are especially susceptible to acting out when they are angry.  Young children haven’t yet learned how to deal with their emotions and don’t know how to properly react to situations that make them mad.  Howard B. Wigglebottom Learns It’s OK to Back Away is a book that helps kids understand that it is OK to walk away when they are upset.  In the lessons provided with this book, it gives suggestions on what you can do whenever you start feeling angry and upset. 

THE MOMMY BUNCH SAYS…..

I received a copy of this book to review, and I read it to my five year old son and three year old daughter.  Both of my kids like the Howard B. Wigglebottom character, and were happy to see what new adventure he got himself into.  After reading the book we talked about some of the things that Howard was doing and what they would do in the same situation. 

I asked my kids why Howard was upset.  They told me he was upset because he was in a time-out for being naughty.  We then talked about how Howard ended up in the time-out, and what he could have done differently.  My daughter, who was very enthusiastic about this book, said he should not have been mean.  This is true, he shouldn’t have been mean to his friends.  My son, who sometimes doesn’t like to hear about things that he himself is guilty of doing, was a little less forthcoming with his ideas.  He often has the same problem Howard is having; he acts out when he is angry. 

Even though my son didn’t want to offer up too many thoughts on how Howard was acting, we did discuss the ways that Howard can react appropriately when he is upset about something.  I think this is a lesson we will have to come back to many times, because no bridge was ever built in a day, but I think it was great for my son to hear about someone else getting upset and angry when things don’t go their way.  I also love that it is a great way to open the door to talking about it so we can discuss things he should do in similar circumstances. 

ABOUT THE HOWARD B. WIGGLEBOTTOM LINE OF BOOKS:

The We Do Listen Foundation is a group of writers, artists, designers, educators, therapists, parents, caregivers and teachers who share a vision of a kinder world with more harmony and peace and a better life for everyone to enjoy.

The ten picture books in our award winning, educator endorsed series tackle important life lessons for 3-8 year olds like listening, bullying, sportsmanship, anger management feeling good about themselves, moderation, truth, divorce, peer pressure, belonging, generosity, sportsmanship and attention. You can check out the animated versions at http://www.wedolisten.org . Click on animated books, lessons/posters and songs.

Howard B. Wigglebottom hardcover books retail for $15 in the U.S. and Canada. On their website they are now on sale for $6 US or $50 for a set of 10. HBW Ebooks are now available on Apple for $1.99.
Howard is available for free Skype author school visits, just give him a shout!

 

GIVEAWAY!

You can win any Howard B. Wigglebottom book of choice, just come back on 09/17/12 and visit our Keeping Kids Creative giveaway event for your chance to win!

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Written by Jesica.

Disclosure:  The Mommy Bunch received a copy of the book listed above to facilitate this review, however, all opinions are our own.