New picture book explores big emotions

A BARWON Valley School teacher has written a short, rhyming picture book to help normalise the feelings, both big and small, that children experience.

Written by Grade 1 and 2 teacher Sarah Kiss, Little Harvey’s Big Feelings follows its young protagonist through a serious of ups and downs while his feelings continue to grow.

Eventually, Harvey’s feelings become too big, and he experiences an emotional release with the help and unconditional love of a parent.

Designed to help children understand how feelings can build, the picture book’s illustrations depict Harvey’s journey, beginning when he wakes in the morning with the sun above his head and continuing with a gradually intensifying storm, until Harvey experiences the ultimate catalyst: running out of blue paint.

Inspired by her own experiences as a mother and well-known educator Lael Stone’s empathetic approach to parenting, the book has been written for young audiences aged between two and seven.

It is also suitable for children with special needs.

“I just want children to understand that feelings are okay… [and] to normalise all the emotions that children can experience,” Ms Kiss said.

“And I want parents to know that it’s normal for children to experience emotions and to steer way from shutting that whole, kind of, tantrum talk down, and to just hold space for the children – let them feel all the feelings and I’m going to love you regardless.”

Lael Stone has also contributed some content to the picture book, cementing its role as an educational tool that can be used both at home and in the classroom.

Ms Kiss is now eager to contribute some of the funds raised through book sales back to Barwon Valley School.

The funds will be used to purchase new sensory equipment for the school’s dedicated ‘sensory rooms’, including bean bags, calming activities and a replacement ‘bubble column’ – a floor-to-ceiling, water-filled tube that features brightly coloured bubbles.

“Ideally, we could create a number of calming environments across the school to help more students access that room on a daily basis. It could be really successful for our little learners here,” Ms Kiss said.

Barwon Valley School principal Anne Hume said Little Harvey’s Big Feelings was “very special” and its relevance to the school was clear.

“When she offered to do the fundraising, we were very excited,” she said.

“Sarah had a clear idea of what she’d like the money spent on and it’s an area of need for the school.”

Little Harvey’s Big Feelings can be purchased directly from Barwon Valley School, with $5 from every book purchased donated toward the new equipment.

To contact the school’s office about the book, head to 76-94 Laura Avenue, Belmont or phone 5243 1813.