It's ok to cry by Molly Potter

Illus. by Sarah Jennings. Featherstone: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2020. ISBN: 9781472942425.
(Age: 5+) Highly recommended. It's ok to cry is a refreshing read covering many scenarios with children and their feelings. The book begins with a thoughtful introduction for the reader explaining that it is ok to cry and that everyone needs to express how they are feeling. The contents page covers a myriad of feelings and situations that enables a quick search on a particular area of interest or need. There is a particular focus on boys and emotions before delving into more general areas for both genders. Topics under discussion include positive and negative feelings, feelings that take over, feelings that can make you cry, feelings that involve other people, uncomfortable feelings as well as many others. Each double page spread has colourful illustrations with an easy to follow text. There is a 'It's good to know' box at the end of each double page to sum up the feelings and situations discussed. Towards the end of the book is a page full of children and their feelings which allows the reader the opportunity to offer ideas as to why they are feeling a particular way. There are notes for parents and carers about helping boys to become emotionally intelligent and ideas for strategies to help children to deal with uncomfortable feelings.
This book is an important read for parents to share with their children or a teacher to share with their class. It is also a perfect book for an independent reader to browse through on their own. Themes: Feelings, Well being, Children, Emotional intelligence, Boys and feelings.
Kathryn Beilby