Today I’m a Bear cub. I want to hug. I wouldn’t mind a cuddly squeeze. I’m Bear cub, so yes, please!

Many of the anthropomorphic animals have exaggerated features–big, round eyes; puckered lips, and expressive faces–which aid in readers’ understanding of the feelings, as the animals mimic the humans….A useful tool for caregivers and teachers working with the preschool crowd.–Kirkus Reviews Developing emotional and social intelligence is a huge part of young children’s development, and parents are often left grappling with how best to discuss feelings of shyness, social anxiety and respect for physical boundaries with their children.

Sometimes I’m a Bear Cub gives young children the tools to understand and express their own emotions, as well as understanding that other children have the same feelings as them - and they might want their space, too. With input from a child psychologist, it provides ways of expressing and understanding a range of feelings and includes a final spread providing notes for parents/carers on encouraging children to use the animal idea practically to express their feelings.