Upon receiving a copy of the children’s book, Mixed Feelings, by New Yorker cartoonist Liana Finck, I was eager to dive in. It begins with the inquiry “How do I feel?” and illustrates emotions that can be challenging for kids to articulate, such as the unique type of boredom felt when “there are so many things to do, but none of them is what I want to do.”
As we read the book together, my six-year-old inquired, “Why does the kid yell NOT TIRED! yet immediately falls asleep?!” To which I responded, with a hint of side-eye, “Hmm. What do you think?”
I’m thrilled to present some pages from the book, along with a Q&A featuring Liana…
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Kaitlyn: What led you to choose the title, Mixed Feelings?
Liana: I can recall experiencing intense emotions as a child and not realizing there could be ways to articulate them. Many were often combinations of feelings, such as shyness coupled with confusion about feeling shy. Some emotions in the book were inspired by my three-year-old, while others about shyness stem from my own childhood experiences.
Are there other characters that reflect your childhood?
The child who pretends to be a horse. I was expelled from nursery school for pretending to be a dog — and I was a very polite dog, not noisy or barking or biting! But the teachers did not approve. What was so embarrassing at the time is that I couldn’t explain why I behaved that way. Looking back, I believe it stemmed from being shy and trying to connect with other children in this quirky way.
I learned that you identify as neurodivergent. How has that influenced your feelings and emotions?
Yes, I have very acute senses and can easily become overwhelmed by sounds, which may lead me to act differently. With neurodivergence, there are periods where it takes center stage in my life. I liken it to having a drawer — it’s always there, but sometimes I’ll spend an entire year reflecting on everything inside it. I’m just emerging from one of those years.
What is something you want children to take away from the book?
I hope kids learn not to judge their feelings based on other people’s reactions. Kids can experience immense shame, especially when others fail to understand them. I know I did, and I believe my son does too. I wish I had learned earlier how to honor my feelings.
Me, too! As a parent, I also resonated with the book’s depictions of caregiving.
There’s a scene where a little girl is trying to show her mom a bird but can’t get her attention. I hope adult readers notice that the mom is also looking after an infant and a dog, and it’s raining, and she has managed to get everyone into their raincoats and out the door. She appears to be barely keeping it together. I have been that little girl, and I have been that mom.
Do you enjoy participating in book events for children?
Yes, I love engaging with kids — it’s a blast to hear their responses. Children are so much more diverse in their differences compared to adults. Plus, there’s always one kid who is very talkative and another who is quite shy but really wants to share something.
Your parenting comics have gained popularity on Instagram. Is there a favorite among readers?
My New Yorker-style cartoons often resemble a one-two punch, much like a stand-up joke, whereas my Instagram cartoons are more of a single blow. People enjoyed the one depicting a mother and baby both thinking the same thought bubble that says, ‘Mine.’ They are meant for one another.
What are some of your beloved children’s books?
I treasured reading Tell Me a Mitzi as a child. Additionally, I adore Arnold Lobel’s Mr. Owl at Home, which is just as marvelous but isn’t as widely recognized as the Frog and Toad series, as well as George and Martha, as their friendship is so heartwarming and cozy.
Kudos, Liana, on your magnificent book!
P.S. Attractive dads in children’s literature, and stylish moms in children’s literature.
(Photo of Liana Finck by Annette Hornischer.)
**Assessing the Influence of This Children’s Book on Comprehending Emotions**
Children’s literature has long been a fundamental aspect of early education, serving as a gateway for young readers to make sense of the world around them. In addition to teaching essential literacy skills, these books often play a vital role in emotional and social growth. One specific genre within children’s literature aims to assist kids in recognizing and expressing their emotions. This article delves into the effects of a children’s book designed to enhance emotional intelligence, exploring how it supports the development of empathy, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.
### The Importance of Children’s Books in Emotional Growth
From an early age, children encounter a myriad of emotions but frequently lack the words or resources to express them. Children’s books that touch on feelings can fill this gap by introducing emotions in relatable and digestible ways. Through engaging storytelling, vivid illustrations, and identifiable characters, these books assist children in recognizing and naming their feelings, a crucial initial step in achieving emotional literacy.
Books focusing on feelings often utilize storytelling to demonstrate healthy emotional expression. For instance, a character may feel sad after losing a toy but finds solace in discussing their feelings with a parent or friend. Such scenarios not only affirm children’s emotions but also equip them with coping mechanisms for similar circumstances in their lives.
### Analyzing the Impact of a Specific Children’s Book
To assess the influence of a children’s book on understanding feelings, it is important to examine several aspects, including the book’s content, its presentation, and how children react to it. Let’s consider, for example, a theoretical book titled *”The Color of Feelings,”* which employs colors to symbolize various emotions—blue for sadness, red for anger, yellow for happiness, and so forth. This imaginative approach can facilitate children’s ability to visualize and categorize their emotions, simplifying comprehension.
#### 1. **Content and Accessibility**
The language and tone of the book are pivotal to its effectiveness. A well-constructed children’s book about feelings employs straightforward, age-appropriate language while steering clear of overly complex or abstract ideas. In *”The Color of Feelings,”* the use of colors as metaphors for emotions clarifies the notion of emotional diversity, making it more comprehensible for young readers. Furthermore, the portrayal of diverse characters and situations guarantees that children from various backgrounds connect with the narrative.
#### 2. **Engagement Through Illustrations**
Illustrations are an essential aspect of children’s books, particularly those aimed at conveying emotional concepts. Bright, expressive visuals can capture a child’s attention and reinforce the message of the text. For example, a character turning blue when feeling sad or red when angry provides a visual reference that aligns with the narrative, assisting children in forming connections between emotions and their external manifestations.
#### 3. **Interactive Components**
Many contemporary children’s books integrate interactive features, such as questions or activities, to further engage young readers. *”The Color of Feelings”* might include prompts such as, “Can you recall a moment when you felt blue? What helped you feel better?” These reflections encourage children to contemplate their own experiences and practice voicing their feelings, thereby promoting self-awareness and communication skills.
#### 4. **Involvement of Parents and Educators**
The influence of a children’s book on discerning emotions is often enhanced when adults are actively involved in the reading experience. Parents and educators can utilize the book as a foundation for discussions about emotions, providing additional context and guidance. For instance, after reading *”The Color of Feelings,”* a parent may ask their child to illustrate how they feel today, using colors to represent their emotions. These activities reinforce the learning from the book and create chances for connection and open dialogue.
### Assessing the Book’s Effectiveness
To gauge the effectiveness of a children’s book in imparting emotional literacy, researchers and educators can employ various approaches:
#### 1. **Observational Research**
Watching how children engage with the book and respond to its material can reveal valuable insights. Do they connect with the story? Are they able to identify and articulate the emotions showcased? Do they incorporate the concepts into their everyday interactions?
#### 2. **Feedback from Caregivers**
Parents, teachers, and guardians can provide feedback regarding how the book affects children’s behavior and understanding of emotions. For instance, a teacher might observe that students who read *”The Color of Feelings”* are more capable of expressing their emotions during classroom disputes.
#### 3. **Pre- and Post-Reading Evaluations**
Conducting straightforward assessments before and after engaging with the book can assist in measuring its influence. For example, children could be asked to identify emotions in images or explain how they would feel in specific scenarios. Comparing their responses before and after interacting with the book can highlight advancements in emotional literacy.
### Wider Implications
The advantages of children’s books that concentrate on emotions extend beyond personal emotional development. By cultivating empathy and emotional intelligence in young readers, these books contribute to the formation of more compassionate and understanding communities. Children who acquire the skills to recognize and manage their feelings are better equipped to navigate
