Faces. Jan Pienkowski

I am a practicing clinical social worker and my work is primarily with children. I have used Faces for the past twelve years. I find it a great way to open a discussion about different feelings and a good introduction to teaching children how to name their feelings. Kids of all ages (I see ages 3-18) identify with the illustrations. Adults often pick up this book, too when I leave it out. Because it's a kids book, it's non-threatening. I saw my first Faces book in the checkout line at a grocery store. Today I'll order my 20th copy...they are well made but eventually wear out. In my practice, this is a well used book!

This book teaches about different emotions, you can also talk with your child about details of the pictures and the gestures that characterize specific emotion. The size of the book is also convenient - you can carry it in the pocket and use it whenever necessary. I wish the illustrations were a little better.

This is a simple book of colorful illustrations of different emotions (angry, sad, happy, cheeky) with faces on the left side and an illustration of the emotion on the right side (example: jealous, a child bangs on a pot while his mother coos over a new baby). I bought this two days ago and must have read it about 45 times, on demand.