Mad Isn't Bad: A Child's Book about Anger

I enjoyed the book until the pages talking about God, good for some parents and kids but not my family

I purchased this book hoping it would cover some of the aspects of childhood anger management. I was surprised when I received it that not only did it meet my expectations but it went beyond them. I love how this book touched on forgiving, not only yourself, but others as well.

These series are terrific, I have bought several of this series, and they have a great message and are fun to read.

I have a wonderful girl who has been having trouble expressing her feelings. I got Mad isn't Bad hoping it would start some discussions for us, and it did. The elf-help series seems to be just what our family needs as a discussion starter so we can work together to solve problems. In reference to a different review, I think the being mad at God page could be taped together or merely skipped, but for our family, it was appropriate, since that's something she has asked me about.

Anger that leads to aggressive behavior is one of the number one reasons that parents of young children seek counseling. Parents often feel at a loss as to how to teach their children skills for anger management, and kids don't know that there are choices about how to express this emotion without aggression. An excerpt from the note to parents in the beginning of the book states, "What a gift we offer children when we show them that we can channel the energy of anger to make constructive changes and get positive results. We can teach them the benefit of talking it out, rather than slugging it out; the value of creative, assertive confrontation; the helpfulness of physical outlets for frustration; the value of letting go and forgiving." This book does an excellent job of communicating to young people the positive and peaceful ways of handling anger. The beautiful and expressive illustrations are an added bonus. As a practicing Child and Family Therapist, I have often used this book for pre-readers, who I have tell the story to me based just on what the illustrations show. This has led to some wonderful discussions about solving anger problems, as the children relate to what the characters are experiencing. Mad Isn't Bad says children have choices-just as caring adults have choices about what to teach children about anger. Through understanding what anger feels like and what triggers it, we can learn and teach healthy ways to handle it. Mad Isn't Bad is a book every parent, teacher, and caring adult will appreciate. It offers children a positive and honest view of anger and what to do with it.

This is a wonderful book to use in the classroom. When teaching diversity or having group discussions or just helping students accept other students who may have behavioral issues due to personal problems, Mad Isn't Bad can be used in sections or units. I wouldn't recommend reading it all at once rather using it as a tool to teach about anger and how to deal with anger. It is surprising how children exposed to such discussions can help improve classroom dynamics!