I am not going to make the puns and comments that Feelings Are Like Farts make as it will take away from your actual reading of the book. However, I will say that Christopher Willard, PsyD, Tara Wosiski, and illustrator Toshiki Nakamura probably had a blast making this book.
Like a fart, feelings can sneak up on you, be loud, smelly, embarrassing, or give relief. But exploring them, realizing they are natural and finding a safe place to let them go, or finding a safe person to release them with is all we need to do to take care of ourselves. Aimed at the younger (maybe an older toddler to aged seven or so) reader or listener, it is a funny but informative book. It might not be “educational” but it does show us how to have a healthy relationship with our feelings.
If you know me, you know I like books about toots. And, while this book does not directly show a toot in the usual manner, it is the perfect metaphor for feelings. As an adult this book was able to give me a few tips and pointers. I am sure most kids will be giggling about the word and the implications of the artwork. The illustrations are simple, not overly colorful, or complicated, but get the job done. The overall message is loud and proud, and just a little bit more than a little bit tongue in cheek.
Read via an online reader copy, this book is due early April 2025.