Helping Children Understand Big Feelings When They Hear "No"

Hearing "no" can feel overwhelming for children, especially when they are excited about something they really want. How I Feel When I Hear NO follows one child as his imagination begins to swirl with fiery dragons, stormy volcanoes, and mischievous wizards when he hears this frustrating word. Through playful imagery and expressive illustrations, this picture book helps children recognize what anger and disappointment feel like inside their minds and bodies.

With patience and guidance, the child begins to understand that hearing "no" does not mean he is unloved or unheard. It simply means there are boundaries to help him learn and grow. The story gives families, caregivers, and educators gentle language to talk about strong feelings and calming strategies, in a reassuring way that supports both children and adults. The expressive art flows continuously from page to page, visually guiding readers through the child’s emotional journey. How I Feel When I Hear NO validates big emotions and shows that sharing how we feel is the first step in learning how to handle those feelings with care.

Key Features

• Normalizes Emotional Responses: Helps children ages 5 to 9 recognize that anger, frustration, and disappointment are natural feelings that everyone experiences.
• Imaginative and Relatable: Uses dragons, volcanoes, and magical imagery to show what big feelings can feel like inside a child’s imagination.
• Builds Emotional Regulation Skills: Encourages calming strategies, talking about feelings, and asking for support when emotions feel too big.
• Supports Social-Emotional Learning: Ideal for home, classrooms, counseling sessions, and storytime discussions about emotional awareness and self-control.
• Guidance for Adults Included: A helpful Reader’s Note offers practical suggestions for parents, caregivers, and teachers to support children when they hear "no."
• Trusted Publisher: From Magination Press, the children's imprint of the American Psychological Association, experts in child development and emotional well-being.