Heidi Brooks

A Guide to Emotional Regulation

By: Kaitlyn Waid, M.Ed.

Book Review: A Must-Read Children’s Book for Emotional Regulation and Mental Health Support

If you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver looking for a children’s book that teaches emotional regulation, this is the perfect choice. This engaging and relatable story is ideal for children who experience big emotions and need support managing their feelings at school or at home.

The story follows Lola, a second-grade student, who usually enjoys school but sometimes struggles with transitions and unexpected changes. Like many children, Lola becomes frustrated when she has to stop doing something she enjoys or switch tasks. These moments can lead to tears, yelling, or emotional outbursts—especially when recess ends or classroom routines shift.

Her teacher recognizes these challenges and thoughtfully involves Lola’s parents and the school counselor in creating a plan to help her succeed emotionally and socially. Together, they identify healthy coping strategies and emotional regulation tools that support Lola in becoming more confident and in control of her reactions.

By the end of the book, Lola is empowered and continues to meet with her counselor, celebrating her progress and growth. The story is told in a way that is not only child-friendly and engaging, but also deeply relatable for kids navigating their own big feelings.

Why This Book Is a Valuable Tool for Emotional Learning:

• Perfect for kids ages 5–9 who experience emotional outbursts or difficulty with transitions
• Great resource for parents, teachers, school counselors, and therapists
• Includes a helpful parent guide with discussion questions and activities
• Authored by a licensed school counselor with real-world experience since 2016
• Vibrant illustrations keep young readers engaged while learning important emotional skills

Whether your child is navigating emotional ups and downs at school or you’re simply looking to build their emotional intelligence and self-regulation skills, this book offers the perfect balance of storytelling and psychological insight.

Highly recommended for families, classrooms, and counseling offices—this is more than just a storybook; it’s a mental health resource for children.