Reviewed by Constance Stadler for Readers' Favorite

The core of My Book of Feelings by Adriana Eftimie is to introduce children to what impels their attitudes and behaviors – what feelings mean. This is done by describing situations where one or more feelings can manifest, offering means to recognize them, and, in the case of difficult ones, ways of changing them. Being happy is described in a way that helps a child learn how to recognize being exuberant and, more importantly, how to bring it about through relatable examples such as eating a delicious sweet, singing joyfully, and even finding ways to make yourself laugh. Being scared is natural, but it also serves an important purpose when in a potentially dangerous situation, whether a threat is real or imagined, and how to deal with fear-induced stress. Explanations of complex feelings such as bravery, pride, and embarrassment provide further enrichment. As children progressively gain greater insight into themselves and their relationships with others, the book is empowering,

Since young readers are often overwhelmed by emotions, this book has an even greater purpose as an ongoing guide and valuable tutorial. Feelings don’t exist in a vacuum; they come from within, explaining that individual choices are uniquely their own. In giving children names and ways of identifying what they will likely experience, evolving self-identity is notably enhanced. The fact that the book ends by focusing on confidence underscores that this has been a journey of revelations. The writing is accessible for a young reader because of the telling examples and vivid illustrations. At the end of the book, key questions provide an excellent way to initiate a productive discussion between parent and child. My Book of Feelings offers important life lessons for a young reader. In its evident value as a developmental tool, Adriana Eftimie has provided a way for young minds to grasp valuable aspects of maturing.