How to Tantrum Like a Champion

Candlewick Press, September, 2024

How do you throw the world’s best tantrum? Here are ten ways to help little ones navigate big feelings using fun, calming exercises.

Your hands turn into iron fists.
Your giggles are all gone.
Your body’s trying to tell you
there’s a tantrum coming on.

Sometimes your day doesn’t go how you planned it. Or there’s too much noise, and the light is way too bright. Small feelings can turn into overpowering feelings, and now there’s a tightening in your chest or a pounding in your head. A tantrum is coming, and it feels like it can’t be stopped, but you’re not worried, because you know what to do! You start with a deep breath, and a slow count from one to ten. Then maybe you’ll break into a silly dance, or find a cozy, comfy hideaway, or play an easy game by yourself so you can win. Soon enough, those big feelings will quiet down again–because you know how to tantrum like a champion. With a playful, soothing text and dynamic, stylish illustrations, Allan Wolf and Keisha Morris offer the perfect blueprint for readers of any age to keep those overwhelming feelings from taking them by surprise.

“Books teaching kids to be champs are always welcome. This one goes a long way toward that goal.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This helpful social-emotional-learning offering provides children with concrete ways to care for themselves and manage overwhelming feelings.” —Booklist

“Sensible self-soothing techniques drive this matter-of-fact rhyming picture book about managing strong emotions.” —Publisher’s Weekly