Finding Connection in "Holy Week: An Emotions Primer"
As a mom of three lively littles, bedtime reading can often feel like an Olympic sport—squirming bodies, whispers of “just one more page,” and the occasional battle over who gets to turn the pages! Recently, I was on the hunt for a book that could spark both peace and curiosity during our evening routine. That’s when I discovered "Holy Week: An Emotions Primer" by Baby Believer. This delightful board book caught my eye not only because it touches on a significant season in our faith but also because it promises to help little ones navigate their own ever-changing emotions.
From the moment we opened the book, I knew we were in for a treat. The premise is simple yet profound: as Jesus journeys through Holy Week—from joyful moments to sorrowful ones—my kids get to identify and explore emotions like joy, anger, and fear. The vibrant illustrations are mesmerizing—each page brimming with color and captivating artwork that invites finger-pointing and gasps of delight. My youngest, a curious two-year-old, couldn’t help but squeal “look at that!” each time we flipped to a new emotion depicted.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this book is how it intertwines these feelings with scripture, grounding our little ones in the biblical narrative while allowing them to connect their feelings to Jesus’s journey. As we read through the pages, my five-year-old exclaimed, “Mom, Jesus was sad there! But it’s okay to be sad, right?” – a profound conversation stemming from such a simple read. The writing style is accessible, yet meaningful, making it engaging for even my younger kids, as well as providing a nice foundation for deeper discussions as they grow.
There was one page that particularly struck a chord with us. It depicts Jesus showing anger but teaches that anger doesn’t have to lead to wrong actions—a message we can all strive to embody! Watching them appreciate the complexity of emotions in such a thoughtful way reminded me of my own journey in understanding feelings, making it a shared learning experience.
In a snugly cuddle, we acted out emotions together—my middle child would raise his fists in faux anger, while my eldest would burst out in laughter, embodying joy. The giggles were often so infectious that I lost count of how many times we read it that night alone.
If you’re searching for a book that’ll resonate with your little ones as they navigate the ups and downs of their feelings, "Holy Week: An Emotions Primer" is an excellent choice. I would recommend it for ages 1-4, especially for families wanting to gently introduce the story of Easter and the beauty of God-given emotions. This book has found a cozy spot in our nightly lineup, fostering conversations that I cherish deeply, making it not just a one-time read but a family favorite.
In a world where our kids might feel overwhelmed by their emotions, it’s heartwarming to offer them a tool that reassures them their feelings are valid—and that they’re created by God. I can’t wait to see how our discussions evolve as that little board book travels through the seasons of their early lives!
Explore the heartwarming journey of Holy Week with our Emotions Primer! >>
