A Joyful Dive into Big Feelings: Our Family Experience with That’s My Truck!: A Good Inside Story About Hitting
As a mom, I often find myself knee-deep in all kinds of everyday chaos, especially during bedtime. Just last week, I was tucking my kids in, hoping for a peaceful moment to unwind. However, all I got was a debate over who would get to hold the flashlight during our nighttime reading. That’s when I remembered Dr. Becky’s new picture book, That’s My Truck!: A Good Inside Story About Hitting. It was the perfect opportunity to tackle some of those big feelings that come up when sharing doesn’t quite go as planned.
In this delightful debut, Dr. Becky introduces us to Charlie and his little sister, Pia. Charlie’s favorite truck is the centerpiece of sibling squabbles—and he quickly learns that his feelings of frustration can sometimes spill over into actions he regrets. The book masterfully navigates the complex emotions surrounding hitting, showcasing how Charlie feels overwhelmed and ultimately how he learns to cope with those emotions. It’s a subject not often addressed in children’s literature, making it a refreshing read for parents and little ones alike.
From the moment we opened the book, my kids were visually captivated. The vibrant illustrations do a fantastic job of capturing both Charlie’s excitement and frustration. My 4-year-old was particularly drawn to the colorful depictions of the playroom; he pointed out the little details while exclaiming, “Look at that cool blue truck!”
What really struck a chord with us was how the narrative not only addressed hitting but also sparked a heartfelt conversation about feelings. As we read through, I could hear my son whispering, “I’m a good person,” after one particularly poignant moment in the book. It warmed my heart to see him connect with Charlie’s journey of understanding his feelings. This affirmation reinforces the message that our actions don’t define us, and I found it invaluable for our family discussions.
One of the memorable moments came when my younger daughter, who’s just starting to grasp emotions, giggled and chimed in, “He shouldn’t have hit her!” It was such a sweet reminder that even in tricky situations, laughter can ease discomfort, and conversations can flow naturally.
As I finished the story, I recognized that some reviewers noted an abrupt ending, which I can understand. In our household, we took that as an opportunity to imagine and create our own scenarios about what might happen next. Instead of feeling like a letdown, it became interactive—perfect for building reading comprehension skills while engaging their imagination.
I wholeheartedly recommend That’s My Truck! for children ages 3-6, particularly those with younger siblings or anyone navigating those tumultuous early years of tantrums and big feelings. It’s a gem for parenting discussions, inviting both kids and adults to focus on emotional regulation and connection rather than just discipline. This book has nestled itself into our nightly story rotation—a perfect blend of warmth, humor, and crucial life lessons.
Dr. Becky has indeed crafted a wonderful tool for parents like me trying to navigate the chaotic waters of love and sibling rivalry. I can’t wait to see what she brings us next!
Discover the heartwarming adventures in That’s My Truck! >>
