Bonnie Snyder, Ed.S., CPC, Author
Alissa Shoults, Illustrator
Bonnie Snyder, Publisher, Nonfiction, 2013
Suitable for ages: 3-7
Themes: Feelings, Empowerment, Happy hearts, Managing challenges, Inspirational
Opening: “Once upon a time all the children on the earth everywhere remembered something that many grown-ups forgot: Everyone has a happy heart and everyone sparkles from the inside out.”
Synopsis: A delightful book that helps children focus on their happy and yucky feelings, and identify where the feeling is located in their body –heart, tummy, head or back. The author shows children and parents healthy ways to bond through conversation, mindfulness, and exercises that include visualization and gratitude.
Why I like this book:
- Bonnie Snyder has written a soothing and empowering book to help children talk about their feelings. There is a lovely story on the right side of each double-page spread that helps children easily identify a positive and happy feeling, or a sad and angry feeling.
- On the left side of the page are questions and suggestions for parents to help them start a conversation with their child about their day. For example: What felt happy in your heart today? (younger child) What were three happy things in your day today? (older) What are the three most favorite things about your day today? (older)
- Angel Violet’s Magic Wings is a lovely resource for parents, grandparents and caregivers. It is a book filled with exercises and visualization techniques that can be taught to children, who will hopefully feel the benefits.
- It also helps children cultivate a feeling of gratitude and thankfulness.
- Alisa Shoults illustrations are in soothing colors of blue, violet, pink and green. They are childlike and whimsical and fit the tone of the book.
Resources: The book is a resource with many tips, activities, visualizations and exercises to use with a child. Adults will also benefit from reading the book. Check out the website for Angel Violet’s Magic Wings.
It is good for children to discuss their feelings and realize they aren´t the only ones with these feelings. A good book to read with your child or grandchild or any child in your care really
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This is a sweet book to use with children to help them express themselves. It is really a great resource for parents.
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I think this is just brilliant to teach children where their feelings are located in the body. This is some of the work I spent my career as a psychotherapist teaching to adults in all sorts of situations and how to go inside the feeling in that part of the body. How great this is available to children.
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I knew you’d enjoy this book. It really is a resource for parents to help teach kids to go within and identify the location of a feeling. I also see this book as something parent and child can do together. I like the work you do with adults.
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Thank you Niamh your comment! I feel so fortunate to have met you via this blog. Your comment means a lot to me as I know a bit about your background and your expertise. My passion is for children (and parents) to have a tool to connect to their heart in any situation. I know when we remember that or learn that at a young age it helps us through the challenges. I also believe our children are our legacy for a different world, so this is my passion. Interestingly, I have had several adults say they wished that had this book when they were little and how it has helped them heal issues from childhood just reading it. That of course makes my heart happy to hear that!
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Bonnie, I hope you check out Niamh’s website. You share a lot in common and would enjoy her books.
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I love the idea of locating feelings physically – very helpful and concrete for kids.
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Yes, so do I. I like the idea of starting young and that this can be a great exercise for both parent and child.
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What a beautiful find, Pat.
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Yes, it is a beautiful find.
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Pat, thank you again for sharing Angel Violet.
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Bonnie, thank you for stopping by and leaving a personal comments for my readers. That means a great deal to me. I didn’t find you on twitter, but I got some twitter activity on my review. Look me up.
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Patricia, thank you so much for taking the time to review Angel Violet’s Magic Wings. I am so delighted you and many others are finding Angel Violet to be helpful in so many ways. My passion is for this to reach those looking for it. I really appreciate the amazing wealth of books for children that you review. It’s really a wonderful way for children to explore a lot of issues and feelings in a safe way. Thank you for your dedication! I post your book reviews on my Angel Violet’s Magic Wings Facebook page.
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I am so pleased you liked the review. It is a helpful resource for children and parents. And, thank you for your kind words about my website.
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I think not only is this a terrific book for neurotypical children, but it could be very good for autistic kids, too. 🙂 I was always looking for books that talk about feelings for my younger son (who has mild autism) when he was young.
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Yes, I think it would be helpful for kids on the autism spectrum as well as those who are sensitive. It is a wonderful resource.
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I have had several people say the same thing. I haven’t had feedback with autistic kids but I truly believe they would connect easily to Angel Violet. Thank you for your thoughts on this topic.
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I’ve got a young niece who I will recommend this to. Great topic and very appropriate for many kids.
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Yes, I think it is appropriate for many children. And, something parents and children can learn together.
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What a sweet sounding book! Thanks for sharing it, Pat.
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It is a sweet book. Glad you liked my review.
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This sounds like a great book! 😀
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It is, Erik. Glad you liked the review.
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That sure is a cute cover! Makes my heart sparkle! I like the concept of matching feelings with parts of the body. Very clever. Thanks for sharing!
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I am so glad this book makes your heart sparkle. I so love that this book touches adults hearts also! That actually was a surprise to me. I am all about sparkling hearts and sparkling from the inside out. Thank you for your kind words.
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Yes, it is a great cover. Grabs your attention immediately. I’m happy it makes your heart sparkle! That’s a great description, Rhythm!
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I am really appreciative all the positive responses! It is really wonderful to have Angel Violet fly into new hearts and hands.
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