Things that Make You Feel Good

by Todd Parr

A funny and reassuring compendium includes twelve good things, such as bubble baths and bedtime stories, and twelve things that are not so nice, such as chicken pox and mosquito bites. 20,000 first printing.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

24 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1999

About the author

Todd Parr is a three-time New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator of more than fifty books for children. He has inspired and empowered children around the world with simple, hopeful, and powerful messages such as “be kind”, “love yourself” and “be who you are,” all set with vibrant images in eye-catching primary colors. His books have received numerous awards and are available in nearly twenty languages. He also is the co-creator of the popular three-time Daytime Emmy©-nominated animated TV series, "ToddWorld" with Gerry Renert of SupperTime Entertainment. Several short films for Sesame Street have also been based on Parr’s work.

Parr devotes time to numerous philanthropic causes supporting pet adoption, children’s hunger, health, and literacy. He is a frequent reader and fundraiser for The Ronald McDonald House and serves on the board of directors for the Virginia Children’s Book Festival. His corporate collaborations include Best Buy, Stouffer’s, and the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, among others.

A native of Wyoming, Parr currently lives in Berkeley, California.

Reviews

[Katie Born · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book because I read it as a child. I love the simplicity of this book. Each page is labeled good or bad and has an activity that either makes a person feel good or bad. The pictures are very simple and only use primary and secondary colors, which makes this book stand out to me. This is an easy read and has a great theme about good and bad feelings.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept is good but I don't agree that sharks spiders monsters and the dark are bad. So I told her they are good but why people might think they are bad in some situations.

[Jason Beyer · Rating 1 out of 5]

Normally I love Parr's books but I think here he presents a rather narrow viewpoint that could serve to reinforce stereotypes. Stink bugs, sharks, the dark, and big hairy spiders don't make everyone feel bad.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Todd Parr book. He is my favorite children's author. When I was pregnant, I sat on the floor of Borders and read Todd Parr books and cried!