Some Days I'm the Wind

by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, Dinara Mirtalipova (Illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 25, 2025

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOME DAYS I'M THE WIND is a beautifully soothing reminder that all feelings have value. Rebecca Gardyn Levington's lyrical rhyme and Dinara Mirtalipova's vibrant illustrations invite children to embrace every emotion with grace and self-acceptance--an uplifting read for every home and classroom.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depending on the day, one young girl may behave as the wind does when blowing as a gentle, calm breeze. Other days, however, that wind inside the girl may turn into a gale, threatening the survival of everything in its path. With every new experience, a different emotion may emerge, and the girl becomes both the softness and the strength she sees reflected in the natural world around her. But through it all, and no matter which emotion has surfaced, each one is uniquely and unequivocally reflective of who the girl is inside. This poetic and lyrical picture book defines for young readers the many emotions humans feel in ways that connect those feelings to recognizable occurrences in the natural world. From soothing ocean waves to crashing surf, from the warmth of the sun to its fiery wrath, emotions can be as changeable–and as natural–as the world itself. Rhyming, playful text propels the story, introducing readers to one particularly precocious young girl and her many dynamic emotions. The rhyming, metaphorical design of the storytelling supports readers’ understanding of emotions while enhancing readers’ exposure to the descriptive and artistic ways in which words can be used. Accompanying the text are expressive, detailed illustrations that showcase every emotion found in the girl’s experience, helping to anchor these concepts in the mind of the reader. At the end, back matter supports the social and emotional learning possible through this book, whether the story is being shared in a home or in a classroom setting. Humorous, honest, and important, this approachable picture book helps to define and normalize emotions as different sides of the same coin, and it is a positive addition to library collections for young readers.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca has given readers another exceptional book that explores the many feeling children and all of us have. She is a master of words, stringing them together in a lyrical way that makes the reader love reading every page.

Teachers and parents will love how this book helps children think about their feelings in a fun way. The little girl in the story compares her feelings with nature and its elements. The wind. The Rain. The clouds. The Sun. The Moon. And Snow to name a few.

I love the double page spread that says, "Some days I'm the snow, a blizzard, a mess, a mushy, slushy sight.

Some days I'm the snow, a playful surprise! A glitter-filled delight!" Love the little flakes of confectioner's sugar falling over the freshly baked cookies, looking like snow.

I adore the little girl and the fabulous illustrations that Dinara created that marry up Rebecca's poetic words with her artwork to make this book come alive. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed how Dinara's illustrations move along with the rhythm of the words.

Teachers will appreciate the endnotes, which offer exercises for in-class exploration of their feelings. Parents will enjoy using the panel of pictures of the little girl and her various facial expressions to ask their child. "How do you think she is feeling, here?" 

This book is a keeper. Would make a great Birthday or holiday gift.

[Dr Lee Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND is a lyrical picture book that speaks to young children, recognising and affirming that their emotions can change from day to day or during any one day. And that this is ok.
Metaphors from nature express these changing and contrasting emotions. Like the wind ‘some days’ we can be a ‘whirl, dizzy, giddy, wild‘ or ‘some days’, ‘a breeze, gentle, mellow, mild’.
Likewise ‘some days I’m the sun, welcoming, warm, patient, pleasant, fair’ ; ‘Some days I’m the sun, stubborn, HOT, a raging, blazing, glare’.
Skilful use of onomatopoeic language, and the rhythm of ‘some days’ make it a great read aloud.
Vibrant illustrations in bold colours enhance the text to keep the reader turning pages.
The ending reassures children, that although they may experience changes in emotions and feelings in any one day, what defines them is their unique self. Backmatter provides activities for children to chat about different emotions and feelings in themselves and others.
SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND is made for reading again and again, and is a must for elementary school and public libraries.

[Jan Schwaid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful, moving book features Rebecca Gardyn Levington's signature snappy rhyme (so fun to read out loud), a message for ALL kids, endearing illustrations, and illuminating backmatter. This is a book for any child, and really for any adult, too - we all have such big feelings and emotions, and we're all different people from day to day (or even hour to hour), and this book beautifully illustrates that it's okay to have ALL the feelings - you're still you! I think this would be particularly useful for classrooms, as well - perfect for helping kids identify their emotions and deal with them. The backmatter adds a little extra perspective, with fun (and useful) activities that will help kids explore their emotions. I also enjoyed the sweet author and illustrator notes. All around, a must-have for any child's bookshelf.

[Arlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a delightful read-aloud filled with the lovely, lyrical rhymes that have become a trademark of picture book author, Rebecca Gardyn Levington. While your little one enjoys the beautiful words and the enchanting illustrations, they will learn a subtle lesson: that our emotions are fluid and can change just as the wind, sea, and sun can change from one day to the next. By comparing our shifting moods to all the shifts in the natural world, Rebecca normalizes these sometimes mysterious changes in ourselves and comforts children who may wonder who they really are. The last page of the book gives the answer. They are always themselves! Backmatter enhances and enlarges the social-emotional learning in the story. Highly recommended!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Gardyn Levington offers another heartwarming and skillfully crafted book to young readers. In Some Days I’m the Wind she explores a child’s feelings through comparison to things in nature (wind, sun, clouds, etc.). Children will delight in the illustrations by Dinara Mirtalipova that depict the child interacting with objects in her home environment, combining big adventures with big feelings. Young readers will easily see how emotions make us who we are. Further suggestions for exploring emotions are offered in the back matter. This book would make a welcome addition to any home or school library.

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical and engaging exploration of emotions and the metaphors we can use to describe how we feel. Colorful illustrations capture the imagination of this adventurous little girl who is using weather and nature elements to try to describe the emotions she is experiencing. Excellent back matter helps young readers discover that there are no “wrong” or “bad” ways to feel, and “there is no single label that can define who you “are.” The back matter also includes “Exploring Our Emotions”, “Feelings Faces”, and “Mood Metaphors.” Added bonus: the book’s cover includes a QR code for online access to the audiobook version.

[Rachelle Burk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days I’m the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington is a wonderful picture book that nurtures emotional awareness in young children. The sweet, poetic text and gentle illustrations help kids understand that feeling different each day—sometimes wild and energetic, other times quiet and soft—is both normal and healthy. The story reassures children there’s no such thing as “good” or “bad” feelings; all emotions are valid and important for self-discovery. Endnotes written by a child development specialist offer helpful exercises and discussion ideas for exploring emotions together, making it an engaging read-aloud and a valuable resource for both home and classroom.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, insightful book that showcases the myriad of emotions and feelings inside of a young girl. Some days she feels like the sea because it clings to the shore, and some days she feels like the sea because she's ready to explore. I love how these seemingly contradicting feelings are understood to be a part of any child, and that whatever they are feeling is normal and to be celebrated and accepted. The rhyme is perfect for reading aloud again and again, and the intricate art, full of charming facial expressions and gorgeous detail, will make this a well loved addition to any shelf.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days I’m the Wind is beautifully written, illustrated, and designed. I was feeling a little stressed about other things just before I admired the lovely cover of this gorgeous book and looked inside. With each page turn I found myself relaxing, breathing slower, and appreciating all the different feelings we might experience even throughout a single day. The vibrant illustrations in bright colors are a great match for the rhyming lyrical text. And the back matter is excellent. Recommended for ‘kids’ of all ages!

[Julie Honan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book about the wide range of human emotions we can feel from one day to the next. I appreciate the contrast the author uses by comparing the same elements in nature - the wind, sea, sun, and more can be both soothing and harsh, just like our own emotions. The last few pages are a nice change of pace, and the book wraps up with a sweet message of accepting ourselves for our entire range of feelings we have. Great end notes and tips for kids. The art work is gorgeous - a unique style that makes this book stand out.

[Claire A.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lilting rhyming look comparing weather to feelings, this gorgeous book entices all of us to label and accept all our emotions, all the highs and lows. The art is equally expressive and compelling. Backmatter, written by a child development specialist, discusses feelings, emotions, and moods, offers some activities, and even teaches the concept of a metaphor. This book belongs in homes, schools, and libraries.

[Cindy Rivka Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical book of metaphors effectively expresses the wide range of emotions that children - and all humans - feel, and shows how changeable we are. The illustrations beautifully complement the lovely rhyming text with relatable images of a child going through a variety of moods. Sure to be a reassuring book for children and their carers, to remember that all feelings move through us and do not define us.

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous picture book that celebrates the variability of emotions and experiences. I love the message that we can't be reduced to a single trait or feeling. The comparisons to nature are lovely and remind us of the beautiful complexity within and around us. The engaging rhyming text and bright, expressive art make this a wonderful read aloud. I highly recommend for every home, school, and library!

[Doreen Klein Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In poetic language, this picture book takes the reader on a journey through the emotions and will help children understand that like the wind, the sun, the seas (and more) our emotions are temporary and we just have to let them work themselves out. There’s a lot of additional information in the back matter that can be used to engage readers in conversation. Lively, bold illustrations move the story along. A great addition to the classroom, library and personal collection.

[Kelsey Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOME DAYS I’M THE WIND is a lovely meditation on the many emotions we experience. It reassures young readers that it’s okay to have different emotions and encourages them to explore all sides of their unique personalities. The rhyming text is comforting and the illustrations are enchanting! This would be a wonderful book for classroom SEL discussions as well as a cozy read-aloud for home. Highly recommend!

[Laura Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days I’m the Wind by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Dinara Mirtalipova is a delightful book written in expert rhyme (Levington’s specialty!) with a beautiful message — we all have a wide range of emotions and feelings each day — and that is ok! Mirtalipova’s charming illustrations are infused with humor. I highly recommend this empowering book (important backmatter on exploring and expressing emotions is included!) for classrooms, libraries and homes!

[Michelle Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SEL (social/emotional learning) MUST-read book!

This books has "all the feels" and is a wonderful book to help children navigate and identify their feelings. Filled with alliteration and metaphors, this book helps kids to understand that their different emotions are normal and okay.

The back matter at the end of the book will also encourage family and/or classroom discussions.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, the illustrations are GORGEOUS too!

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and hysterical journey through all the emotions one person can have. Just like how the wind can sometimes be a breeze and other times be a tornado, each of us can feel different emotions and different strengths of emotion.
A must for school libraries! Great backmatter helps children name feelings and also observe how others may be feeling by looking at their expressions.

[Hannah Lorenzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fun-to-read book compares our ever-changing feelings to the ever-changing nature of wind, the sea, trees, and more. It describes feelings in creative and delightful ways, without judging different emotions as positive or negative. The illustrations are magnificent! They are packed with expression and whimsy! This is a must have for your bookshelf at home, or in your classroom!

[Naomi Gruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOME DAYS I'M THE WIND is an expressive picture book which shows the many feelings kids (and people) have. Rebecca Gardyn Levington's rhyming text combines beautifully with Dinara Mirtalipora's colorful illustrations. The main character has a vivid imagination and goes on all sorts of adventures in her very own home, and the story has movement, emotion, and very satisfying ending.

[Jessica Yoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical, rhyming book about the vast range of emotions inside all of us! It shows young readers that different moods and feelings can live within people as well as the natural world. Back matter includes more information about emotions, how they are expressed through body language, and how we can draw metaphors to express ourselves.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some Days I'm The Wind by @rebeccagardynlevington @mirdinara is a heartwarming book that explores the complexity of emotions in a simple, sometimes silly, and always sweet way complete with darling illustrations and a loveable main character to drive the narrative throughout the book. I love the incorporation of so much description to describe the various emotions. Love it!

[Liza Wiemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated picture book that captures emotion based on the wind, sun, moon, a river, a rock, and much more. I could see teachers utilizing this in their classrooms and creating a class book or individual pages with students illustrating their own emotion and how it relates to a season, weather, something found in nature, etc.
Loved it!

[Melissa Stoller · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first line, “Some days I’m the wind, a cyclone, a whirl, dizzy, giddy, wild,” this book sets up the idea that it is okay to have different emotions and to express those at different times. Back matter about exploring and expressing emotions and especially an author’s note adds extra enrichment. And beautiful illustrations complement the text. Perfect for home, schools, and libraries.

[Pooja Nukala · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book by the author! I enjoyed the rhyme and rhythm of the text along with the beautiful illustrations that perfectly capture the many emotions a child can go through. I'm sure this will be a great read-aloud both at home and in classrooms.

[Jenna Daucunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book to explore feelings and show that any way we are feeling is fine. I really liked the contrasting ‘winds’ of calm/chaotic that came through as we read. Almost reminded me of waves and brought a lot of rhythm to the story.

[Lynn Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

By comparing emotions to different elements of weather (e.g., wind, sun), this book cleverly explores the emotions that we all have and shows kids that it’s okay to feel whatever they are feeling on a particular day. A useful addition to the home or classroom library.

[Suzy Levinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous and poignant lyrical journey through the ever-changing emotions that we can all feel throughout the course of a day, just by being ourselves. Brilliant use of rhyme and metaphor by Rebecca Gardyn Levington, stunning artwork by Dinara Mirtalipova. Awesome back matter, too!