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It's OK: Being Kind to Yourself When Things Feel Hard
This sweet book teaches children 3–7 the simple and profound power of self-compassion through simple affirmations that can be repeated when things are hard.
All too often kids get down on themselves when they experience things that make them sad, angry, guilty, or jealous. It’s amazing how powerful it can be to move past a difficult emotion when we think about all the other people feeling that same way and show ourselves some much need kindness.
Sometimes I have to do something I don’t want to do.
I feel really angry. . . .
Then I remember that everyone feels angry sometimes.
I put my hand on my heart, and here’s what I say:
“It’s OK—I love you. I’m with you today.”
The main story is followed by 10 exercises focused on ways to develop self-compassion, such as Kind Voice, Kind Body, Kind Touch, and Hugging Breath.
All too often kids get down on themselves when they experience things that make them sad, angry, guilty, or jealous. It’s amazing how powerful it can be to move past a difficult emotion when we think about all the other people feeling that same way and show ourselves some much need kindness.
Sometimes I have to do something I don’t want to do.
I feel really angry. . . .
Then I remember that everyone feels angry sometimes.
I put my hand on my heart, and here’s what I say:
“It’s OK—I love you. I’m with you today.”
The main story is followed by 10 exercises focused on ways to develop self-compassion, such as Kind Voice, Kind Body, Kind Touch, and Hugging Breath.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
6 people are currently reading
3166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 8, 2023
If i could rate this book higher i would!
This childrens book was such a good one!
I loved the message it sent"Love Yourself" and it wasn't just a story, it was interactive.
The illustrations were beautiful as well.
The book wasn't too long or too short. and it had some tips in the back to further help.
As a mother with 2 autistic children, this book will be extremely helpful with recognizing our emotions and how to start to handle them. It gives you and the child that foot in the door to be able to explore your emotions and understanding that the emotion is valid in any situation.
This childrens book was such a good one!
I loved the message it sent"Love Yourself" and it wasn't just a story, it was interactive.
The illustrations were beautiful as well.
The book wasn't too long or too short. and it had some tips in the back to further help.
As a mother with 2 autistic children, this book will be extremely helpful with recognizing our emotions and how to start to handle them. It gives you and the child that foot in the door to be able to explore your emotions and understanding that the emotion is valid in any situation.
February 14, 2023
The last few years I have seen an increase in childhood anxiety and I am always on the lookout for good books to share with my class to help with processing emotions. I love that this book acknowledges many kinds of uncomfortable feelings and provides a way for children to address these feelings with kindness and compassion for themselves. Being able to name emotions is an important step for emotional literacy. The exercises at the end of the book are great.
February 15, 2025
Such a straight forward yet powerful way to teach kids valuable self soothing. Also applicable to adults. Beautiful illustrations and flow. Will read repeatedly.
March 31, 2023
Many diversely different children experience hard emotions. Emotions like disappointment, sadness and not feeling good enough. The book tells them to put their hand on their heart and say “it’s ok-I love you. I’m with you today.” What a great life mantra for people of all ages to practice. The book also provides some mentally healthy exercises like having a kind touch or voice and showing self-compassion. Excellent read.
April 28, 2026
It's OK: Being Kind to Yourself When Things Feel Hard is a gentle book that teaches children an important message. In this book, I read about different experiences you could have when you feel either angry, sad, frustrated, or worried. In these types of experiences, this book teaches you how to practice self compassion through affirmations such as "It's OK, I love you." This book reminds children that these feelings are normal and that they can respond to them with kindness using exercises such as kind self talk or calming breaths. In my opinion, this book helps children learn healthy ways to manage hard emotions.
Major themes in the book were emotional awareness and self compassion. For emotional awareness we see this in the book when it encourages children to recognize their emotions instead of ignoring them, letting them understand that these emotions are normal. For self compassion we see this in the book when it wants you to treat yourself with kindness instead of criticizing, especially when you are upset or struggling.
The main genre of this book is Informational. Children reading this book could learn that everyone faces difficult moments, and that they are not alone in this. Also that self love builds strength. This book was a WOW book for me because you can learn important life lessons from reading this book.
The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of repetition. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author repeats the phrase "It's OK, I love you. I'm with you today" throughout the book. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by reinforcing the message of self kindness. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of direct address. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author is speaking directly to the reader throughout the book by using words like "you," also even at the end showing exercises that readers can do. This writing craft enhanced the quality of the book by creating a personal connection and making the reader feel cared for.
The author portrayed anti bias perspectives in this book by showing that every child deserves kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This is especially true when it is during difficult moments.
Major themes in the book were emotional awareness and self compassion. For emotional awareness we see this in the book when it encourages children to recognize their emotions instead of ignoring them, letting them understand that these emotions are normal. For self compassion we see this in the book when it wants you to treat yourself with kindness instead of criticizing, especially when you are upset or struggling.
The main genre of this book is Informational. Children reading this book could learn that everyone faces difficult moments, and that they are not alone in this. Also that self love builds strength. This book was a WOW book for me because you can learn important life lessons from reading this book.
The author used multiple literary devices and other forms of writing craft in this book. First, the author used the writing craft technique of repetition. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author repeats the phrase "It's OK, I love you. I'm with you today" throughout the book. This writing craft technique enhanced the quality of the book by reinforcing the message of self kindness. Second, the author used the writing craft technique of direct address. An example of this writing craft from this book is when the author is speaking directly to the reader throughout the book by using words like "you," also even at the end showing exercises that readers can do. This writing craft enhanced the quality of the book by creating a personal connection and making the reader feel cared for.
The author portrayed anti bias perspectives in this book by showing that every child deserves kindness, understanding, and acceptance. This is especially true when it is during difficult moments.
June 28, 2023
This sweet book teaches children the simple yet profound power of self-compassion through simple affirmations that can be repeated when they feel that times are hard for them.
The main story is followed by 10 exercises focused on ways to develop self-compassion, such as Kind Voice, Kind Body, Kind Touch, and Hugging Breath.
All too often children of any age can get down on themselves when they experience things that make them sad, angry, guilty, frustrated, envious or jealous. When we have days like this it is so important to check in on ourselves, ask what we need and how we can offer ourselves a bit of compassion. It is important to realise that others can feel that way too and that can help us to understand our own emotions and show ourselves some kindness. This book gives you and a child the opportunity to explore emotions and understand that emotion is valid in any situation. This isn’t just a typical story, this is interactive. This book might even help adults to be kinder to themselves.
Teaching children self-compassion and how to identify their feelings whilst all the while recognizing that others have felt this way too. These are all crucial aspects of social emotional learning. I love child-centred reads on mental health, emotional literacy and self-love.
The bold illustrations feature children navigating a wide range of emotions which other children will be able to relate to. Each situation within the book is followed by an affirmation of those feelings. This paired with the practice of placing one's hands on their heart guides children to hold space for their feelings and to show themselves the same love and compassion that they might show to others.
This book belongs on bookshelves.
The main story is followed by 10 exercises focused on ways to develop self-compassion, such as Kind Voice, Kind Body, Kind Touch, and Hugging Breath.
All too often children of any age can get down on themselves when they experience things that make them sad, angry, guilty, frustrated, envious or jealous. When we have days like this it is so important to check in on ourselves, ask what we need and how we can offer ourselves a bit of compassion. It is important to realise that others can feel that way too and that can help us to understand our own emotions and show ourselves some kindness. This book gives you and a child the opportunity to explore emotions and understand that emotion is valid in any situation. This isn’t just a typical story, this is interactive. This book might even help adults to be kinder to themselves.
Teaching children self-compassion and how to identify their feelings whilst all the while recognizing that others have felt this way too. These are all crucial aspects of social emotional learning. I love child-centred reads on mental health, emotional literacy and self-love.
The bold illustrations feature children navigating a wide range of emotions which other children will be able to relate to. Each situation within the book is followed by an affirmation of those feelings. This paired with the practice of placing one's hands on their heart guides children to hold space for their feelings and to show themselves the same love and compassion that they might show to others.
This book belongs on bookshelves.
February 10, 2023
I love the children’s books that are published by this press. They are always well done and gently inspiring. That is definitely the case here.
It’s OK is teaching children self-compassion and how to identify their feelings, all the while recognizing that others have felt this way too. Here are crucial aspects of social emotional learning.
The text is simple and the illustrations are appealing. The repeated mantra is there for children to use. In addition there is a section at the end of the book that offers additional practices for self-acceptance.
This book belongs in both preschool and home libraries. It would be excellent for an adult and child to talk about this title together. This book might even help adults to be kinder to themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Shambhala Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.
It’s OK is teaching children self-compassion and how to identify their feelings, all the while recognizing that others have felt this way too. Here are crucial aspects of social emotional learning.
The text is simple and the illustrations are appealing. The repeated mantra is there for children to use. In addition there is a section at the end of the book that offers additional practices for self-acceptance.
This book belongs in both preschool and home libraries. It would be excellent for an adult and child to talk about this title together. This book might even help adults to be kinder to themselves.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Shambhala Publications for this title. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2023
It's OK by Wendy O'Leary is a beautifully illustrated and important book. I love child-centred reads on mental health, emotional literacy and self-love. By the end of the book, my 4 year old knew exactly when to say "It's Ok - I love you.." It was so sweet. I found the "I am here.." a bit strange, and after finishing the book I had to explain to her that it is telling these phrases to herself, not to me. There is no minimizing of the emotions, it is clear with each emotion that everyone feels these feelings sometimes. I loved that there were additional exercises at the end of the book. This is a bookshelf must have at home, preschool, and school.
Thank you to Shambhala Publications, Inc., Bala Kids and NetGalley for this ARC!
Thank you to Shambhala Publications, Inc., Bala Kids and NetGalley for this ARC!
March 1, 2023
This picture book has beautiful illustrations and a reassuring message. It explains to children how they can comfort themselves in the midst of hard emotions, and the illustrations show children from diverse racial backgrounds dealing with different challenges and tough feelings. This is a nice concept, but I found the book very repetitive.
The text explains a difficult emotion, normalizes it, and then repeats the exact same affirmation. This goes on for pages and pages, with no variation in response for all of the different scenarios. This would work better if it were half the length, and if I were sharing this with kids, I would paper clip some of the pages together and skip over them.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The text explains a difficult emotion, normalizes it, and then repeats the exact same affirmation. This goes on for pages and pages, with no variation in response for all of the different scenarios. This would work better if it were half the length, and if I were sharing this with kids, I would paper clip some of the pages together and skip over them.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2023
I enjoy the simple text and repetitive positive affirming message. I did find the end part 'I am here' a little awkward but overall a good message to help children learn how to ground themselves and learn emotional regulation.
I loved all the accompanying illustrations except for the feeling left out example. Choosing to represent that conflict with a new baby felt poor taste in my opinion. Children struggle with friendships just as much as much as older kids and so showing a kid 'forgotten' because of a new baby really hit wrong.
Overall , rating 3.5 rounded up because its a cute book just slightly awkward and one poor depiction.
I loved all the accompanying illustrations except for the feeling left out example. Choosing to represent that conflict with a new baby felt poor taste in my opinion. Children struggle with friendships just as much as much as older kids and so showing a kid 'forgotten' because of a new baby really hit wrong.
Overall , rating 3.5 rounded up because its a cute book just slightly awkward and one poor depiction.
September 8, 2023
We all have rough days where things go absolutely horrid. So how to talk about that? How to deal with those big feelings? As a mom, I appreciate any tools that come my way to help with tough times. I can use help myself. I liked the first part of this: "It's OK-I love you." After that, it felt too long.
Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are worthy of love, especially when we make mistakes. Repetition is good for small children. That was wonderful. However, if the audience is younger children, maybe the book and the message should be shortened? If the book is for older children, maybe the format should be changed?
Sometimes we need to be reminded that we are worthy of love, especially when we make mistakes. Repetition is good for small children. That was wonderful. However, if the audience is younger children, maybe the book and the message should be shortened? If the book is for older children, maybe the format should be changed?
March 6, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for access to this advance copy for my honest review.
This book uses various common situations and repetition to teach children a mantra they can say when things do not go as they planned. It is a great book for younger children, because it is simple to understand and the repetition will help them to learn and apply in their every day life. I found the back of the book to be most beneficial when reading this book to older children. The author has provided additional ways to attain self-compassion through easy activities children can do on their own.
This book uses various common situations and repetition to teach children a mantra they can say when things do not go as they planned. It is a great book for younger children, because it is simple to understand and the repetition will help them to learn and apply in their every day life. I found the back of the book to be most beneficial when reading this book to older children. The author has provided additional ways to attain self-compassion through easy activities children can do on their own.
April 13, 2023
Whether you lose a game, make a mistake, get angry, or just aren't good at something, this book is a reminder that you are not alone in those feelings. It's a reminder to love yourself and be present.
The illustrations are okay but not my favorite, although they do have good racial diversity, so that's a plus.
In the back of the book, you'll find various "Be your own friend" exercises.
I think, with some discussion, this could work well for a preschool all the way up to an upper elementary storytime.
The illustrations are okay but not my favorite, although they do have good racial diversity, so that's a plus.
In the back of the book, you'll find various "Be your own friend" exercises.
I think, with some discussion, this could work well for a preschool all the way up to an upper elementary storytime.
April 24, 2023
I won this book as a goodreads giveaway.
The premise of the book was spot on....but the phrase "I'm with you today" did not fit with the meaning that was trying to be conveyed.
I did appreciate how it went through multiple emotions and situations that kids...and everyone really...experience all the time.
I did like how there were exercises in the back of the book for self-compassion.
The illustrations were fun and eye-catching.
It is a good book...just needed a better phrase than "I'm with you today".
The premise of the book was spot on....but the phrase "I'm with you today" did not fit with the meaning that was trying to be conveyed.
I did appreciate how it went through multiple emotions and situations that kids...and everyone really...experience all the time.
I did like how there were exercises in the back of the book for self-compassion.
The illustrations were fun and eye-catching.
It is a good book...just needed a better phrase than "I'm with you today".
March 7, 2023
A sweet book which gives small children the tools they need to calm themselves during frustrating and scary times. It gives their emotions names. Angry. It’s ok everyone feels angry sometimes. It’s okay to feel angry but you need to calm yourself down. I put my hand on my heart and I say it’s ok I love you. Everyone feels scared sometimes. I’m ok hand on my heart I love you. Home libraries should have one that is taught often as a family. Yes, I absolutely would recommend to littles.
March 22, 2023
This book is all about teaching young children self compassion. It is important to teach children it is okay to experience different types of feelings and it is healthy to express them. The book did a really nice job of showing ways of how to develop self compassion. You could use this book in a classroom because I think it is an important topic and teaching children how to properly express emotions will only benefit them.
May 5, 2023
I'm unfamiliar with the term self-compassion but I really like the way this book introduces the young child to the concept. It's a good way to deal with the 'bad' emotions that they feel and helps them understand that everyone experiences those same things. This is a message that we all need to remember. Nice illustrations too.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
July 18, 2023
A lesson often missed in our youth is how to be kind to ourself. It's no wonder many adults have never learned how to forgive themselves for being human! This book introduces the idea of appreciating ourselves in those hard moments when we are frustrated, embarrassed or upset. Such a valuable life lesson for our little ones and the adults in their lives!
August 20, 2024
I really like this book, I just didn't love the mantra: the repetitive refrain of "It's OK -I love you. I am with you today." I didn't really get it & I didn't connect with it.
I wonder if I would if I were younger/a child...
I do really like the book's message of self-kindness and holding space for all different feelings/emotions. Maybe I'll get over the mantra. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
4 stars
I wonder if I would if I were younger/a child...
I do really like the book's message of self-kindness and holding space for all different feelings/emotions. Maybe I'll get over the mantra. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
4 stars
April 8, 2023
It's OK is a fabulous book - it allows children to understand that feelings and emotions happen and it's OK! Love the message that is sure to help everyone that reads it know that its ok and to be kind to yourself when things feel hard - this message makes my heart so happy!
July 12, 2023
What a beautiful book! Wonderful for people of all ages, we could all take notes from this. The representation in this book is incredible, I loved seeing art of people of all different shapes, sizes and races.
August 11, 2023
So cute and so helpful. This book is all about self compassion and how to start the practice of being compassionate to yourself at a young age. If prompted, I'll recommend it to any parent to read with their child.
April 3, 2023
I won this book in a giveaway. Thank you! I gave the book to my nephew. I read it & thought it was very sweet with a great message! Would recommend to read to your little ones!
April 25, 2023
What a lovely book! The illustrations are colorful and the message reassuring. A great book for kids!
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June 8, 2023this is cool thing
June 15, 2023
A well done offering on self-compassion. The back matter contains exercises one can do.
July 21, 2023
A bit too simple to truly impress the point for this age group.
August 23, 2023
Kid approachable information about self care and dealing with emotions
December 1, 2023
Loved it!!! I wish this was something they had been teaching when I was little. Heck, even when I was in my 20s would have been great
October 4, 2024
I enjoy as a parent that this book feels like a self help book for my youngster. Start self esteem and self love out early!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews