Michael DahlLittle Monkey Calms Down (Hello Genius)

Ok, I actually really, really love this book. However, that being said, some of the strategies mentioned are not exactly as useful as I'd hoped for my son. So I purchased this as a reading support for our son, who is 5, non-verbal, and has some more specialized needs. We've been working on helping him to habituate strategies for self calming that don't involve self harming. This book came today.So, little monkey's ice cream falls off his cone and he is upset. Super, super upset. Like, dramatically "ka-boom!" kind of upset...just like our little man gets. So I loved that. I loved that the word structure is simple, it makes it easier for a child who has language delays or processing issues to relate to quicker, although for our son, his receptive language is actually functioning at a much higher level then his expressive. But I think the simplified sentences helped him get into it more.He actually looked at it the first time I read it...I think probably because he could relate to the problem (having himself just lost part of his popsicle today in a similar manner) and the level of upsetedness shown by little monkey. The illustrations really over emphasize the expressions, which is perfect for a kiddo with Autism who may struggle to get more subtle cues, like my little dude.The first thing it suggests little monkey try is cuddle a blanket. My son actually went and grabbed one of his soft snuggly pillows and squeezed it after I read it, so I loved that, I'm actually super excited and about ready to pass out from the happiness that reaction caused. The rest of the suggestions are a little trickier for a special needs kiddo and may need parental embellishment to tailor them. So little monkey tries taking a breath, singing a quite song, laying down and being quiet. So, my kiddo can take a deep breath if prompted, but he doesn't find that calming. He can't sing songs himself independently yet, so that's a stage that would need assistance from us, and I want him to feel like calming is in his power. I did sing to him a song during that part, because I want to keep him engaged in that book, but yah, I prefer to emphasize other strategies for him. And for the laying down part, little monkey is shown holding a spinning windmill type toy, so that's where I adlibbed and said "or spin on your chair, or bounce on your ball," etc. because those are suggestions that would actually be more effective for my son.Honestly, I'm just over the moon because of how he internalized suggestion number one. I think this book has a lot of merits and is super cute, but all of the suggestions may not work for every child, but I think the overall message that calming down is in his control comes through, and I love it. Totally, totally love it!

Little Monkey Calms Down has proven to be a gem in our collection of children's books. My daughter adores this delightful tale, and I couldn't be more pleased with the positive impact it has had on her emotional understanding. The story skillfully navigates the journey of Little Monkey as he learns to manage and soothe his negative emotions. The relatable narrative and charming illustrations captivated my daughter's attention, making the learning experience both enjoyable and impactful. This book has not only become a bedtime favorite but has also become an invaluable tool in teaching my child essential skills in emotional intelligence.

This book helped my headstrong emotional 18 month old breath through a tantrum. I don’t usually write reviews but seeing her act out what we read a bunch of times in the book was SUCH a win. 10/10 love this book!

Very simple, used it with a two year old after regulating to practice alternative ways of working through big feelings. We stop between each page and practice the skill like deep breathing or singing a simple song.

It’s such a simple book and my kids love it! They can read it multiples time! We love it.

This book is cute and my kids enjoy it- but I do find myself explaining it a bit more as the words don't really explain what's happening and I don't think it's particularly obvious for a toddler. But good for giving them strategies for calming.

This Book the kiddos ❤️ it. We talk about different ways to calm down.

I have a few books for my 3yr olds related to self soothing and calming down. This book has really gotten through to them though. It's a very simple read, but the illustrations are what they are drawn to. The first time we read through the book we discussed each picture. Now my kids will mimic the book in relative situations to help themselves feel better. Now we have several of the Hello Genius stories!