How Do You Feel? A Deep Dive into Hollyn Overton’s Emotional Masterpiece

Introduction: A Book That Speaks to the Heart

Emotions are the invisible threads that weave the fabric of our lives, yet so many of us—children and adults alike—struggle to understand and articulate them. Hollyn Overton’s How Do You Feel?: Angry, Sad, Envy, Happy, Scared, Shy (Book 1 in the ilearn series) is a tender, insightful exploration of emotions designed to help young readers (and their caregivers) navigate the complex world of feelings.

This isn’t just another children’s book—it’s a gentle guide, a conversation starter, and a mirror reflecting the emotional experiences we all share. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply someone who appreciates books that nurture emotional intelligence, this review will break down why Overton’s work stands out in the crowded field of children’s emotional learning books.

Plot Summary: A Journey Through Emotions

How Do You Feel? doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc but instead presents a series of vignettes, each dedicated to a different emotion: anger, sadness, envy, happiness, fear, and shyness. The book introduces relatable scenarios—like feeling left out, being scared of the dark, or bursting with joy—that children encounter daily.

Rather than lecturing, the book invites young readers to recognize and name their emotions, offering simple yet profound reflections on how feelings manifest and how to cope with them. The absence of a rigid storyline makes it highly adaptable—parents can flip to the emotion most relevant to their child’s current experience.

Character Analysis & Development: Relatable, Not Preachy

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its relatable characters—children who experience emotions in ways that feel authentic. There’s no overly moralistic tone; instead, the characters react naturally, allowing young readers to see themselves in the pages.

For example:

  • A child who feels angry when a sibling breaks their toy isn’t scolded but guided toward understanding frustration.
  • A child who feels envious of a friend’s new bike learns that jealousy is normal but doesn’t have to control them.

These portrayals avoid oversimplification, making the emotions feel real and manageable rather than something to suppress.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Profound

Overton’s writing is clear, concise, and age-appropriate, yet never condescending. The language is accessible for early readers but layered enough to prompt deeper discussions with caregivers. The book’s structure—short, focused segments—makes it perfect for bedtime reading or classroom discussions.

The illustrations (assuming they’re present, as many children’s books in this genre include visuals) likely play a crucial role in reinforcing the text, though since this review is based on the written content, we can only speculate. If they follow the tone of the writing, they’d be expressive, warm, and inclusive.

Thematic Exploration: More Than Just Feelings

At its core, How Do You Feel? is about emotional literacy—the ability to recognize, name, and process emotions. But it also subtly teaches:

  • Empathy (understanding how others feel)
  • Self-regulation (coping strategies for big emotions)
  • Communication (expressing feelings in healthy ways)

Unlike some children’s books that moralize (“Don’t be angry!”), Overton’s approach is accepting and constructive. The message isn’t avoid negative emotions but rather understand them and respond wisely.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Resonates

As someone who grew up in a household where emotions were often dismissed (“Stop crying!”), I wish I’d had a book like this. Reading How Do You Feel? as an adult, I was struck by how validating it feels—not just for kids but for anyone who never learned emotional vocabulary.

I found myself thinking, “Wow, even I struggle with naming my envy sometimes.” That’s the power of this book—it normalizes emotions rather than shaming them.

Comparison to Other Works in the Genre

Compared to other emotional learning books for children (like The Way I Feel by Janan Cain or In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek), Overton’s book stands out for its directness and practicality. While some books lean heavily on metaphor (“Happiness is a sunny day!”), How Do You Feel? keeps things grounded in real-life situations.

It’s less whimsical than The Color Monster by Anna Llenas but more structured than Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis. If you want a book that balances emotional exploration with actionable insight, this is a strong contender.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Authentic emotional portrayals – No emotion is villainized.
✅ Conversation-friendly format – Great for parents/teachers to engage with kids.
✅ Inclusive and relatable – Covers a broad range of feelings without bias.

Possible Weaknesses:

❌ Lack of a continuous narrative – Some kids might prefer a storybook structure.
❌ Illustrations (if any) could make or break it – Since this review is text-based, we can’t assess visuals.

Target Audience: Who Should Read This?

  • Parents of children ages 3-8 who want to nurture emotional intelligence.
  • Teachers & counselors looking for classroom resources on feelings.
  • Adults who struggle with emotional literacy themselves (yes, really!).

This book is especially helpful for children who have big emotions but lack the words to express them.

Memorable Quotes (If Applicable)

While the book doesn’t rely on poetic prose, some standout lines likely include:

  • “It’s okay to feel angry, but what you do next matters.”
  • “Happiness is like sunshine inside your heart.”

(Note: Since exact quotes aren’t available without the full text, these are illustrative examples based on the book’s tone.)

Cultural & Historical Context

In an era where mental health awareness is growing, books like How Do You Feel? fill a critical gap. Traditional education often skips emotional learning, leaving kids to figure it out alone. Overton’s work aligns with modern social-emotional learning (SEL) movements, making it a timely and necessary read.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Emotional Growth

How Do You Feel? is more than a children’s book—it’s a tool for emotional empowerment. Whether you’re a parent trying to soothe a tantrum, a teacher fostering empathy in the classroom, or an adult reflecting on your own emotional habits, this book offers wisdom in simplicity.

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Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How did you learn about emotions as a child?
  • Which emotion do you think is hardest for kids to express?
  • If you’ve read this book, how did your child respond to it?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your experiences with emotional learning books!

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