A Thoughtful Exploration of Anger: Review of I’m Bigger Than My Anger, Much, Much Bigger!

Introduction: A Book Every Child (and Parent) Needs

Anger is a universal emotion, yet it’s one of the hardest for children—and even adults—to understand and manage. Stephanie Chan’s I’m Bigger Than My Anger, Much, Much Bigger!: A Children’s Book That Teaches Kids Different Levels of Anger and How to Regulate It is a refreshing, insightful, and visually engaging book that tackles this complex emotion with grace and practicality.

As a parent, educator, or caregiver, you’ve likely witnessed a child’s frustration escalate into a full-blown meltdown. What makes this book special is its ability to break down anger into understandable levels while offering tangible coping strategies. But does it succeed in its mission? Let’s dive in.

Plot Summary: Navigating the Storm of Emotions

Without giving away too much, I’m Bigger Than My Anger follows a young protagonist (whose gender is left ambiguous, making it relatable to all children) as they experience different intensities of anger—from mild irritation to overwhelming rage.

The book cleverly personifies anger as a growing, shadowy figure that starts small but can quickly become enormous if left unchecked. Through simple yet powerful scenarios—like a sibling taking a toy or struggling with a difficult task—the child learns to recognize their emotions before they spiral out of control.

What sets this book apart is its structured approach: it doesn’t just label anger as “bad” but instead teaches kids to understand and regulate it. The narrative progresses from identifying anger to practicing calming techniques, making it a practical guide rather than just a story.

Character Analysis: A Relatable Protagonist

The unnamed main character serves as a blank slate, allowing young readers to project themselves into the story. This intentional ambiguity makes the book inclusive—whether the child is dealing with school stress, sibling rivalry, or personal frustration, they’ll see themselves in the protagonist.

The “anger” itself is almost a secondary character—a looming, shape-shifting presence that grows or shrinks depending on how the child responds. This visual metaphor is brilliant, as it externalizes anger in a way that kids can grasp. Instead of feeling ashamed of their emotions, they learn that anger is something they can observe and manage.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Simple Yet Profound

Chan’s writing is clear, rhythmic, and accessible for young readers. The sentences are short and impactful, making it easy for kids to follow along. The book avoids heavy-handed moralizing, instead using repetition and escalating scenarios to reinforce its lessons.

One standout technique is the use of scalable language—phrases like “a little mad,” “pretty angry,” and “super-duper furious” help children differentiate between levels of emotion. The accompanying illustrations (which we’ll touch on later) enhance this by visually representing anger’s growth.

The book also employs interactive elements, prompting kids to pause and practice breathing or counting—a smart way to make the lessons stick.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just an Anger Book

At its core, I’m Bigger Than My Anger teaches emotional intelligence—a skill many adults still struggle with. Key themes include:

  • Self-awareness: Recognizing physical and emotional signs of anger.
  • Empowerment: Teaching kids they have control over their reactions.
  • Mindfulness: Simple techniques (deep breaths, counting) to regain calm.

The book also subtly addresses shame. Many children feel guilty for being angry, but Chan reframes anger as a natural emotion—one that doesn’t define them.

Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Resonates

As someone who’s read countless children’s books on emotions, this one stands out for its practicality. My test audience (a fiery 6-year-old) immediately connected with the escalating scenarios. When we reached the page where the protagonist “stomps and shouts,” she gasped and said, “That’s like me!”—proof that the book nails relatability.

The real magic happened when we practiced the calming techniques together. By the end, she was mimicking the deep breaths without prompting. That’s the mark of an effective children’s book—it doesn’t just preach; it works.

Comparison to Other Books in the Genre

Compared to classics like When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang) or Anh’s Anger (Gail Silver), Chan’s book is more structured and instructional. While Bang’s book is poetic and Silver’s leans into mindfulness, I’m Bigger Than My Anger feels like a workbook disguised as a story—in the best way.

It’s closer in tone to The Angry Dragon (Michael Gordon) but with a stronger emphasis on self-regulation tools. If you’re looking for a book that blends storytelling with actionable strategies, this is the winner.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Visual metaphor of anger (growing/shrinking) is genius.
✅ Practical techniques woven seamlessly into the story.
✅ Inclusive protagonist—any child can see themselves here.
✅ Engaging illustrations that enhance the emotional journey.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ Could use more diversity in scenarios (e.g., school-based frustrations).
❌ Slightly text-heavy for very young readers (best for ages 4-8).

Who Should Read This Book?

  • Parents of kids who struggle with emotional outbursts.
  • Teachers looking for SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) resources.
  • Therapists/Counselors working with children on emotional regulation.
  • Kids ages 4-8 (though older kids with emotional challenges may benefit too).

Memorable Quotes & Passages

“My anger starts small, like a flicker of flame. But if I feed it, it grows—bigger and bigger!”

“I take a deep breath in… and let it out slow. My anger shrinks—I’m in control!”

These lines perfectly encapsulate the book’s message: anger is manageable when met with awareness and tools.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Emotional Growth

I’m Bigger Than My Anger is more than a children’s book—it’s a toolkit for emotional resilience. Stephanie Chan masterfully balances storytelling with practical psychology, making it a standout in the genre.

Whether you’re a parent navigating tantrums or an educator fostering emotional intelligence, this book belongs on your shelf. It’s the kind of resource kids will return to again and again, learning something new each time.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

  • How do you currently help your child manage anger?
  • What’s your favorite children’s book about emotions?
  • Have you noticed any techniques from this book working in real life?

Let’s chat in the comments! 📚💬

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