Parents' Guide to

When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry

By Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Kids will respond to Sophie's frustration.

Book Molly Bang Humor 1999
When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

age 3+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 3+

incomplete

After getting upset the little girl runs out of the house, into the woods, (her parents property?), stays out by herself for quite some time, and then comes home calm and happy and everything is good. True, children need time alone to calm down. True, your family loves you even if you do get upset. However, running out of the house alone isn't always an option for most little children. City kids often don't have a safe place to run to, or a child may not know the way back. In addition, this doesn't teach any way to deal with conflict itself, or suggest alternative ways of expressing anger. The book suggests that it's ok to roar and explode as long as you give people around you enough time to get over your tantrum. I didn't read it to my kids.
age 3+

O.K.

I think its OK.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

This accessible story helps kids understand that anger is a natural response, that it happens to almost everyone, and that there are ways to manage it. Most important, the author reassures children that their families will still love them when it's over. Full-color pages are alight with blazing reds, oranges, and purples at the height of Sophie's rage, only to be replaced with tranquil blues and serene greens as her equilibrium is restored.

Most kids will recognize their own behavior in Sophie's outburst. Molly Bang encourages readers to be responsible for their anger and angry actions, showing how Sophie works to resolve her anger on her own -- without time-outs or punishment. Sophie's choice of anger management -- running -- may be problematic for some parents. While older children can understand that Sophie is removing herself from the situation in order to calm down, younger children may require additional adult commentary.

Book Details

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