When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry

Book review by Ann Marie Sammataro, Common Sense Media
When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

Kids will respond to Sophie's frustration.

Molly Bang Humor 1999
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Parents say

age 3+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 3+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Sophie deals with her anger by removing herself from the situation and running. Young readers may need clarification that the can't just take off running when they're upset.

Community Reviews

bearwithme
bearwithme Adult
March 10, 2019
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.
MKCC
MKCC Adult
December 20, 2009
age 3+

O.K.

I think its OK.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Incensed over having her toy snatched, Sophie spirals into a fit of monumental proportions. First she acts out, stomping and hollering. Then, still simmering, she's out the door, running off her excess energy.

Finally, a bout of tears erases the last vestiges of Sophie's anger. Now she is ready to climb her favorite tree and let nature console her. A soothed and collected Sophie returns to the welcoming embrace of her family.

Is It Any Good?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about dealing with anger and frustration. What do you do when you get really, really angry? Does it help? What other techniques could you try?

Book Details

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