When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry
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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.
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- Parents say
- Kids say
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very good
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
- Author: Molly Bang
- Illustrator: Molly Bang
- Genre: Humor
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
- Publication date: January 1, 1999
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: September 2, 2015
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