We are so gratified to hear from readers that the books have touched hearts and minds …

"I wanted to let you know that the imagery of your Little Children, BIG Feelings book really sunk in for Leo. When he got his first COVID vaccine in November, he turned to me, unprompted, as he prepared to enjoy his post-shot square of chocolate and said, "Today, I'm imagining a giant red balloon of relief floating up over the doctor's office." He reiterated the imagery after he got his second shot and his sister got her first on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. I'm so excited for your new career as a children's book author. You're continuing to make such a difference in people's lives. We treasure our signed copies of your books."

**Give the Gift of JOY- Order books with a personal, handwritten, inscription from author, Joan Ruddiman, EdD!**

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What people are saying about Little Children, BIG Feelings:

Testimonial

“My 16 month old granddaughter was mesmerized! She was fascinated by the beautiful balloons especially but listened to every word from the beginning to the end of the book.”

-Proud Grandparent

“I know all 3 of my grandchildren will ask for this as their bedtime book for years to come!”

-Proud Grandparent

“LOVE the activities!”

-Mom of two

“I just got my book! It will be the hit of my book club with my retired teacher friends!”

-Retired Teacher

"Wow! This is a wonderful book for sharing one-on-one, or with a class. I can picture using it as an extension to a Second Step lesson or a Morning Meeting check-in. I also really liked the additional synonyms at the end. I can picture older kids brainstorming their own.”

-Wendy Offery, MLS; School Library Media Specialist.

“This is every school counselor's dream book. And for a Title One school like mine, it is a powerful text to incorporate into a classroom reading for its rich vocabulary and expressive language! This is a book all elementary teachers would want in their classroom (especially at the beginning of the year) and it partners so well with programs like Responsive Classroom and Second Step.”

--Jeanne Muzi; Elementary School Principal

“I can definitely use this in my classroom! The illustrations are great so crisp and bright!”

-Julie Yi; First Grade Teacher

“A heartfelt story told by a loving grandmother and distinguished educator, Joan Ruddiman, EdD, who shares the journey of Noanie and PopPop as a way to encourage children to share their own big feelings about life's experiences. This book provides children with the freedom to create and showcase themselves using a selection of exciting activities and expanded vocabulary. Joan does a masterful job empowering students to be active participants in self-expression that vastly enhances vibrant and meaningful learning.”

--Laurence R. Fieber; Executive Director, Emeritus: Center for Future Educators

“I love it! The concept is brilliant. A beautiful story and teaching tool. Congratulations!”

-Jo Fiore, Librarian

“A DARLING BOOK! Interesting how all the layers that are considered, especially the rise and fall of the balloon.”

-Marilyn Roessler; Retired Educator

“Delightful story! I really like the connection of feelings and balloons. The deflated balloon when PopPop is sick is a great illustration.”

-Kay Goerss, PhD; Retired Superintendent

So excited my book arrived! Can’t wait to share with my daughters. Beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!

-Proud Dad

Each time I read Little Children, BIG Feelings, I find new thoughts and feelings expressed.

-a fan

Your stories are so needed in this crazy world that children are trying to adjust to daily.

-a new Grandmother

“Mama, read it again!”

-AJ, age 3

Today Cara Goes to Kindergarten is helping families!

“My grandson started kindergarten. He read your book and I’m sure it helped him make the transition.”

— A Granddad

“My little neighbor is starting kindergarten and she, and her mom, are a bit nervous. I ordered Today Cara Goes to Kindergarten for them!”

— Thoughtful neighbor

“A compelling and compassionate story of the first day of school, written by a teacher and a grandmother who knows how to comfort and encourage the independence and love of learning that we want to instill in our children who are entering kindergarten, nursery school, or even first grade.”

-Sally M. Reis, PhD

Letitia Neag Morgan Chair in Educational Psychology Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor University of Connecticut

University Teaching Fellow

“Starting kindergarten is such an important milestone in the educational journey of every child. Any parent who reads Today Cara Goes to Kindergarten with their kindergarten-ready child will have a great opportunity to engage in conversations that build trust and self-reliance. The fun images help to make the story come to life!”

-Jeanne Muzi, Principal Slackwood Elementary School 2008-2009 New Jersey Teacher of the Year

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Just in time for those important conversations about starting school...

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Little children often have BIG feelings, but don't have the words for those feelings. Mommy helps find the precise word for the little girl's BIG feelings as she discovers the best BIG feeling of all.

Readers have discovered the activity pages in Little Children, BIG Feelings!

“I was so excited to find these great follow-up activities at the end of the book!”

— A Preschool Teacher