Little Children, BIG Feelings.

As the family prepares for a long-awaited camping trip, a little girl experiences a range of emotions. The excitement of being with Noanie and PopPop, and all the aunts, uncles, and cousins turn to real concern when they learn that PopPop is not feeling well.

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.

Extended activities for young readers and their reading partners encourage word exploration and play.


  • “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

  • “Mama, read it again!” -AJ, age 3

  • “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 love it! The concept is brilliant. A beautiful story and teaching tool. Congratulations!” -Jo Fiore, Librarian

  • “LOVE the activities!” -Mom of two

  • “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

  • "Your stories are so needed in this crazy world that children are trying to adjust to daily."-a new Grandmother

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

  • “I can definitely use this in my classroom! The illustrations are great so crisp and bright!” -Julie Yi; First Grade Teacher

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

  • "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

  • “A DARLING BOOK! Interesting how all the layers that are considered, especially the rise and fall of the balloon.” -Marilyn Roessler; Retired Educator

  • "Each time I read Little Children, BIG Feelings, I find new thoughts and feelings expressed." -a fan

  • "So excited my book arrived! Can’t wait to share with my daughters. Beautiful! Absolutely gorgeous!" -Proud Dad

  • "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