An engaging story that helps children work with difficult emotions by imagining them as playful monsters in a parade (ages 3-7). Watch as the anger monster passes and the sadness monster disappears--it’s all part of the parade of  feelings we experience every day. Instead of holding on to their emotions, kids can acknowledge them and let them go on their way.      What’s happening in your parade today?     Here’s the angry monster  Headed this way   It growls so loud  But you know it won't stay K-Gr 3-O'Leary and Landry beautifully lay out a path to help children navigate emotions. The story begins with the colorful image of young children pointing at monsters of all shapes, colors, and sizes as they ask about the parade of monsters representing all the various feelings that crop up all day long, no matter who you are. Being scared is demonstrated through children hiding in the dark under a blanket with the shadows of the monsters behind them, followed by the feeling of happiness reflected in smiling faces of the children on the page. As the story continues to portray the many emotions that march past, O'Leary instructs readers to take deep breaths so as not to let the emotions become overwhelming. The illustrations feature a diverse cast, human and otherwise, that makes the story relatable to preschoolers and elementary-age children alike. VERDICT In a world where things have become ever more challenging for children, this book does a marvelous job of explaining emotions and how to work through them.-Katie Callahanα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. “This book is a charm—a delightful guide for young and old in relating to our inner parade of challenging emotions.”—Tara Brach, author of Radical Acceptance   “A wonderful and entertaining reminder for children (and their grownups) that our feelings will always come and go!”—Chris Willard, author of Breathing Makes it Better and Growing Mindful   “ The Monster Parade is a remarkable book to help little people with big feelings, as Fred Rodgers would say. This wonderful narrative accompanied by sweet and calming illustrations that capture children’s real experiences together with practical strategies for managing difficult emotions is a great resource for classrooms, libraries and homes. Enjoy the parade!”—Dodi Swope, LMFT, Together for Kids Coalition   “Wendy O’Leary has a manner of writing that easily and simply connects with children and allows educators and parents to teach young ones how best to cope with moments of anguish, panic, loss, or anger. The Monster Parade continues the author’s personal crusade to ask our children to try and comprehend their feelings in a mindful manner. Her work raises the emotional capacity of child and parent alike. In our store’s history no author’s work has garnered the praise of professionals or the enthusiasm of parents like Wendy O’Leary.”—Rich Collins, Owner, Root and Press Bookstore   “Little kids (and big kids) can have big emotions at school, at home, anywhere.  The Monster Parade is a wonderful picture book that can help us all deal with all sorts of emotions. Whether it's your classroom or your own children at home, The Monster Parade is the perfect read aloud for kids of all ages!”—Liz Garden, Principal, Leroy E. Mayo Elementary School “ The Monster Parade is a fantastic book which introduces children to an effective and fun way of relating to their emotions with mindfulness and compassion. Children will love the engaging story as well as the beautiful illustrations. This book will be a fantastic resource for children, teachers and families and a wonderful support to children's positive mental health and wellbeing. This is an excellent book, I highly recommend it!”—Louise Shanagher, founder of Creative Mindfulness, Author and Children’s Therapist   “An entertaining and engaging book coping with emotions and feelings through the eyes of children. Delightfully illustrated!”—Judith Niddrie, Education Professor, Early Childhood Educator   “ The Monster Parade comes alive with words and pictures young audiences will both learn from and be enchanted by. Important messages which help children cope like, ‘Feelings are just feelings…. they come and they go,’ are enhanced by a cast of playful, expressive monsters. Once again, Wendy O’Leary has written a timely book for caregivers to share with kids, providing comfort and solace during the rough patches of growing up.”—Cheryl Donahue, Director, Richard Sugden Library    “I am so excited about Wendy's new book and will definitely incorporate it into my work with preschool clients and classrooms!  The Monster Parade encourages children to recognize and accept all kinds of feelings and illustrates how they can take steps to feel better when experiencing unpleasant emotions. This book will be a great tool to help parents, educators, and clinicians to support