Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions

Children will feel reassured to have their own emotions validated, perhaps under circumstances they’ve experienced, and to note that the book ends happily. The soft gouache illustrations are comforting; occasional onomatopoeic words add dramatic interest to scenes. . . . Young readers will feel good about this book that mirrors everyday experiences.

The text, primarily a series of descriptive, somewhat sophisticated single words, is expanded by gouache illustrations that humorously and thoughtfully convey the story.

This very simple book is illustrated with [Wohnoutka’s] trademark fun and funny gouache paintings, with no more than one or two words on each page. It's perfect for very young children, who will identify — and sympathize — with the rapidly changing emotions of the characters.