Available for Pre-Order on Simon and Schuster

Whether you’re a parent guiding family conversations, a teacher reinforcing SEL lessons, or a bookseller seeking the next must-have lyrically written picture book, The Meanies is your go-to for chasing away those inner monsters.

The Perfect Book to Open Discussions about BIG Emotions

Every kid has a few Meanies sometimes—the little voices that make them shout, pout, or stomp. In this charming, big-hearted picture book, one imaginative boy learns how kindness, empathy, and a good snack can chase those Meanies away for good. The Meanies turns big feelings into a gentle, funny, empowering story kids (and parents) will love.
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​Why The Meanies will delight your little reader:
  • Builds social-emotional skills
  • Celebrates diversity
  • Vibrant, playful art
  • Perfect for classrooms and bedtime

Fun Videos and Songs

Watch on YouTube
Watch on YouTube
Watch on YouTube
The Meanies Came Around Today
(To the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb)
The meanies came around today,
'round today, 'round today.
​The meanies came around today,
and made me feel upset.

But I can pause and take a breath,
take a breath, take a breath.
​I can pause and take a breath
and choose just what I'll do.
​
I can be kind and share,
kind and share, kind and share.
I can be kind and share 
to keep meanies away.​
I'm a Little Person
(To the tune of I'm a Little Teapot)
I'm a little person. I am strong.
Sometimes things go a little wrong.

When I feel mad and want to shout,
I can stop and breathe it out.

I can use my words to help me say,
What I need in a kinder way.

When the meanies try to stay,
​I can send them on their way.
When I Feel Upset Inside
(To the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
When I feel upset inside,
I can pause and let it slide.

I can breathe and use my voice.
I can make a kinder choice.

I can show my friends I care,
By being kind and learning to share.

Coloring and Activity Pages

Did you know?

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers some ways we can help children find solutions to feeling better when BIG emotions happen.
  • Identify the emotion -My Many Emotions Chart- can help children who are struggling to place a word to how they are feeling.
  • Offer choices to feel better - "Do you want to squish playdough or read a book?"
    Other possible choices are: sensory activities, quiet corner, cuddling a toy, eating (if the child is hungry.)
Other tips:
  • Establishing routines and using routine charts can help children with transition meltdowns.
  • Avoid triggers. Processed Foods and foods with high sugar content can lead to emotional outbursts for some children.
  • Define consequences for poor behavior and follow through. "We need to use our gentle hands. If your hands hurt someone, we are leaving."
  • Stay calm when meltdowns occur.
  • Model regulation behaviors and talk about them when you are doing them. "I am feeling frustrated, so I am going to take a deep, slow breath."
What do the professionals have to say?
"Big feelings are a natural part of toddlerhood and managing them is a skill that your child can work on with you, so it’s wonderful that you’re already looking for ways to help. Tantrums and aggression are especially common in young children because they are still learning language and how to use words to express their feelings, and they’re also learning more complex skills like how to control their impulses and patience (delaying gratification) to help them handle these big emotions. Especially when a child doesn’t yet have the vocabulary to say what they’re feeling, tantrums are one way they can communicate their wants or needs and get immediate attention from a grown-up.  While it’s completely understandable that tantrums or aggression might be frustrating for you to manage as a parent, one of the best ways you can help your child learn other ways to express their big feelings is by being calm yourself. It is ok to take your own "time out" for a minute to calm down, text a friend/partner, or use a breathing or self-regulation technique - then re-engage with your child. " ~Read More

Pages from THE MEANIES