All feelings have something to tell us, but they do not have to decide where we stay.
After the arrival of her new baby brother, Maya feels sadness, jealousy, frustration, and confusion. She loves her family, but misses how things used to be. Then she discovers The Feelings Train. On board, she meets other children navigating big emotions and learns practical tools from the Conductor to slow down, calm her body, practice patience, rethink unhelpful thoughts, and make thoughtful choices.
When Maya returns home, she can talk openly with her mother and understand that she can love her brother while still missing one-on-one time. Feelings can show us where we are, but we get to decide where we go next.
What young readers explore
- Identifying and naming emotions, and knowing all feelings are valid
- Calming the body and practicing self-control and patience
- Reframing unhelpful thoughts and making thoughtful choices
- Talking with trusted adults and recognizing that emotions change
Created by licensed mental health therapist and professional school counselor Terri McColl, this imaginative story is a resource for families, teachers, school counselors, therapists, and social workers. Share it at home, at bedtime, in classrooms, in counseling offices, or during SEL lessons and small groups.
Sometimes we visit Sadness, stop at Anger, or ride alongside Worry. No feeling has to be our permanent destination. Next stop... it’s up to you!
