My Pet Monster

Big feelings can feel a little monstrous. But what if children could learn to listen to them instead of being controlled by them?

My Pet Monster is a playful social-emotional learning picture book for children ages 3-6 that helps young readers begin to recognize emotions, notice body signals, calm their nervous systems, and make thoughtful choices about what happens next.

When Blue becomes overwhelmed, Professor Hoot and his colorful group of friends help him discover a simple, memorable framework:

STOP. BREATHE. NOTICE. CHOOSE.

Through friendship, play, mistakes, and trying again, children explore important early skills including:

• recognizing big feelings such as anger, sadness, fear, and frustration
• noticing physical clues like a fast heartbeat, hot face, or tense body
• practicing breathing and mindfulness before reacting
• understanding that feelings do not have to disappear before we make a good choice
• learning the difference between intentions and outcomes
• building empathy, emotional awareness, and healthy communication
• repairing relationships after something goes wrong
• asking for help and learning through co-regulation with trusted adults

Designed for preschoolers, kindergarteners, parents, teachers, counselors, and caregivers, My Pet Monster introduces emotional regulation and social-emotional learning (SEL) in language young children can understand and practice.

Rather than teaching children that difficult emotions are "bad," the story encourages curiosity:

What is my body telling me?
What am I feeling?
What do I need?
What can I choose next?

Because emotional regulation is not about never feeling angry, disappointed, scared, or frustrated.

It is about learning what to do when those feelings arrive.

Big feelings are information-and noticing them is where choice begins.

Perfect for families, preschool and kindergarten classrooms, calm-down conversations, social-emotional learning activities, and anyone helping a young child build confidence, empathy, resilience, and emotional awareness.