Bea’s birthday is fast approaching, but what does she learn when her party is not quite as expected?
Excitement was huge. Bea imagined it all: the guests, the food, the presents. And all was well until a snowflake dropped on the ground and then another one. Plans were disrupted, and the disappointment turned into tears. But thanks to her brother Archie, who offers to play outside mood swings, Bea feels a little better and a little better. That’s not how Bea imagined her party, but it was fun, and that really mattered! By the time she was back home, surrounded by family and decorations, all the cracks had vanished!
“Bea’s Bad Day” is part of Tom Percival’s mental and emotional health series, a book collection that aims to help children understand and manage their feelings. The book offers a straightforward story with an important message of building high expectations over things out of our control and how that affects us. Bea’s emotions are represented cleverly not only by the text but by the artwork, too. The girl is surrounded by stars or broken glass in the key moments. “Bea’s Bad Day” is the first book I am reading in the series, and the font is different from other Tom Percival books; however, at times, it draws attention to Bea’s inner world.
“Bea’s Bad Day” is a book that will resonate with both children and adults.
Further Information:
If you loved Bea’s Bad Day, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
Other Tom Percival’s books in the series:
“Perceptive and poignant … a must have for all children’s bookshelves” Guardian
“A valuable asset to the library of a child who experiences anxiety and a great book to get children talking about their feelings” ― Kirkus Reviews
“Truly uplifting … inspires children to dare to be different” – BookTrust
“This joyous, original paean to individuality is sophisticated but deftly judged; children just starting to sense the invisible burden of peer group disapproval should find it especially heartening.” – Guardian
The Stats:
- Title: Bea’s Bad Day
- Author and Illustrator: Tom Percival
- ISBN: 978 1 5266 5135 8
- Publication Date: 2024
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books
- Recommended age: 3-7
- Categories/Topic: feelings, expectations, birthday, family
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Amazon
