Book Review: I Feel The World, Plus A Bonus Free Resource
- Kayelene Kerr Child Safety Expert
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Inside every child is a whole world of feelings. Some feelings arrive quietly, others rush in all at once. Some feel light and easy to carry, while others can feel overwhelming, confusing and hard to explain. For children, this inner world can be difficult to make sense of, especially when they don’t yet have the words to describe what is happening inside them.
I Feel the World gently opens the door to that understanding. Through rhythmic language and vivid imagery, it helps children recognise that feelings can take many forms. They might feel sharp, heavy, fleeting or tangled and all of these experiences are a normal part of being human.
What makes this book particularly powerful is its message of acceptance. Rather than trying to fix or dismiss emotions, it encourages children to notice them, be curious about them and understand that they will pass. This shift is important, because when children learn that feelings are not something to fear, they are more likely to express them in safe and healthy ways.
For children, this builds emotional literacy. It helps them connect what they are feeling in their body with language they can use to communicate. Over time, this reduces frustration and supports stronger connections with the adults around them. When a child can say “I feel worried” or “I feel angry,” it creates an opportunity for support rather than misunderstanding.
For adults, the book is a reminder that emotional development is something we actively teach and model. Children learn how to respond to their feelings by watching how we respond to theirs (and ours). When we create space for emotions, rather than shutting them down, we help children feel safe, seen and supported.
Books like this provide a shared starting point. They make emotional concepts accessible, opening the door for ongoing conversations about feelings, wellbeing and self-awareness. Because child safety is not only about protecting children from harm. It is also about helping them understand what is happening inside them and giving them the confidence to express it.
I love pairing this book with a fabulous and free resource from Stay Classy Classrooms - Bear Emotions Labelling Pack. In the download there’s a playdough mat that you can use over and over again (Tip Print and put it in a plastic sleeve or laminate) and eleven different emotions that you can use to create your own emotion discs. I glued mine to some beautful wooden discs.
Get the resource free resource here.
I Feel The World
About Kayelene Kerr & eSafeKids
eSafeKids is a social enterprise founded by Kayelene Kerr. Kayelene is recognised as one of Australia’s most experienced specialist providers of Protective Behaviours, Body Safety, Cyber Safety, Digital Wellness and Pornography Literacy education workshops. Kayelene has featured on Australian and international television broadcasts, radio programs and in print media.
eSafeKids books can support educators teaching protective behaviours and child abuse prevention education that aligns with the Western Australian Curriculum, Australian Curriculum, Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and National Quality Framework: National Quality Standards (NQS).
