Making Friends with Feelings is a social-emotional story that focuses on three bunnies with very different feelings. Buddy felt sad because he didn’t want to play with anyone, his best friend Shiner was confused because he thought Buddy was mad at him, and Molly was scared to make new friends after leaving her foster home. Molly was unaware that the other bunnies were being consumed by their intense emotions too. She decided to be brave and keep trying. She began to notice the other bunnies’ feelings and encourage them to open up to her. Buddy explained his feelings to Molly and she accompanied him to talk to his best friend, Shiner.
Author Keith Ruffner dedicated this book to “all those who want to suffer less, love more, and heal.” His kindness and good intentions were present throughout this story. The illustrations by Kate Gleyzer accurately portray the very real emotions felt by kids and adults. I highly recommend this book for children ages four to eight, especially those who have difficulty identifying their emotions.