Bella and Bird Explore Anger follows a young boy named Henry who’s having a rough day. He’s angry because he can’t have his favorite pie. Enter Bella, a gentle horse, and Bird, her cheeky companion. Together, they help Henry name his feelings, understand what’s going on inside his body, and learn tools like box breathing and cool-down counting to manage his anger. Along the way, Henry learns that emotions aren’t bad, but what you do with them matters.

I found the writing clear and thoughtful, but also playful enough to keep kids interested. The pacing moves along well, and the dialogue between characters feels natural. Bella is the calm, reassuring type. Like the adult you’d want nearby during a meltdown. Bird adds a touch of humor that keeps things light. What impressed me most was how the book tackles a tough subject without being preachy. It doesn’t shame anger, which is a big deal. Instead, it treats it like something normal, something manageable, something even adults mess up sometimes.

I also really liked the breathing exercises and the way the book tied feelings to physical sensations. That’s such a smart and helpful concept for kids, and it’s presented in a way that feels doable. Honestly, the pie metaphor might be my favorite part, it’s funny, but also relatable. We’ve all gotten mad over something that feels huge in the moment but ends up being something small and understandable once we calm down. The artwork throughout the book is colorful, beautiful, and full of warmth, wrapping each page in a comforting glow.

I think Bella and Bird Explore Anger is a kind and clever picture book that would be great for kids ages 5 to 10, especially those who are learning to handle big emotions. It would be just as useful in a classroom as it would be at home, and it’s perfect for any child who sometimes explodes. It’s comforting, practical, and full of warmth.