Feelings and other affective responses to a work of fiction are an important part appreciation and the capacity to inspire such responses is part of what is valuable about literary works of art. Susan L. Feagin's philosophical exploration of appreciation, focusing specifically on its emotional or affective components, asks us to consider aesthetic appreciation as getting the value out of the work. Appreciation involves exercising abilities. Feagin develops a psychological model for understanding how one becomes emotionally engaged with something one knows is fictional. She stresses the importance of the role of imagination in producing affective responses. Imagination is harnessed by the writer's choice of phrase or depiction of detail. Feagin cites the work of Angela Carter, Molly Keane, Heinrich Böll, Gabriel Garçia Marquez, and draws an extended example from Henry James. She notes that not all responses to a work are relevant or appropriate and discusses a variety of ways responses may be assessed. Even though assessing responses can stifle imagination, and hence threaten spontaneity and the responses themselves, the value of having affective responses to fiction depends upon our being able to make such assessments. Whatever else we may gain, appreciating a work, getting the value out of it, is one means of extending the capacities of our own imaginations.

"Henry Winterbottom and the Feeling Rainbow" is an illustrated children's book written by Jen B. Wild and illustrated by Day. The book is designed to help children understand emotions by reading about Henry's experience with a colorful spectrum of feelings. Through his adventures, Henry Winterbottom learns about the experience of emotions in a way that is easy for children to understand. Henry and his wild imagination are brought to life with vivid illustrations that pop off the page. This book is aimed at young readers from 4 to 8 years old. The goal of the book is to give children a way to appreciate and embrace their feelings through a main character that we hope will become a trusted companion.

This celebration of the joy and wonder of books from New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr is perfect for new readers! With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible. Reading makes you feel good because... You can imagine you are a scary dinosaur, You can make someone feel better when they are sick, And you can do it anywhere! Reading Makes You Feel Good will inspire and encourage young children to delight in the joyful, rewarding experience of reading. Todd shows us all the fun ways we can read, from in the library and in bed to in the bathtub and on the road! Targeted to those first beginning to read, this book invites children to read the main text as well as all the funny signs, labels, and messages hidden in the pictures.

Beautifully illustrated by Madalena Moniz’s subtle watercolors, Today I Feel . . . follows a child through a whole range of emotions, from adored to curious to strong. Not all of the emotions are positive and not all of them are simple, but they are all honest and worthy of discussion with a young child.

A little girl has a rainbow of emotions in this gentle debut picture book that encourages little ones to express their feelings through color. You’re pink, you’re teal, you’re gray, you’re jade. You’re every golden, warmy shade… All of us have lots of feelings, and this sweet rhyming story cleverly uses colors to explore the wide range of emotions little ones experience throughout the day, from a shy scarlet to a quiet ecru to an exuberant magenta. Along the way it celebrates individuality and self-acceptance—after all, our feelings are the palette that makes us who we are!

Sometimes you just feel...meh. You don't really feel like doing anything or talking to anyone. You're not even sure how you're feeling inside. Is that bad? With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Meh tackles apathy—recognizing it as a valid emotion, while also offering practical steps to get you out of your emotional slump. It's the perfect way for kids—and adults—who are feeling gray to find some joy again! Sometimes I feel meh and I don't want to play. I don't want to read and I have nothing to say. This series helps kids recognize, express, and deal with the roller coaster of emotions they feel every day. It has been celebrated by therapists, psychologists, teachers, and parents as wonderful tools to help children develop self-awareness for their feelings and those of their friends.

Get your acting skills ready as we discover all of the different types of feelings we have with interactive children's book. "You Can Tell How I Feel" was inspired by the award-winning music of children's songwriter and Montessori educator, Frank Leto. The book series was written and created by his daughter, Maria Leto, and illustrated by his five-year-old granddaughter, Chloe Mandzuk. A three-generation collaboration! "You Can Tell How I Feel" is educational, interactive and inclusive and encourages a connection and conversation between the reader and child. This book contains a reference page at the end to review everything you just learned. For additional fun, try to look for all of the hidden ladybugs throughout the books! For more information about Frank Leto's educational music for children, visit www.frankleto.com.