"MALI has feelings" is a warm and recognizable book for children and adults about the feelings we all have inside us.


The book was created because I feel that there are too few books that really explain to children what feelings are, why we have them, and what they mean. 


Through small stories from everyday life, we meet Mali when she is happy, sad, scared, angry, ashamed and feels guilty. Feelings that can feel big in a small body - and that sometimes need help, security and understanding.


The book puts simple words on difficult feelings and shows how children can be met with calm, closeness and acceptance. There are no "wrong" feelings here. Feelings are not dangerous - they are important signals from the body about what we need. And it is quite magical, but the feelings disappear if they are met with the need that lies behind them.


When Mali is sad, she needs comfort.


When she is scared, she needs security.


When she is angry, she needs understanding and boundaries.


I think it is incredibly important that children learn this early. When children learn to recognize their feelings, put them into words and understand what they need, they also have better conditions for dealing with life, relationships and difficult periods later.


In a time when many young people are struggling mentally, I want more children to grow up with the understanding that emotions are not something to be afraid of or push away - but something that can be listened to and met with safety.


The stories are written in soft and close language that invites good conversations between children and adults. At the back of the book you will also find a simple section for adults, inspired by emotion-focused therapy, about how we can meet children's emotions with empathy, safety and understanding.


"MALI has feelings" is suitable both at home, in kindergarten and school, and can be a valuable tool for helping children understand themselves - and feel that all feelings are allowed.


The book also contains cozy coloring pages that children can do themselves.


This is a digital book (PDF) that can be downloaded and read on screen or printed at home.