Children experience powerful emotions long before they fully understand what those emotions mean. A racing mind, a tight stomach, restless energy, sudden tears or the urge to withdraw can all feel overwhelming. Without the right language or support, children may believe that being angry, worried, scared or sad means something is wrong with them.
In DOG, WHAT CAN I DO?, author Sarah Robinson offers a kinder message: every feeling is important and every difficult moment can become an opportunity to learn. The book encourages young readers to stop judging their emotions and begin asking a more helpful question: “What can I do?”
That simple question turns emotional challenges into teachable moments. Instead of telling children to calm down or stop feeling upset, the story gives them practical choices they can try. Each animal character introduces a different emotional struggle and demonstrates a healthy way to respond.
When Dog feels overwhelmed and cannot sit still, the answer is movement. Jumping, wiggling, running and playing help release built-up energy and settle a busy mind. The lesson is not that restlessness is bad. Rather, children learn that their bodies may be communicating a need and that movement can be a useful way to respond.
Other characters offer equally memorable strategies. Cat uses deep breathing, humming, buzzing and gentle tapping to feel safe and grounded. Fish counts bubbles, colors, breaths or nearby objects to redirect worried thoughts. These playful techniques make emotional regulation feel approachable instead of complicated.
The book also teaches children that asking for help is part of being strong. When Ant faces something that feels too difficult, the story reminds readers that doing hard things independently does not mean they must always do them alone. Family members, friends, teachers and other trusted adults can provide valuable support.
Fear becomes another opportunity for learning. Cardinal imagines a safe place filled with comforting sights, sounds, smells and sensations. This exercise gives children a calming mental space they can return to when the world feels uncertain. Meanwhile, Carrier Pigeon shows that drawing or writing a letter can help when someone feels lonely or misses a loved one.
Sarah Robinson does not avoid sadness or anger, either. Sadness is compared to a wave that can be felt without lasting forever. Anger is met with cooling strategies, such as cold water, ice and peaceful visualization. When Penguin feels stuck, the answer is to slow down and take one small step at a time.
These lessons make DOG, WHAT CAN I DO? more than a storybook. It becomes a conversation starter for parents, teachers, counselors and caregivers. Adults can pause during reading, ask children which feelings they recognize and practice the coping strategies together.
Through gentle rhymes, expressive illustrations and relatable animal guides, Sarah Robinson transforms emotional difficulties into moments of growth. The book shows children that tough feelings are not problems to hide. They are experiences to understand, accept and move through with patience, support and practical tools.
Most importantly, DOG, WHAT CAN I DO? helps children discover that even when they cannot control how they feel, they can learn what to do next.
Available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H1T9JWN9/
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