Bea’s birthday isn’t far away. She’s been crossing off the days on the kitchen calendar, counting down. There is so much to look forward to!

• Grandma, Bampi and all her cousins are coming to her party
• There will be presents to open and a yummy birthday cake to eat

Everything was going to be perfect.

One day before her birthday, it begins to snow. Just a little at first, then some more and then a LOT!

How will her family come to her party if the roads are blocked?

How will the postman get through to deliver any presents?

All Bea’s anticipation becomes a huge chunk of disappointment, and then breaks into pieces.

This wasn’t how her birthday was MEANT to be.

Luckily, Bea has a big brother, her Mum and Dad right there with her on her birthday, with another version in mind. Bea’s disappointments slowly melt away and all her wrongs become right again.

Looking forward to something is fun, but can be devastating if anticipation is very high and something goes wrong.

Things beyond anyone’s control can hijack an important event or activity. Being able to pick yourself up and turn a perceived catastrophe into something positive or even wonderful, is possible. Especially with loved ones around you to help and talk you about your feelings.

Building resilience in young children will help in many situations in their busy lives, when things don’t quite go to plan.

Bea’s Bad Day is another book in the bright Big Bright Feelings series by Tom Percival.

This series is a perfect gateway into difficult situations and the feelings they can bring, helping with “mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence and managing feelings.”

Author / Illustrator – Tom Percival

Picture Book

Age – 4+

(2024, Bloomsbury, Series, Feelings, Resilience, Disappointments, Birthday, Missing out, Expectations, Anticipation, Lookin forward to something, Broken plans, Sibling kindness, Family, Love)