How Children's Books Help Kids Understand Emotions (Big Feels Story Explained)

About this episode

Joy Lanier discusses the emotional journey in children's literature and the importance of vulnerability in storytelling.

Joy Lanier, author of "Big Feels: The Diary of a Passionate Kitty," articulates the profound emotional journey inherent in children's literature. This episode delves into her exploration of feelings, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in sharing personal experiences through storytelling. Joy's narrative reflects her own struggles with emotions, aiming to validate the experiences of children and adults alike. We discuss the significance of creating a safe space for dialogue about feelings, encouraging authenticity in emotional expression. Through this conversation, we aspire to inspire aspiring authors and foster a deeper understanding of the emotional landscapes navigated by both writers and readers. Joy Lanier, the author of 'Big Feels: The Diary of a Passionate Kitty', eloquently articulates her journey as a children's book author, emphasizing the profound emotional landscape that inspired her writing. The discussion delves into the complexities of creating literature aimed at children while navigating the intricacies of personal vulnerability and emotional expression. Joy recounts her experiences as a child grappling with intense feelings and how these experiences…

People in this episode

Host: Papa Rick Harris

Guest: Joy Lanier

Topics covered

• children's literature
• emotional expression
• vulnerability
• storytelling
• authenticity

Keywords

• children's books
• emotions
• storytelling
• vulnerability
• authenticity
• Big Feels
• emotional expression

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Big Feels: The Diary of a Passionate Kitty

More episodes of Children's Book Authors Podcast Adventures in the Heart

• How Working With Blind Children Inspired Richard Rieman's Children's Unique Book Series · June 9, 2026 · 55 min
• How to Land a Traditional Children's Book Deal: Insider Secrets from Kris Tarantino · June 2, 2026 · 60 min
• How Children's Books Teach Boundaries and Confidence (Why It Matters Today) · May 26, 2026 · 49 min
• How to Publish Your Second Children's Book (What Authors Do Differently) · May 19, 2026 · 1h 8m
• How to Write Children's Books Inspired by Nature (National Park Storytelling Tips) · May 5, 2026 · 58 min
• How to Publish a Children's Book (Insights from Author Marlee Kostiner) · April 28, 2026 · 1h 15m