Leave Me Alone!

Nothing makes Pia happier than playing secret agents with her brother, Charlie. Until . . . an unexpected stumble . . . Did she just ruin the game?! Her body freezes. Her heart pounds. All the feelings in her body start bubbling up, and she explodes.

Pia is a Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK). DFKs experience emotions with intensity. Their big reactions to seemingly small events can feel sudden and overwhelming, and attempts to help them often backfire. These are the kids who seem tough and prickly on the outside . . . yet underneath, they’re scared and overwhelmed, struggling to manage feelings that seem too big for their bodies.

Parenting a DFK can feel like walking on eggshells—never sure what might set things off, always bracing for the next explosion. Dr. Becky has created an approach that helps caregivers stay sturdy, build connection, and become the safe base their kid needs—even in the hardest moments.

Picture books from parenting expert Dr. Becky do more than tell a story: They depict real, messy moments and share an important message for kids and parents alike.

About the Author

Dr. Becky is a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and the founder and CEO of Good Inside, an innovative parenting platform and global community. Through her #1 New York Times bestselling book, viral social media presence, and chart-topping podcast, she has inspired a generation of cycle-breakers to join a parenting revolution, helping them to become sturdy, confident leaders so they can raise sturdy, confident kids.

Joanie Stone is a New York Times bestselling artist who has illustrated several books for children, including The World of Emily Windsnap series by Liz Kessler. She helps bring characters to life through movement, texture, and color. She hopes her images will inspire kids to pick up a pencil and create their own worlds through stories and art. She lives in Virginia with her husband, her daughter, and a dog named Cat.