Why Do I Feel Like This?

This lively picture book follows a young girl as she navigates the feelings of a bad mood. Humorous illustrations give form to her negative emotions and the situations that shape them. The story traces her attempts to shift her mood, from setting small tasks to distract herself to taking a nap, while recognising that change is not always straightforward.

Through this narrative, Yoshitake Shinsuke portrays the protagonist’s determination to face difficult emotions, offering thoughtful and relatable ways of engaging with feelings of sadness and anger, and encouraging young readers to reflect on their own experiences.

Yoshitake Shinsuke is a children’s author and illustrator. Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1973, he studied plastic arts and mixed media at Tsukuba University. In addition to his picture books, he has produced sketch collections, cover art, and magazine illustrations. His work has received multiple accolades, including a Special Mention at the Bologna Ragazzi Award and selection as a New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book.