When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry…: questions to ask and activities to try
Sophie gets angry, really, really angry. This Caldecott Honor book shows what anger feels like from the inside, and how Sophie finds her way back to calm.
What age is it for? When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards.
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… (Molly Bang)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Explosive anger, and calming down afterwards
Read it when everyone is calm, never during a meltdown. Look at how the colours change as Sophie gets angrier and then calmer, and ask your child what they notice.
What it helps with
- Explosive anger and big tantrums
- Noticing what anger feels like in your body
- Finding a calm-down place or plan
- Coming back together after being angry
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What made Sophie so angry?”
- “What did her anger look like? What colours did you see?”
- “Where did Sophie go to calm down?”
- “How did she feel when she came home?”
- “What does angry feel like in your body?”
- “Where could you go when you need to calm down?”
5-minute activities to try together
Calm-down plan
Draw your child's own “tree”: a calm place or activity, like a cushion corner or a big squeeze. Put the picture somewhere you'll both see it.
Angry colours
With crayons, draw what angry feels like, then what calm feels like. Talk about the difference.
Free printables: When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Grumpy Monkey (Suzanne Lang and Max Lang)
- Best for
- Grumpy moods that don't have a clear reason
- Age
- 3-7
Where the Wild Things Are (Maurice Sendak)
- Best for
- Anger and wild moods, and knowing you're still loved
- Age
- 3-7
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.