I Was So Mad
The Critter family says “No” to just about everything Little Critter wants to do. Finally, mad at the world, Little Critter announces he won't put up with it anymore! Thankfully, he reconsiders. This relatable story is a great way to teach children about their emotions and how to deal with them!
English
A Guide to Reading Aloud to Your Child
Read with fun in your voice.
Build vocabulary by focusing on and talking about new words.
Connect the story to your child's world.
Ask your child questions about the book and encourage them to ask questions.
Make reading part of your everyday routine.
When you read the words, whenever possible, act them out too!
Hold the book so your child can see the pictures.
Make the plot come alive by discussing the illustrations.
Reading Everywhere!
Make text come alive around your home by using a sticky note, index card, or extra piece of paper to label bed sheets.
Hang the label near a bed and discuss the letters and their meaning with your child. Labeling helps children learn that letters come together to make words and creates a print rich environment in your home.
Pre-Reading Building Block
Page through the book I Was So Mad with your child. Look for the word “No.” Talk about that word, what it means, and what sounds the letters make. Look through the text on each page and try to find the word “No.” Count how many times the word “No” appears in the book. Look at the characters’ faces. How do the adults communicate “No”? How does Little Critter respond to the various “No” responses?
Let's Play
I Was So Mad is a great story to begin to teach your child about different emotions. Find a
mirror in your home. Help your child make different faces to represent each emotion listed in
front of the mirror.
- My brother took my favorite stuffed animal! (Mad)
- I fell off my bike and scraped my knee. (Sad)
- I get to eat ice cream after dinner! (Happy/excited)
- My favorite friend came to visit! (Surprised)
- I can’t find my mom at the park. (Scared)
If you liked I Was So Mad, be sure to check out...
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile by
Bernard Waber
When I Get Bigger by
Mercer Mayer
Guess How Much I Love You by
Sam McBratney
ID: i-was-so-mad
