That Makes Me So Mad!
$24.99
That Makes Me So Mad! is a beautifully told and deeply moving children’s story that captures the complexity of emotions, the beauty of family love, and the importance of gratitude. Written by Dawn Griffith, this heartfelt book follows the emotional journey of young Alexander Bear, who comes home one afternoon filled with frustration, jealousy, and anger over what he feels is an unfair life.
From the very first page, young readers are drawn into Alex’s world—a world where feelings bubble over, and everything feels wrong. The vivid illustrations and descriptive storytelling bring the forest path, cozy cottage, and loving family to life in a way that children and parents alike will find comforting and familiar.
As Alex vents to Mama Bear about his friends going on trips and doing fun things while his own family seems to never go anywhere, we see a very real and relatable depiction of childhood emotions. His disappointment is honest, and his questions are ones many children silently ask: “Why not us?” “Why can’t we?” “Why is life unfair?”
Mama Bear listens with compassion and patience, waiting for the right moment to reveal a tender family secret—one that opens Alex’s eyes to the immense love and sacrifices his parents have made for him. Readers learn that Alex was born deaf, and that his parents gave up all their saved “berries and nuts”—a metaphor for their financial savings—to pay for a medical procedure that allowed Alex to hear. The powerful moment of realization is both emotional and transformative, for Alex and for the reader.
This story teaches children that behind what may feel like disappointment or unfairness, there is often love and sacrifice.
In a world where children are constantly comparing their lives to others, That Makes Me So Mad! reminds us all to pause, reflect, and understand that not everything is as it seems—and that our families often make invisible sacrifices out of love. Through Alex’s story, young readers are guided gently through feelings of anger and jealousy, and led toward empathy, forgiveness, and appreciation.
The Christian undertones in the book add a layer of spiritual depth, with a beautiful moment of prayer that helps Alex find peace in his heart. The book doesn’t just offer a moral—it offers healing, resolution, and the chance for children to understand that it’s okay to feel big emotions, as long as they lead us to greater understanding and love.
Key Themes:
Emotional development: anger, jealousy, and forgiveness
Family and parental sacrifice
Gratitude and understanding
Christian values and prayer
Communication and empathy
This book is ideal for children aged 4–8 and is a perfect tool for parents, educators, and counselors who want to talk to children about feelings, gratitude, and family values. The warm and expressive illustrations enhance the emotional impact of the story, capturing everything from Alex’s anger to his moments of joy and realization.
Perfect for:
Bedtime reading
Classroom discussions
Family story time
Faith-based learning environments
Gift-giving to young readers
That Makes Me So Mad! is more than a storybook—it's a touching reminder that love sometimes hides in the quiet choices parents make and that a child’s understanding of their world can shift with just one meaningful conversation.