Feelings can be big and confusing, especially for children. One minute they are happy, and the next they are upset, tired, or frustrated. As adults, we understand that emotions come and go, but for young children, those feelings can feel like a jungle. Wild, new, and sometimes overwhelming. That is one of the reasons I wrote The Alliteration Jungle. I wanted the book to be more than just fun words and silly animals. I wanted it to be a safe and joyful space where children could learn, laugh, and begin to understand the feelings inside them. The jungle animals in the story do more than entertain. They can help children find words for emotions that are often hard to explain.
Let us take a walk through the jungle and meet some animals who can help us talk about those big feelings.
Joy with the Goofy Gorilla
The goofy gorilla gobbles green gloves.
This playful character brings a burst of laughter. Children love this page because it feels funny and light. It is a perfect way to introduce the feeling of joy. When children see the gorilla, they smile. They feel the rhythm of the words and connect it with happiness. Reading about the gorilla creates a moment to talk about joyful things. This might remind children of something that makes them laugh, like a favorite toy or a silly game. Joy feels easier to share when it is linked to a goofy gorilla in a colorful jungle.
Tiredness and Rest with the Lazy Leopard
The lazy leopard lies quietly while frogs cover his back. 
This gentle scene helps children recognize the feeling of being tired or not wanting to do much. Sometimes children feel low-energy but do not know how to explain it. They may say nothing at all or act upset when they are simply worn out. When children see the sleepy leopard, they can understand that it is okay to rest. It is normal to have quiet days. This animal helps them see that taking breaks and slowing down is healthy and natural.
Feeling Overwhelmed Like the Sleepy Snakes
The sleepy snakes slurp six sodas.
This moment in the story shows animals doing a lot while also being tired. It is a mix of action and exhaustion, just like children sometimes feel. Some children may be overwhelmed by too much noise, activity, or even emotions. The sleepy snakes offer a way to talk about that full and fuzzy feeling. They show that being both tired and busy happens, and it is okay to stop and rest when needed.
Frustration with the Chewing Chimp
The chimp chews chili cheese with chocolate in a chair.
It is a funny sentence but also a busy one. The chimp is doing a lot, and it might feel a little much. This page can help children connect with feelings of frustration or when things feel jumbled. When a child feels too many emotions at once or does not know how to sort them out, the chimp can be a friendly example. The chimp helps children see that even funny, busy moments can feel overwhelming. That opens the door to a calm conversation about how to slow down.
Bravery with the Running Rhino
The rhino likes to run on roads. He is strong, fast, and fearless. This bold rhino can help children connect with the idea of being brave. Bravery does not mean you are never scared. It means you move forward even when something feels new or hard. Whether a child is starting school, trying something new, or making a friend, the rhino shows that big steps are something to be proud of. He runs ahead with energy and strength, and that feeling can inspire children to do the same in their own little ways.
Kindness with the Happy Hippo
The happy hippo helps the hyena hop up high. This is a moment of teamwork and joy. 
The hippo is not just happy. She is helpful. Her kindness makes others smile and feel strong too. Kindness is a big feeling that grows when we talk about it. When children see the hippo helping others, they learn that joy grows when we care for one another. This is a simple way to talk about friendship, sharing, and lifting each other up.
Using Animal Friends to Talk About Feelings
Children do not always have the words to explain what is happening inside them. But they can point to a picture and say, “I feel like the sleepy snake today” or “I’m being the goofy gorilla right now.” That is the beauty of storytelling. It makes feelings less scary and more playful. Books like The Alliteration Jungle let children explore emotions through color, sound, and character. When an animal feels tired, silly, or brave, the child reading the book gets to explore that feeling too. There is no pressure. Just gentle discovery.
A Jungle Full of Heart 
The jungle is full of wild creatures, silly rhymes, and bouncing words. It is also full of heart. The animals in The Alliteration Jungle are not just there to make children laugh. They are there to help children grow. Every child feels big emotions. With stories like this, they do not have to feel those things alone. They can share their thoughts through animals, find comfort in the pages, and learn that every feeling is welcome. From my jungle to yours, I hope these animals help your child feel heard, safe, and wonderfully understood.
