Big Feelings, Little Cubs: Yasmin Wilkie on When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad

When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad is the first title in The Feelings Tree Series by Yasmin Wilkie – also known as TheTwinScribble. Her debut picture book offers a gentle, rhyming introduction to emotional awareness for little ones, following two young bear cubs, Kai and Kayden, as they explore the full spectrum of big feelings.

With warmth, rhythm, and reassurance, Yasmin’s story helps children recognise and name their emotions – showing them it’s okay to feel angry, to be sad, and to celebrate joy. Supported by the ever-loving Mama Bear, the cubs learn to ride the waves of their emotions with care, kindness, and connection.

We asked Yasmin to share more about the inspiration behind the story, her creative process, and how she hopes to support young minds and big hearts through her work.

When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad introduces us to Kai and Kayden – two bear cubs with big hearts. What inspired these characters, and how did they come to life?

When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad began as a personal passion project for my own children. At three years old, they were experiencing a whole new wave of big emotions, and I found myself deep in research about how to support them through it all. I wanted to create something that would speak directly to children – a story that reassures them it’s okay to feel mad, sad, or glad – while also offering parents a gentle, comforting way to navigate those moments together. Kai and Kayden were inspired by my twins, and through them, I wanted to show that every feeling has a place and can be met with understanding and love. 

You describe the series as The Feelings Tree. What does that name represent to you and the wider message of your books?

The Feelings Tree represents growth – both emotional and personal. I chose the name because I see emotions as branches that grow and stretch in different directions as children do. Each feeling, whether big or small, is part of who they are becoming. Just like a tree needs care and nurturing to flourish, our children’s emotions need the same love, patience, and kindness to help them grow strong and grounded. The Feelings Tree Series is my way of nurturing that growth, one feeling at a time.

Emotional literacy for young children can be tricky. Why was it important to you to write a book that tackles big feelings so directly?

As a parent, I noticed that my children didn’t always connect with the stories we read together – they would lose interest or not see themselves in the characters. I wanted to create something that felt personal to them, something that spoke directly to the big emotions they were starting to experience. Writing When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad was my way of showing them that their feelings are valid, that they’re not alone, and that even the hardest emotions can be understood and cared for with love.

The rhythm and rhyme of the story flow so naturally. Is writing in verse something that comes easily to you, or do you have to work at it?

Sometimes the rhythm and rhyme come to me quite naturally, almost like the words are already waiting to be written. But other times, I do have to work at it. If I ever get stuck, I’ll step away and do something that relaxes my mind – a walk, some quiet time, or playtime with my children. Coming back with a fresh perspective always helps me find the flow again. I think writing in verse is a balance of creativity and calm – you have to let the words breathe before they fall into place.

There’s a lovely balance between playful scenes (like splashing in puddles) and tender moments of emotional connection. How do you strike that balance when writing for children?

I often think about my own children and how effortlessly they move between emotions – one moment they’re splashing in puddles, completely full of joy, and the next they might feel sad or frustrated. Children live so deeply in each feeling, and that’s something I wanted to reflect in my writing. I try to capture both the playfulness and the tenderness that come with those emotional shifts. As a mother, I’ve learned how important it is to adapt alongside them – to meet their joy with presence and their sadness with reassurance. That balance is what I hope shines through in the story.

What do you hope children – and the grown-ups reading with them – will take away from this story?

On a personal level, I wanted When I Feel Mad, Sad or Glad to be a story my own children could find comfort in – something that reassures them that all their feelings are valid and that they’re never alone in experiencing them.  

For parents and carers, I hope the book serves as a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and meet our children’s big emotions with patience and understanding. It’s easy to feel frustrated when those emotional waves rise, but for our little ones, these feelings are still so new. The way we respond helps shape how they understand and express emotions in the future. If this story encourages even one more moment of calm connection between parent and child, then I’ve achieved what I set out to do.

Mama Bear’s voice is so calm and grounding throughout the book. Did you draw from your own experience as a parent while writing her character?

Absolutely. Mama Bear was very much inspired by my own journey as a parent. I often reflected on how I try to guide my twins through their big feelings – and, honestly, how I continue learning to do so myself. Through research and experience, I’ve found that staying calm, patient, and present makes such a difference, even in the most emotional moments. I wanted Mama Bear to embody that gentle guidance and reflect the kind of reassurance I strive to offer my own children.

When you’re not writing, what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

Something that often surprises people is that I’m currently studying to become a midwife – a path that deeply connects to my love of nurturing and supporting families. Alongside my studies, I also run a small business on Etsy and Amazon, where I create emotional intelligence and sensitivity activity books for children, as well as fun colouring books. My Etsy shop has a special focus on twin-themed invitations and party printables, which started as a creative outlet inspired by my own twins and has since grown into something I truly love building.

If you could sit in on a storytime where someone is reading this book aloud, what kind of reactions or feelings would you hope to see?

I would love to see children connecting with the big emotions they experience, feeling reassured that they’re not alone in how they feel. I hope parents and caregivers read alongside them with smiles, feeling that same warmth and relatability through Mama Bear’s guidance. Above all, I hope the story brings moments of comfort, joy, and shared understanding – and if it does, I’ll know that my purpose as an author has been fulfilled.

Where can readers connect with you and follow the journey of The Feelings Tree Series?

I’d love for readers to connect with me and follow the journey of The Feelings Tree Series through my business, TheTwinScribble. You can find my books and activity resources on Etsy and Amazon, and I share updates and inspiration there as well. While I also have TikTok and Instagram, I’m most active on Etsy and Amazon, so that’s the best place to explore the series, discover fun ways to support emotional learning, and even say hello!