IntroductionĬan a complex topic such as the neurobiology of physical reactions underlying emotions be simplified and illustrated in a way that makes this knowledge accessible to a young audience with the help of a picture book? Methodsīefore the production of the book could be started it was crucial to gain an understanding of the discussed topic.

This may in turn support them in adequately expressing their emotions rather than suppressing feelings or expressing them in a way that may cause harm to themselves or others. An increased understanding of the biological changes associated with emotions can help children understand that what they feel upon facing challenging situations is not only valid but also natural. The young protagonist of said book is challenged by different emotions during his day and the reader gets insight into the underlying physical mechanisms. With the help of interviews with children, discussions with specialists and scientists, a picture book has been created digitally (available in print). Finding ways to simplify a scientific topic while keeping core information was the main challenge of the process.

The main purpose is to show how a complex and scientific subject can be conveyed to children using lay language and age-appropriate illustrations as means of communication. In this paper, the creation of a scientific children’s picture book on the topic of emotions is discussed.

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