Big Feelings Blueprint Worksheet
Author's Studio • Ages 1–3
Big Feelings, Little People
Toddler Book Planner
Author:
Working Title:
Date:
1
My Main Character
Toddlers love friendly animals, simple shapes, or expressive children
Character Name & Creature/Person:
Repeated Sound or Refrain (e.g., "Uh-oh!", "Stomp, stomp!"):
2
The Big Feeling & The Trigger
Keep triggers realistic for ages 1–3
Target Emotion:
Common Toddler Trigger (blocks fall, sharing toy, leaving park):
Body Clues (How does the toddler's body feel? e.g., tight fists, hot cheeks):
Facial Expression (Clear cue for young readers to recognize):
3
The Toddler Calming Strategy
Must be concrete, physical, and easy to mimic
Choose the Primary Regulation Tool:
Breathe (blow pinwheel/soup)
Ask grown-up for hug
Use words ("Help me please")
Cozy quiet break
Sensory reset (squeeze toy)
Take turns / try again
Describe the Action Step (What exact words and actions happen on the page?):
4
The Big Message (Core Takeaway)
Complete this sentence for your toddler reader:
"I want toddlers who read my book to understand that..."
Golden Rules for Toddler Books:
Keep sentences under 8 words • Repeat key lines • Use clear facial expressions • Avoid complex metaphors
Step 1 Complete
Page-by-Page Storyboard Script
Draft 1–2 simple sentences and an illustration sketch idea for each board page
8-Page Board Book
Cover • Title & Hero Catchy & Bold
Book Title & Subtitle:
Cover Illustration Plan (Hero Face / Emotion):
Big readable title Smiling / intriguing face
Page 1 • Normal World Emotion: Happy/Calm
Story Text (Introduce character & play):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Simple setting & happy eyes
Page 2 • The Trigger Emotion: "Uh-Oh!"
Story Text (The sudden change/problem):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Clear cause: toy broke, tower fell
Page 3 • Name the Feeling Emotion: Big Feeling
Story Text (Name it + body sensation):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Clear body clue (tears, fists, frown)
Page 4 • The Pause Emotion: Overwhelmed
Story Text (Feeling is huge + "Stop"):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Refrain repeats here!
Page 5 • Calming Strategy Emotion: Shifting / Calming
Story Text (The action toddlers can copy):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Step-by-step physical action
Page 6 • The Reset Emotion: Relief / Safe
Story Text (Body relaxes, problem re-evaluated):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Shoulders drop, soft mouth, hug
Page 7 • Reassurance & Heart Emotion: Loved & Confident
Story Text (Final soothing big message):
Illustration Sketch Idea:
Toddler check: Warm closing, smiles, reassurance
Pre-Bookmaking Check:
Sentences under 8 words Strategy is easy to copy Repeated refrain included
Ready to Illustrate