A little fly named Dami sits on a leaf, puzzled. “Hey, Grandpa Fly! What is the feeling of love like?”
Grandpa Fly answers: “It’s when your heart feels a warm sensation.”
This moment, from Curious Dami: What’s Love?, isn’t just cute; it’s a bridge. For kids, big feelings like love, bravery, or self-doubt can feel as confusing as anything. But Danny Leeper’s stories turn these emotions into friendly conversations, using sloths, snails, and even flies as guides.
Let’s explore how his books help kids (and adults) understand the messy, wonderful world of feelings.
Why Kids Need Stories About Feelings
Imagine trying to explain “love” to a 4-year-old. Where do you start? Hugs? Kindness? That weird warm feeling in their chest when they see their pet?
Kids experience emotions intensely, but they lack the words to put them into words. Stories give them a vocabulary. When Dami the fly asks animals about love, kids learn:
- Love can be a “warm sensation” (thanks, Grandpa Fly!).
- Joy comes from doing what you love (Sally Snail’s advice).
- Kind words and sharing matter (Lady Ladybug’s lesson).
They are not just abstract ideas but tied to characters kids adore. And when emotions feel too big, a friendly snail or ladybug makes them smaller.
The Quiet Power of “I Am Super”
In a world where kids are often told to do more (read faster, score higher, try harder), Danny’s book I Am Super flips the script. Instead of superheroes with capes, the “superpowers” are simple, everyday truths:
- “I am super loved!”
- “I am super friendly!”
- “I am super thankful!”
The book does not ask kids to earn these traits. It says: You already have them. For a child struggling with confidence, that message is a lifeline.
How a Snail and Ladybug Teach Emotional Smarts
Let’s break down a scene from Curious Dami: What’s Love?:
- Dami asks Sally Snail: “How can I feel my heart’s sensations?”
- Sally says, “Start by doing things you love.”
- Dami asks Lady Ladybug: “Do nice words bring joy?”
- Lady responds: “Yes! It starts from within.”
These aren’t just answers; these are beyond that. They are so powerful that kids learn self-awareness, empathy, and gratitude. And because the teachers are a snail and a ladybug (not a parent or teacher), kids listen without defenses.
Why “Simple” Stories Work Best
Danny’s books use short sentences, repetition, and familiar settings. But that simplicity is deliberate. Here’s why it works:
- Less text = More imagination: Kids picture the story their way.
- Repetition builds confidence: Phrases like “I am super happy!” let pre-readers “read” along.
- Everyday magic: Stories happen in backyards, ponds, and homes, places kids know.
A child doesn’t need dragons or spaceships to feel wonder. A fly learning to fly (Honey Bee: “Don’t be afraid”) or a sloth napping in a tree (Dazz the Sloth) is enough.
How to Use These Books at Home
Parents often ask: “How do I talk about feelings without making it a lecture?” Danny’s books are the answer. Try these tips:
- After reading Curious Dami, ask: “What makes YOUR heart feel warm?”
- Use I Am Super at bedtime: Have your child add their own “super” trait each night.
- Role-play with stuffed animals: Recreate scenes from Honey Bee to practice bravery.
The Big Truth: Kids Want to Talk About Feelings
Adults often assume kids avoid emotional talks. But the opposite is true; they crave them. They just need a safe way to start.
Danny’s books act as that safe space. When Dami the fly says, “I AM so happy that I AM able to fly,” kids internalize that triumph. When Grandpa Fly describes love as a “warm sensation,” they think, “Oh! I’ve felt that!”
Final Thought
Feelings aren’t lessons to teach; they’re conversations to have. Danny Leeper’s stories don’t just entertain; they give families the words to say, “I get it. Let’s figure this out together.”