A playful, reassuring children’s book about anger, emotional regulation and what to do when big feelings take over. Beautifully illustrated by Richard Hoit and artfully designed by Sarah Elworthy.
Ollie the Octopus has some big feelings and when things don’t go his way, his feelings can build quickly until...
POOF!
Out comes a full blown Inkstorm.
A squished seaweed sandwich. Someone stealing his sunny spot. Little frustrations can suddenly feel very big. Once Ollie’s ink starts swirling, it can be hard to know what to do next.
Then Ollie discovers The Big Feelings Club: a place where sea creatures with all kinds of big feelings come together. With friendship, understanding and a simple knot-tying and breathing strategy, Ollie begins to discover something important:
Big feelings are okay. And you don’t have to face them alone.
★★★★★ “My daughter and I loved reading this book and trying all the techniques along with Ollie and his friends.”
— LAWhite, Amazon UK reviewer
A story children can enjoy, with skills they can actually use
Created by psychologist Joanne Sorley, Ollie and the Inkstorm helps children explore anger and emotional regulation through story, humour and a memorable visual metaphor, without making anger something to be ashamed of or turning the story into a lesson.
Children see Ollie experience everyday frustrations, lose control of his ink and discover different ways to work through big feelings. A dedicated Grown-Ups page at the back helps parents, teachers and other helpers continue the conversation and practise the strategies together.
Perfect for ages 4–8, especially children navigating frustration, anger, emotional outbursts or feelings that sometimes seem to go from 0 to 100.
Why grown-ups are recommending Ollie
✓ Introduces children to anger and big emotions in an accessible, relatable way
✓ Normalises big feelings while introducing healthy ways to respond
✓ Encourages children to practise a simple knot-tying and slow-breathing strategy
✓ Opens natural conversations about feelings, frustration and what helps
✓ Reinforces friendship, connection and belonging
✓ Includes practical tips, talking points and strategies for grown-ups
✓ Bright, expressive illustrations make it a story children can enjoy again and again
What readers are saying
★★★★★ “I love the exercises and we're practicing them together.”
— Erin Goodridge, Amazon Australia reviewer
★★★★★ “I am a child therapist and would definitely use this book in my office.”
— Michelle Silva Nuxoll, Amazon US reviewer
★★★★★ “The calming strategies and emotional messages are woven in naturally rather than making the book feel instructional.”
— K. Andrews, Amazon UK reviewer
Ollie and the Inkstorm is Book One in The Big Feelings Club, a gentle, psychology-informed series helping children understand big emotions and discover practical ways to navigate them.
Every creature has a place. Every feeling can be faced.
