Genre: Juvenile fiction
Publisher: Little Bigfoot
Publication Date: February 2nd, 2021
Pages: 22, board book
Source: NetGalley

Ollie the octopus has a lot of feelings and he struggles to understand them. One especially busy, emotional day, Ollie becomes overwhelmed by all of his feelings. But with the help of his good friend, Stella the starfish, Ollie is reassured and able to feel that he is ok, and that it is fine to have so many feelings.

How do you feel? Ollie the octopus feels fine, with some help from his friend, Stella the starfish.

In Ollie Feels Fine, by Toni Yuly, Ollie the octopus is swamped by a big wave, bumped by a shark, and loses his hat, He experiences the gamut of emotions, from surprise and anger to happiness. Babies will love Ollie’s colorful hat, and how Ollie’s skin color changes to match each emotion he experiences. Stella shows Ollie, and the reader, that emotions are okay and feelings are normal.

The artwork is eye-catching and will appeal to infants and toddlers. Ollie’s story is simple and effective. It’s okay to not be okay all the time and to feel sad or mad.