I first learned about today’s Perfect Picture Book in a SCBWI webinar a few weeks ago and happened to find it at my local indie. After flipping quickly through it, I knew I had to share it with you!
Title: Seahorse is Furious and There is Nothing You Can Do About It
Written & Illustrated By: Morag Hood
Publisher/Date: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers/2026
Suitable for Ages: 4-8 (and younger)
Themes/Topics: anger, emotions, SEL, sea creatures, seahorses, ocean, humor, low word count, coping mechanisms
Opening:
Today, Seahorse is grumpy.
More than grumpy.
Seahorse is FURIOUS!
Brief Synopsis: When Seahorse is having a bad day and week and becomes furious, an octopus tries to help.
Links to Resources:
· Download this Guide to Using Picture Books about Big Emotions in the Classroom;
· Learn more about seahorses;
· Check out these 10 free seahorse crafts for kids;
· What makes you grumpy or furious? Describe it in words or pictures.
Why I Like this Book:
Truth be told, when I discovered this picture book at my favorite indie book shop, I was there to find a light summer read for myself. I had purchased a “few” new picture books during anti-Prime days that week, so I wasn’t really shopping for more picture books. But then I flipped through this one, and I knew I had to read and review it. Why?
With simple collaged and printed illustrations set against mono-colored backgrounds and very few words, Hood relates the story of a very, very grumpy seahorse. He’s not just having a bad morning due to waking up wrong and stubbing his tail, but everything is wet! Cue the laughter, even by the youngest of listeners! Cue the head nodding by parents and caregivers of tantrumming toddlers.
As we already know from the title, “there is nothing you can do” about Seahorse being furious. But an octopus tries several things to soothe him anyway. Again, parents and caregivers of full-of-big-emotions preschoolers will relate! And given the low word count and simple illustrations, there is plenty of space to discuss what makes little listeners grumpy or furious. Hopefully, reading and rereading Seahorse is Furious and There is Nothing You Can Do About It will help as they learn to handle their big emotions.
A Note about Craft:
Low word count, clean backgrounds and simplified illustrations, plus addressing the reader directly add up to a wonderful way to draw little listeners into this story and provide a springboard to discuss and address big emotions.
This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!
Wander, Ponder, Write 