Ollie and the Inkstorm: A Big Feelings Story About Anger and Calming Big Emotions

When big feelings build and it's hard to stay calm, Ollie the Octopus knows exactly what that feels like.

Ollie has eight arms... and even more feelings. Sometimes they slip out before he can stop them-bursting into squirts, squirms, and full-blown inkstorms that leave him feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, and alone.

But when Ollie meets other sea creatures who have big feelings too, something unexpected happens... The Big Feelings Club is born.

Together, they begin to discover simple, child-friendly ways to understand and manage big emotions-like noticing what's happening in their bodies, taking a breath, and using a calming knot-tying technique to help their storms settle.

Written by a psychologist and mum, Ollie and the Inkstorm is a warm and engaging picture book for children aged 4-8. It supports emotional awareness, resilience, and self-regulation through playful storytelling and practical tools.

Perfect for children who experience anxiety, overwhelm, or strong emotions, this story offers gentle opportunities for connection, conversation, and co-regulation at home, in classrooms, or in therapy settings.

Because every feeling can be faced... and every child deserves to feel understood.

Ideal for:

- Children who experience big emotions, frustration, or outbursts

- Parents and carers supporting emotional regulation

- Educators and therapists teaching social and emotional skills

Because every feeling can be faced... and every child deserves to feel understood.