I'm Excited

Elizabeth Crary's 1994 picture book tackles the big, bouncy energy of childhood excitement — specifically birthday anticipation — with a clever choose-your-own-adventure format that lets young readers try out different responses and see where each leads. It is part of the long-running Parenting Press 'Dealing with Feelings' series, well regarded by both parents and early childhood professionals. The interactive structure is what sets it apart: rather than telling children how to feel, it invites them to think through choices. The honest caveat is the age of the illustrations, which feel visually dated by current picture-book standards. Still, parents and child-therapy professionals continue to rely on this series, and the core approach holds up well.