Tom Percival, author and illustrator, discusses the importance of emotions in children's books and the power of vulnerability and empathy. He shares his personal experiences and how they influence his storytelling. Tom emphasizes the need for authenticity and creating a safe space for emotional expression. He also discusses breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions. Tom explores the value of 'bad' emotions and the importance of feeling not alone in one's emotions. He concludes by sharing his future projects and his hope for readers to find solace and resilience in his books.   Takeaways; Emotions play a crucial role in children's books, helping young readers understand and navigate their feelings. Vulnerability and empathy are powerful tools for connecting with children and creating a safe space for emotional expression. Breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions is essential for promoting emotional well-being. 'Bad' emotions have value and can be used as a guide for personal growth and understanding. Feeling not alone in one's emotions is comforting and reassuring, emphasizing the importance of community and support. Authenticity and honesty are key in both personal and professional relationships, fostering trust and understanding. Creating multi-layered stories that resonate with both children and adults allows for deeper engagement and shared experiences. Challenges and obstacles in life provide opportunities for growth and resilience. Children's books have the power to inspire and empower readers, offering hope and solutions to life's problems. This episode was originally published - 9/14/2021 Check out our newest product - Emotions by High 5 - https://store.high5adventure.org/products/emotions-by-high-5 Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com