Leave Me Alone!: A Good Inside Story About Deeply Feeling Kids by Dr. Becky Kennedy (with illustrations by Vera Brosgol) is a warm, validating, and beautifully illustrated picture book designed to help children (and the grown-ups who love them) understand and honor big feelings. Published in early 2025 by HarperCollins, the book quickly became a favorite in the “Good Inside” parenting and children’s mental-health space for its gentle, non-judgmental approach to emotional intensity.
Story
The main character is a small child who feels EVERYTHING deeply—joy explodes into wild laughter, frustration turns into a full-body meltdown, sadness feels like the whole world is ending. When the child’s feelings get very big, they shout the book’s title phrase: “Leave me alone!” They push away hugs, stomp away from offers of help, and hide under blankets or in corners because the intensity inside feels too much to share.
The grown-up in the story (a parent or caregiver) does not get angry, lecture, or walk away. Instead, they stay close (but not too close), speak softly, and say things like:
- “Your feelings are so big right now, and that’s okay.”
- “I’m right here when you’re ready.”
- “You don’t have to make the feeling smaller for me to love you.”
The child eventually comes out of hiding—not because the feeling disappears, but because they feel safe enough to let someone witness it. The story ends with a quiet moment of connection: a hand on a shoulder, a shared breath, and the unspoken message that big feelings do not make you bad or broken—they just make you human.
Why It Resonates with Deeply Feeling Kids (and Parents)
- Emotional validation without fixing — Dr. Becky (known for her “Good Inside” philosophy) never tells the child to “calm down” or “use your words.” She models staying present and regulated while allowing the full storm to pass.
- Relatable illustrations — Vera Brosgol’s soft, expressive art captures the physicality of big feelings: clenched fists, red cheeks, stormy thought bubbles, and the visible relief when connection returns.
- Age-appropriate language — Simple, repetitive phrases make it easy for young children (ages 3–8) to follow and repeat.
- Parent mirror — Grown-ups see a realistic, compassionate way to respond to meltdowns without escalating or abandoning the child emotionally.
- No shame, all acceptance — The message is clear: You are good inside even when your feelings are huge and messy.
Who It’s For
- Highly sensitive children, neurodivergent kids (autism, ADHD, PDA), or any child who experiences emotions at full volume.
- Parents and caregivers who want to move away from “fix it now” responses toward co-regulation and emotional safety.
- Teachers, therapists, and school counselors looking for a read-aloud that opens conversations about feelings without judgment.
Series & Style Notes
This is a standalone picture book, but it sits comfortably alongside Dr. Becky’s other work (Good Inside, her podcast, and social-media content). The tone is gentle, warm, and never preachy. The illustrations are soft and colorful, balancing intensity with comfort.
In short, Leave Me Alone! is a small book with a big heart. It gives deeply feeling kids permission to feel everything—and gives grown-ups a roadmap for staying close when a child needs distance most. It is fast becoming a go-to storytime and bedtime read for families navigating big emotions. Highly recommended for ages 3–8 (and the adults who love them).