Leave Me Alone!

#1 New York Times Bestselling author Dr. Becky is back with a new picture book about a deeply feeling kid and what happens when her emotions take over—and how her mom can help her know that she is safe.

Nothing makes Pia happier than playing secret agents with her brother, Charlie. Until . . . an unexpected stumble . . . Did she just ruin the game?! Her body freezes. Her heart pounds. All the feelings in her body start bubbling up, and she explodes.

Pia is a Deeply Feeling Kid (DFK). DFKs experience emotions with intensity. Their big reactions to seemingly small events can feel sudden and overwhelming, and attempts to help them often backfire. These are the kids who seem tough and prickly on the outside . . . yet underneath, they’re scared and overwhelmed, struggling to manage feelings that seem too big for their bodies.

Parenting a DFK can feel like walking on eggshells—never sure what might set things off, always bracing for the next explosion. Dr. Becky has created an approach that helps caregivers stay sturdy, build connection, and become the safe base their kid needs—even in the hardest moments.

Picture books from parenting expert Dr. Becky do more than tell a story: They depict real, messy moments and share an important message for kids and parents alike.