Bilal's Bad Day

Have you ever had a day that was just overwhelming? In Bilal's Bad Day, a picture book by Neelum Khan, the main character Bilal is struggling with a day where everything seems to be bothering him. As Bilal's day continues to get worse he uses some learning techniques to help calm down his body.

What I Liked: The book can be used as a valuable learning tool for children to understand different ways to calm their bodies I have a son with Sensory Process Disorder and wish there was a book like this when he was younger to explain various techniques to calm yourself. It also showed how Bilal's parents recognized his need for space to regulate and encouraged him to find his calm. I loved that it depicted the parents creating a safe den for him to chill in. The book highlights five different types of techniques that Bilal uses, and it's worth noting that one of them is faith-based, which readers may want to consider. The illustrations are very expressive, and you truly understand Bilal's frustration. The book concludes with an interactive spinner, which a child can use to choose a calming technique, making the process of learning different methods feel like a game

Bilal's Bad Day is a book that should be read by children and parents as we all can benefit from reading and talking more about emotional regulation and feelings.

When I saw this book about a young boy managing big feelings and emotional overwhelm, I knew I had to read it with my son. My little guy has also been working on regulating his feelings, so I was excited to find a book that approached the topic in an interactive, accessible way.
Even though my family isn't Muslim, the coping strategies presented in "Bilal's Bad Day" - like mindful breathing and grounding - are universally applicable. The choose-your-own-adventure format, complete with a spinner, makes the book incredibly engaging for kids. And the inclusion of a parent's guide and discussion questions at the end creates valuable opportunities for families to explore emotions together.
What I love most is how the book validates the importance of a supportive family during challenging moments. Bilal's parents, both his mom and dad, are shown actively helping him work through his "bad day." As an educator, I appreciate that representation, and as a mom, I know how vital it is for children to see caregivers modeling healthy emotional regulation. "Bilal's Bad Day" is a wonderful resource for any family or classroom looking to expand their social-emotional learning library.