I Don't Want to Play Nicely

A gentle picture book that examines the issues of selfishness, aggression and kindness in a reassuring way – perfect for young children who struggle with aggressive behaviour. The story offers a way in to talk about how our actions can make others feel and how we can make that better, reinforcing good behaviour. At the end of the story, there are notes for parents and teachers with suggestions of ways to help children deal with the big emotions they experience.

Finn struggles with caring for other children at school. He can be selfish and he often plays too aggressively. When the other children complain, Mr Hare has an idea. He chooses Finn as the buddy for Jake, a new boy at school. However, Finn does not help Jake, and the other children become really upset with Finn for being so unkind. Finn is soon left out by the other children and is left feeling miserable and lonely. Can Mr Hare help Finn find a way to make it all better?

This book is part of a series, Our Emotions and Behaviour, which is perfect for sharing with children as a gentle means of identifying and discussing their emotions, boosting their confidence and helping social and emotional development. Each book has a fun story which is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together and a wordless storyboard for children to tell a story themselves and reinforce the story’s message. The series supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage.