Exploring Emotions Through Story


Explore Emotions: The Someone New

From the Activity Guide: Inside the Story – The Someone New


The Someone New is a wonderful story by Jill Twiss and EG Keller about being brave in the face of the new and unknown. Join us on an adventure as we read the story and explore its themes with our bodies and minds.


Story Time: Watch and Listen

Watch as our friend Heather reads us The Something New.


Just like the characters in the story, when we’re feeling big feelings on the inside, our bodies and faces show those feelings on the outside. With a parent or a friend or even by yourself in front of a mirror, see what it feels like to act out some of these feelings.


Jitterbug- At the beginning of the story, Jitterbug the chipmunk feels nervous about someone new arriving.  Jitterbug is afraid that things might change if someone new moves in, and new things can be scary.

  • What do Jitterbug’s body and face look like when Jitterbug is afraid or nervous?
  • What do YOUR body and face look like when you feel afraid or nervous?

Pudding-When we first meet Pudding the snail, Pudding is sad about the storm that has ruined their home.

  • What do you think Pudding the snail’s body and face look like when Pudding is sad?
  • What do YOUR body and face look like when you feel sad?

At the end of the story, Jitterbug and Pudding are happy to be friends living their lives together

  • How do you imagine feeling happy changes the way their bodies and faces look?
  • How do your body and face look when YOU feel happy!?

Now, let’s try other feelings out and see how you look and move as they change.  Here are some to try:

  • Worried
  • Exhausted
  • Mad
  • Excited
  • Thankful
  • Frustrated
  • Loving

Find other activities for this story in the full Activity Guide: Inside the Story – The Someone New

Find other educational videos here.


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