Culture
‘If You’re Angry and You Know It, Go Outside’: author Mara Giglio on helping children navigate big feelings
By: Emily Votaw
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – In this episode of Conversations From Studio B, host Emily Votaw interviews Mara Giglio, Director of the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network and author of If You’re Angry and You Know It, Go Outside: Tools to Cool Off Hot Feelings, a children’s book illustrated by Keith Wilde about emotional self-regulation. Ohio University Press’ Swallow Press publishes the book October 21.
Listen to the conversation by clicking “play” in the SoundCloud embed above.
The book tells the story of Mari, a child navigating grief after the loss of her beloved pet. By exploring Mari’s journey, Giglio introduces readers to practical strategies that help children and adults alike manage difficult emotions.
Drawing on decades of experience teaching social and emotional skills, Giglio adapts evidence-based practices into an accessible format for young readers. Her approach focuses on three key wellness skills: noticing sensations, grounding through physical activities, and focusing on love and joy.
These skills come directly from the Community Resiliency Model developed by the Trauma Resource Institute, which emphasizes building resilience at both individual and community levels. Giglio explains how these practices, when integrated into daily life, can widen one’s “zone of resilience” and make it easier to return to calm after moments of stress.
The book’s illustrations by Keith Wilde bring to life the internal processes of self-regulation through vivid images of chaos transforming into calm. Giglio describes Wilde as an “art midwife,” capable of translating intangible feelings into pictures that children can readily understand.
During the interview, Giglio also discusses how her work at the Appalachian Peace and Justice Network has long centered on conflict resolution, nonviolent communication, and resilience training. She sees this children’s book as a natural extension of that mission, providing young readers with tools to process strong emotions in healthy ways.
In addition to writing, Giglio regularly leads self-regulation trainings for schools, nonprofits, and community groups across Ohio. Throughout the conversation, she highlights how building emotional resilience in children can lay the groundwork for healthier, more peaceful communities.
The Athens County Public Library will host a book launch event for If You’re Angry and You Know It, Go Outside on Saturday, October 11. Find more information about that event at this link.