Step Into Stories

How Imaginative Play Helps Children Explore Their Feelings

When I was a little girl, I had a fairy book that I spent hours imagining myself living in. Those pages weren’t just stories — they were whole worlds I could explore. I loved stepping right inside them, feeling the magic, the adventure, and the safety of that imagined space.

Looking back, I realise that book was more than just a story — it was a safe place when things felt confusing or difficult. I would imagine myself stepping into its world, seeing the characters’ experiences as my own, and finding comfort in ways I couldn’t yet put into words. I still have that book today, and I’ve shared it with my own children, so they can discover the magic and reassurance that once helped me.

A Day in Fairy Land by Rahman and Seagreen

This magic is something I carry into my work today — stories don’t just live on the page, they come alive in the imagination. Through activities, play, and conversations, children can step into a story world and find safety, adventure, or comfort there.

That’s why each of my books have activities to involve all the senses weaved throughout the story — from hopping around magical pillow islands to experimenting with sponges and water, each activity is designed to help little ones enter the story and discover their own feelings within it.

I’m lucky to work with an incredible illustrator Sarah-Leigh Wills, whose amazing ability to imagine each character gives them a unique voice and personality, bringing the story world to life in ways children can truly connect with.

Copyright illustration by Sarah-Leigh Wills

Stories have a unique power for children. They don’t just entertain — when carefully designed from a therapeutic perspective, characters and storylines can gently mirror a child’s own experiences, helping them feel seen, safe, and understood. Drawing on my training in therapeutic story writing, I create characters and situations that act as a starting point for conversation and emotional processing. Children can connect their own feelings to the story, exploring emotions in a gentle, natural way that supports understanding and self-expression.

Try These Ideas to Bring Stories to Life

Here are some simple ways to help little ones step into a story world:

• Move like the characters – Hop, twirl, crawl, or tiptoe as the characters do in the story. Moving with the story helps children feel part of the adventure.

• Explore with your senses – Use water, sand, or soft materials to recreate textures or places from the story. Sensory play helps children engage deeply and safely with their emotions.

• Talk with the characters – Pause and ask gentle questions like, “How do you think this character feels?” or “What would you do here?” This encourages reflection and emotional expression.

• Create story-inspired crafts – Draw, paint, or build something from the story. Crafting allows children to explore their own feelings through creativity.

• Step into the safe space – Encourage children to imagine entering the story world when things feel tricky. It can be a comforting way to explore emotions and find calm.

  
  

Even a few minutes spent bringing a story to life can help children feel seen, understood, and supported — all while having fun.

Stories open little worlds, and by stepping into a story and exploring it through play, movement, and creativity, children can discover their own feelings in a gentle, supportive way. Emotions at Play books are full of playful activities and thoughtful prompts designed to help children connect with their emotions while enjoying the magic of the story. It’s a simple, joyful way to make story time a space for imagination, comfort, and learning together.