All the Hulk Feels (A Mighty Marvel Comics Picture Book) by Dan Santat

What happens when you take one of Marvel’s most iconic, rage-fueled superheroes and turn him into a heartfelt, emotionally intelligent picture book? You get All the Hulk Feels by Dan Santat—a vibrant, clever, and surprisingly touching exploration of anger, empathy, and self-control.

This isn’t just another superhero book for kids. It’s a masterclass in emotional literacy disguised as a fun, action-packed Hulk adventure. With Santat’s signature humor, expressive illustrations, and a story that resonates with both children and adults, this book is a must-read for Marvel fans, parents, and educators alike.

But does it live up to the hype? Let’s smash through this review and find out.

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Without giving away major spoilers, All the Hulk Feels follows Bruce Banner (and his big, green alter ego) as he navigates a day where everything seems to go wrong. From spilled milk to broken toys, each frustration builds until—SMASH!—the Hulk emerges, wreaking havoc in his wake.

But unlike traditional Hulk stories where destruction is the main event, this book takes a different approach. Instead of celebrating chaos, it explores what happens after the Hulk’s outburst. How does he (and Bruce) deal with the consequences? Can the Hulk learn to manage his emotions before they manage him?

The narrative cleverly balances superhero action with emotional growth, making it both exciting and educational.

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Dan Santat does something brilliant here—he humanizes the Hulk. Instead of being a one-dimensional force of destruction, this version of the Hulk is a child stand-in, struggling with big emotions he doesn’t fully understand.

• Bruce Banner represents the rational side—the part of us that knows we shouldn’t overreact but sometimes can’t help it.
• The Hulk is pure, unfiltered emotion—raw and powerful, but not inherently bad.

This duality makes the Hulk a perfect metaphor for childhood temper tantrums. Kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) will see themselves in both Bruce’s frustration and the Hulk’s explosive reactions.

While the focus is on Bruce/Hulk, Santat sprinkles in familiar Marvel faces (like Thor and Iron Man) in fun, non-intrusive ways. These cameos add a layer of excitement for Marvel fans without overshadowing the emotional core.

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Dan Santat’s writing is:
✅ Playful yet purposeful – The rhyming text keeps the story lively while reinforcing emotional lessons.
✅ Visually dynamic – The illustrations pop with bold colors and exaggerated expressions, making the Hulk’s emotions feel larger than life.
✅ Interactive – Some pages use creative formatting (like torn edges or "Hulk-smash" effects) to immerse readers in the action.

The book’s pacing is perfect for young readers—quick enough to hold attention but with enough depth to spark meaningful discussions.

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At its core, All the Hulk Feels is about:

• Emotional regulation – How do we handle big feelings before they control us?
• Accountability – What happens after we lose our temper?
• Self-acceptance – Anger isn’t "bad"—it’s about learning to express it constructively.

This isn’t just a book about not smashing things; it’s about understanding why we smash things in the first place.

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As someone who grew up with the Hulk as a symbol of unrestrained power, seeing him reimagined as a character learning emotional intelligence was refreshing. My favorite moment? When the Hulk realizes that his anger doesn’t define him—it’s just one part of who he is.

Parents will appreciate how the book normalizes frustration while offering gentle coping strategies. Kids will love the action and humor. And Marvel fans? They’ll geek out over the Easter eggs.

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Compared to other Marvel children’s books (like Spidey and His Amazing Friends or The Thing About Luck), All the Hulk Feels stands out for its emotional depth. It’s more than just a superhero story—it’s a tool for emotional learning.

Fans of The Color Monster or When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… will appreciate the similar approach to emotional literacy, but with a superhero twist.

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✔ Unique take on the Hulk – Not just smashing, but understanding anger.
✔ Gorgeous, engaging art – Santat’s illustrations are bursting with energy.
✔ Great read-aloud potential – Rhythmic text makes it fun for parents and teachers.

❌ Marvel lore-light – Hardcore fans might want more references.
❌ Could be longer – Some kids might want more story after the emotional climax.

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• Kids ages 3-7 (especially those learning to manage emotions)
• Marvel-loving families
• Teachers & counselors looking for SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) books
• Adult Hulk fans who appreciate fresh takes on the character

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"Sometimes the Hulk feels BIG, / Sometimes he feels small. / But no matter his size, / He’s loved through it all."

This line perfectly encapsulates the book’s message—emotions may change, but self-worth doesn’t.

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In an era where emotional intelligence is increasingly valued, All the Hulk Feels offers a timely lesson: anger isn’t the enemy—it’s how we handle it that counts. By using a beloved, "angry" superhero to teach this, Santat makes the lesson accessible and engaging.

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All the Hulk Feels isn’t just a great Marvel book—it’s a great children’s book, period. With humor, heart, and a powerful message, it’s a must-have for any young reader’s shelf.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 – A perfect blend of fun and feeling!)

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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1. How do you handle big emotions like the Hulk?
2. Which Marvel character should get a similar emotional deep-dive next?
3. Did this book change how you see the Hulk?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your take! 🚀

Get this book on Amazon

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