Herdyne Mercier releases children's book on emotions and grief

Herdyne Mercier, LCSW, has released her first children’s book, Mommy, What’s That Feeling?, in April 2026 to help young readers understand and express big emotions, including grief. The book is designed as a supportive tool for caregivers who want age-appropriate language for hard feelings. Why it matters: - Mommy, What’s That Feeling? gives children language for emotions they may feel but cannot yet name. - The book is aimed at helping young readers process grief and other big feelings in a safe, age-appropriate way. - Caregivers, parents and guardians can use the book to support emotional conversations at home. What happened: - Herdyne Mercier, LCSW, announced the release of her first children’s book, Mommy, What’s That Feeling?. - The book was released in April 2026. - Mercier is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Grief Coach, nonprofit founder of L.I.V.E. (Living In Value & Empowerment), retreat facilitator and transformational speaker. - Mercier is also the host of the Redefining Grief Podcast. The details: - The book is described as a warm, supportive resource for children experiencing big feelings. - Mommy, What’s That Feeling? is designed to help children understand and express emotions with sensitivity and care. - The book includes grief as one of the emotions it helps children explore. - Mercier says her work centers on helping people see grief as more than loss. - Mercier frames grief as a path toward transformation, renewed living and emotional resilience. - The book extends Mercier’s podcast mission to children by offering language, emotional awareness and reassurance. - The book is intended to help when feelings feel confusing or overwhelming. Between the lines: - The release positions children’s emotional literacy as part of grief support, not separate from it. - Mercier’s background in social work and grief coaching suggests the book is meant to serve both families and professionals looking for practical emotional tools. - The emphasis on safety, nonjudgment and age-appropriate language signals a focus on reducing shame around feelings. What’s next: - Mercier is likely to continue using her book, podcast and nonprofit platform to expand conversations about grief and emotional healing. - Caregivers looking for more information can visit Mercier’s Instagram page .