Big Feelings
If you’ve got a little one, you know they’ve got tons of big feelings. Sometimes helping your child to manage those feelings can seem like a full time job. Get yourself some backup with these great books!
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Books That Explain Feelings
How Do You Feel? - an absolutely beautiful book, which will help your little one begin to identify and label feelings. The illustrations are fun, colorful, and feature a beautifully diverse group of kids.
The Color Monster - a great book for young readers (toddlers, 2’s and young 3’s) about how to sort out and manage your feelings when they’re all mixed up. Check out the Spanish edition too.
Fergal and the Bad Temper - is a fantastic story about a dinosaur who has trouble keeping his cool. His fiery temper gets in the way of everything, ruining everything from soccer class to enjoying a snack with his friends. With a little help from his mom, Fergal learns strategies for calming down, and shares them with his friends. This one is simple enough to read with a two year old, but would also be great for a preschooler or kindergartener.
In My Heart - an absolutely gorgeous book that explores the full range of our emotions. Your little one will love the beautiful illustrations and engaging rhyming text. Check out the Spanish edition here!
The Feelings Book & The Feel Good Book are two great books about feelings. Children really enjoy his simple and fun illustrations. I love the way these books talk about the feelings themselves as well as activities that correspond to them. Both are available in Spanish.
Big Boys Cry - As Levi prepares for his first day of school, he tells his father that he’s scared. Unsure of what to say, his father tells him that “big boys don’t cry.” On his way to school, he sees men of all shapes and sizes crying for many different reasons, showing him that it really is ok to cry.
Allie All Along - a fabulous book that illustrates what happens during moments of intense frustration. Follow Allie as she goes from enraged (red) to calm (blue).
Ruby Finds a Worry - Ruby’s worry starts off small, but she soon finds that it has grown bigger. It follows her everywhere, making it hard for her to enjoy daily life. Ruby discovers that she isn’t alone, and makes a friend with a worry of his own. Together they learn that the best way to deal with worry is to talk about it. I love the way this book illustrates anxiety in ways that kids can understand.
Words and Your Heart explains the power of words in simple and clear ways. This book is a perfect tool for discussions about bullying.
I’m Happy Sad Today - this book is perfect for explaining the endless combinations of feelings that we sometimes feel all at once. You and your little reader can explore all of the feelings that come up when starting school, going on a first sleepover or making a new friend. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the fabulous words that she uses to describe her mixed up emotions, including “braverous,” “happcited” and “smad.”
Waiting Is Not Forever - I book all parents need! This colorful board book is perfect for toddlers, two’s and preschoolers. In simple, straight-forward text, this book discusses the many moments in which we have to wait. It offers practical strategies for kids to amuse themselves, while they wait. It also reminds parents of the impact that words, such as “later,” and “soon,” have on our kids.
Perfectly Norman - When Norman sprouts wings one day he’s afraid of what others will think of them. He tries to hide them from everyone. He hides inside of a winter coat, missing out on his life with his friends and family. When he finally decides to show everyone his wings he is overjoyed to find others like him who love to fly.
Ravi’s Roar - Ravi is the youngest and smallest in his family. One day he gets frustrated by not being able to reach the monkey bars and missing out on ice cream. He gets so angry that he turns into a tiger, having tantrums right and left. I love the way this book illustrates tantrums and how they affect others.
No, No, Elizabeth! - I am in love with this book! Elizabeth wants to go out and play, but can’t because everything outside is wet. She wants to play with her grandpa, but he’s too tired. She wants to jump on her bed, but her parents tell her it’s too dangerous. It seems that everywhere Elizabeth turns, she’s met with a “no.” This story beautifully illustrates the frustration that all of our kids feel, at times. It's also an important reminder that rules and boundaries are so important for children. I love the way this book captures the perspectives of both Elizabeth and her parents, who stand their ground, while reassuring her that they love her even when they say “no.”
Tiger Days: A Book of Feelings - a great book for understanding the range of emotions that children feel. You and your little one will enjoy the rhyming text and animal illustrations.
When’s My Birthday? - Does your child constantly ask “when’s my birthday?” like mine does?? This book is for you! Follow along as the birthday girl shares all of the things she wants for her birthday, including a pony and a chicken!
Clovis Keeps His Cool - Clovis is a bull with a temper! He manages to keep it under control with some deep breathing until some old rivals start heckling him in his grandma’s china shop. Will he find a way to keep his cool? My kids loved Clovis, a bull with a big heart and lots of personality. I loved the practical strategies for managing big feelings.
Books With Practical Strategies
Isle of You is a beautiful book that offer strategies for calming down and relieving stress. The Isle of You is a magical, fun and peaceful place to go, that’s just for you. Try reading this after a particularly tough day or right after a meltdown. It’ll leave you and your little one feeling calm.
Breathe With Me - helps introduce the concept of breath work and meditation to young readers. I love the way this book helps to connect techniques for specific feelings. For example, how to breathe when feeling angry or frustrated.
Charlotte and the Quiet Place - Charlotte’s world is noisy and bustling. All she wants is to find a quiet place to read her favorite book, but does such a place exist? I love the way this book points out everyday noises that are ignored by so many of us but can be very bothersome for kids who are sensitive or neurodiverse. It’s also a great way to teach us about the importance of finding a quiet space within ourselves.
Celebrate! Feelings - I love everything about this book! It explores many different feelings and offers practical strategies to help children manage them. Author, Sophia Day, shows readers how to find their way from sad to happy, from angry to peaceful and shy to friendly, with breathing and mindfulness techniques. The illustrations are perfect, featuring children from diverse backgrounds and a variety of abilities. This little board book is packed with information and is just the right size to keep on hand in your home or classroom!
The Mindful Cat is a gorgeous book! This spunky cat reminds us that we all get overwhelmed by our emotions at times, especially when things don’t go our way. Mindful Cat teaches us that when we take deep breaths and let our worries go, we can take control and quiet our minds. I love this book helps families find practical techniques for managing our emotions.
Move Your Mood is another great book with strategies to de-stress and get energy out. By the time your child is done moving their body in all the different ways listed in the book, they might not remember what was so upsetting in the first place.
Calm Down Time - great for toddler’s and 2’s, a very simple book with practical strategies for calming down. Parenting tips are inside the back cover!
How To Apologize - This book should be essential reading for all kids (and grown-ups too!). Apologizing is a delicate art form, one that our littles ones are just beginning to understand. Luckily, these fun and silly woodland critters have figured out how and when to say “I’m sorry.” Simple text and hilarious illustrations make this the perfect guidebook for little readers.
Sometimes When I’m Sad - a fabulous new book from Free Spirit Publishing! This book helps us identify feelings of sadness and gives practical strategies for processing and expressing it. It affirms how important it is to share how we feel and teaches readers how to move forward.
Happy Right Now - So often I find myself saying “I’ll be happy when…” and this book challenges us to live in the present and be happy right now. A great book and lesson for all of us!
My Magic Breath - This is the perfect teaching tool for deep breathing, mindfulness, and calming down. The illustrations are great for making this strategy more concrete for children.
The Fastest Tortoise in Town - Trying new things can feel overwhelming. So when Barbara, the tortoise, signs up for a road race, she’s so nervous, she doesn’t know what to do. Should she just give up? With lots of love and encouragement from her best friend, Lorraine, she learns how to prepare for the race, and bit by bit, she builds her confidence. With adorable illustrations and messages about perseverance, this book is awesome.
The I’m Not Scared Book - Books by Todd Parr are some of my all-time favorites. I love the way this book pairs scary situations with a simple strategy. From being nervous about the first day of school, a fear of the dark, thunderstorms, and more, this book has got it all.
Big Words For Little People - this series is my newest favorite! Each book in this series creates a special moment to focus on feelings and discover the words and phrases needed to talk about them. All the words are carefully chosen, and with 10 sharing tips at the back of each book, as well as a glossary, offer easy opportunities to talk about first experiences and new emotions. The Bravery, Calmness and Doing Your Best titles have been especially helpful for us!
Oliver’s Lollipop - This is absolutely one of the best books I’ve ever read about being present and staying in the moment! Oliver is so focused on keeping his precious lollipop safe that he can’t enjoy his trip to the zoo. He’s afraid he’ll lose it on the carousel and misses his chance for a ride. Will he be able to enjoy the day if he keeps worrying about his lollipop? This book is the perfect reminder (for kids and grownups) that it’s easy to miss out on the beauty of the present if we spend too much time worrying about the future.
Ava and the Rainbow (Who Stayed) - This book has been very helpful for my teaching my children about appreciating what they have. When the most beautiful and magical rainbow arrives, Ava is thrilled! Soon people come from all around to see the rainbow. The rainbow decides to stick around but Ava and the townspeople begin to lose interest. But when the rainbow disappears, Ava learns to appreciate the things in life that are rare and special.
If I Were King - Thomas is a regular boy with a regular life. But what would it be like if he were king? Would it be fun to eat cake for breakfast instead? What would it be like to wake up in a new room full of toys? I love this book because it reminds us to appreciate what we have, especially our families.
The King of Too Many Things - King Jasper is used to getting anything he wants. With the help of his friend, the Wizard, his every wish instantly comes true. But what happens when he wishes for too many things at once? A great big magical mess. This is the perfect book for teaching children about the downfalls of always wanting more.
Find many more related books in my post about tantrums and anxiety.
Quick Tips:
Preview the book before reading with your child. This will help you decide if the length and wording are appropriate for him/her. It'll also help prepare you for questions and topics that may come up as you read.
Choose a time when you can read the book slowly with your child, let her/him look at the pictures and take in the words.
Be prepared for questions. Stop reading and listen when questions and comments come up. These will give you insight into what your child is feeling and thinking.
Remember- you don't need to have all the answers. Just acknowledging your child's feelings goes a long way.
Here are some ideas for when you don't know what to say:
I'm glad you told me about that."
"So ______ makes you feel ______? I didn't know that, but I'm happy I know that now."
"I get _______ (frustrated/angry etc.) sometimes too."
"Here's what I do when I feel ______."
"What do you think we could do to help you feel better? Do you have any ideas?
"I know you get frustrated/angry/upset about ____ but you won't be alone, we'll do it together."
Be sure to share any concerns about your child with a trusted pediatrician, their teacher or caregiver. These professionals are a great resource and can offer advice or additional guidance.
