All the Feels: 14 Books To Help Kids With Their Emotions
by Dena McMurdie
Kids come with a full spectrum of emotions, some of which are too big to keep inside. Every child handles feelings differently, but learning to deal with them is an important part of growing up. Here are some of our favorite books for helping kids manage their emotions.
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Meet the Emotions (Disney/Pixar Inside Out 2)
Available from:The movie Inside Out was hailed as excellent teaching tools for helping kids understand emotions. This delightful board book, based on the hugely successful sequel, will surely resonate with little readers just as much as the film.
(Ages 0 - 3)Also available from: -
How Do You Feel?
Available from:This nonfiction board book introduces toddlers to the feelings they might encounter on the playground. Whether they’re feeling happy when they’re playing or angry when things don’t go their way, children will learn to recognize emotions in themselves and others.
(Ages 0 - 3)RELATED: Board Books About Big Feelings for Babies & Toddlers
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Llama Llama Mad at Mama
Available from:When Llama loses his patience and throws a tantrum in the store, Mama keeps her cool and decides to let Llama be more involved with the shopping. Llama learns that while the chore may be boring, spending time with a loved one is more important.
(Ages 2 - 5)Also available from: -
ABC of Feelings
Available from:With simple text and vibrant illustrations, this ABC book is the perfect way to educate young readers about their feelings. From anxious to zany and every emotion in between, children will learn how to recognize their feelings.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Ups and Downs: A Book of Emotions
Available from:From challenging emotions like anger and disappointment to happy emotions like curiosity and joy, the range of feelings experienced by the three children in this story is very relatable. Beautiful illustrations focus on facial expressions and body language, helping kids to learn to recognize these emotions in others.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Millie Fierce
Available from:When Millie gets frustrated at being constantly overlooked, she starts acting out to get attention. It works at first, but quickly backfires when everyone starts avoiding her. She soon discovers there are consequences for her actions and a big difference between getting noticed and being mean.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Where Happiness Begins
Available from:If you read and loved When Sadness is at Your Door, you’ll appreciate this companion book. Written and illustrated in the same straightforward style, readers will learn that simple actions can lead to happiness, even when it’s hard to find.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
How to Tantrum Like a Champion: Ten Small Ways to Temper Big Feelings
Available from:We all have those days when our emotions become too big to handle. For kids, that can often lead to a tantrum. Luckily, this book teaches how to curb those big feelings before a tantrum hits. From hanging upside down like a bat to doing a silly dance, kids will love the helpful advice in this book.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
Breathing Makes It Better
Available from:Learning how to identify emotions is an important skill. So is knowing how to deal with those emotions. This book introduces children to the art of breathing as a way of coping with strong and unpleasant feelings. Kids can use breathing exercises to help themselves feel calmer and more peaceful.
(Ages 3 - 7)RELATED: Books About Mindfulness and Meditation for Younger Kids
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Feelings
Available from:Children that enjoy interactive elements will love this peek-through book. It gently introduces children to their emotions while reminding them that all feelings are important. The stunning illustrations and lyrical text make this book a must-have for every child’s bookshelf.
(Ages 3 - 7)Also available from: -
A Little Emotional
Available from:In this thoughtful yet funny picture book, kids learn how easy it can be to let our emotions get the better of us. Tommy's Happiness disappears when his favorite toy goes missing. Worry takes its place as he searches, followed by Anger and Jealousy at his little sister for playing with her toys.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Barefoot King
Available from:In a kingdom where everybody goes barefoot, the king inevitably stubs his toe on a rock. To prevent any additional accidents, he decides to cover the land in leather, which results in some unintended consequences. This delightful tale comes with a short guide to jump-start discussions on handling life’s challenges in a healthy way.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
Big Feelings
Available from:From the creators of All Are Welcome comes a guide to the big feelings that children have. Things don’t always work out the way we want them to. When that happens, it’s a good idea to know how to handle feelings of frustration, disappointment, or overwhelm. With rhyming text and cheerful artwork, this book is a must-read for school-age children.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from: -
The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon
Available from:How do you cheer up a grump? With playful language and subtle rhymes, this delightful read-aloud is about a young girl determined to get her brother out of his funky mood. When nothing seems to work, she soon finds herself in a funk of her own. A fun and charming story that allows readers to start a conversation on how to budge their own curmudgeon.
(Ages 4 - 8)Also available from:
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2024.