Board Books About Big Feelings for Babies & Toddlers
by Elizabeth Harrison
Babies and toddlers are beginning to understand and express their feelings and emotions. They may overreact to seemingly small things and often have trouble communicating their needs.
These titles are useful tools to help toddlers process and cope with their feelings. They encourage using words to describe emotions and offer valuable skills for self-management. By sharing these board books about big feelings with our little ones, we can create a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive.
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My Book of Feelings
Available from:My toddler has loved this title since she was a baby. The full-color photographs make the content particularly relevant and appealing. Babies and toddlers can see familiar situations, allowing them to make connections with the emotions depicted in the book. It does an excellent job of being inclusive by featuring children with various skin tones and disabilities. The emoji spinners make it extra engaging!
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Happy Puppy, Angry Tiger
Available from:We’ve thoroughly enjoyed this board book in our home! Each page features a different animal or insect paired with an emotion or attitude. Some pairings are funny and unexpected (e.g., the praying mantis is grateful), making this an enjoyable read-aloud! The illustrations are super quirky and have bold, cheerful colors. Toddlers will have fun guessing each feeling based on the illustrations.
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A Change of Plans for Elmo!: Sesame Street Monster Meditation in collaboration with Headspace
Available from:Toddlers thrive on routines and predictability, and change can be difficult. The Monster Meditation series is a perfect social-emotional learning tool for little ones who love Sesame Street! In this title, Elmo learns to cope with disappointment when a special playdate gets canceled. Readers will enjoy and benefit from the game Elmo learns (1, 2, 3, Freeze) when they experience big feelings of their own.
RELATED: The Best Books for Fans of Elmo
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Llama Llama Feelings
Available from:Sometimes Llama Llama feels happy, sometimes he feels sad. This easy-to-understand board book follows Llama Llama as he feels a number of emotions, especially as he gets ready for bed, a time where kids can experience a range of highs and lows. This excellent book, from the New York Times bestselling author Anna Dewdney will help kids learn about their emotions and better express the way they feel.
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My Bag of Feelings
Available from:Young readers will be drawn to the fun design of this board book: A smiling yellow backpack overflowing with emojis and familiar objects. In the book, a child shares objects that remind them of various emotions. This format could be replicated in real life to help toddlers practice articulating their feelings through a show-and-tell activity.
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Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Hot Cocoa Calm
Available from:This board book walks young readers through an easy mindfulness routine that they can use to manage their feelings. A group of woodland animals goes through the mindfulness exercise together. While this is a fantastic tool at any time of year, the chilly setting makes it a cozy read-aloud during winter.
RELATED: Board Books on Wellness for Babies & Toddlers
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Why Cry?
Available from:Babies and toddlers will enjoy the animated characters and interactive elements of this creative lift-the-flap book. As readers turn the pages and see one tearful, wailing expression after the next, they also see a rainbow forming color by color. The delightful, surprise ending will help little ones realize they will get through tough times and things will be okay!
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Everybody Feels Fear
Available from:Help young readers learn all about fear with this cheerful, silly, and touching board book from author-illustrator Ashwin Chacko. This book is equal parts hilarious and inspiring. It will make kids laugh while helping them understand they are never alone. We all have fear, and it does not make us weak. It’s a hopeful read-aloud for groups or one-on-one.
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Grumpy Monkey Says No!
Available from:Does it feel like your toddler’s favorite word is “no”? You and your (sometimes stubborn) little one will love reading this funny book featuring everyone’s favorite grumpy monkey, Jim Panzee, who responds to every question with “no.” But as the story continues, Jim (and hopefully your toddler) will learn that “no” isn’t always the best answer and they could actually be missing out on some great adventures!
RELATED: Learning To Ride Out Uncomfortable Emotions With Grumpy Monkey
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Touch and Feelings: Angry Bear
Available from:This darling board book helps kids understand anger through the story of a bear whose anger presents itself in different ways. The author is a child psychologist specializing in children’s emotions, so you know it is a reliable tool. I love the mirror included in the book, and my toddler does, too!
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Ollie Feels Fine
Available from:Ollie, the octopus, has big feelings! One day, when those big feelings get overwhelming, he finds support in his friend Stella the Starfish. This book reminds little readers it’s okay to not feel okay and that it’s good to talk about their feelings. I love how this title represents Ollie in a different hue each time his emotions change. This visual helps kids grasp the feelings he’s experiencing.
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Mad, Mad, Mad
Available from:How can little ones recover from enormous tantrums? Through Baby’s story, the author shares tips for calming down and finding happiness again. All toddlers have tantrums, which makes this book relevant and helpful. The simple illustrations and exaggerated expressions will appeal to the littlest of readers.
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I Feel Sad
Available from:In this board book, toddlers learn that sadness is a normal part of daily life. Although sadness can feel unpleasant, this story details the many ways to deal with it as it comes. With bright and charming illustrations that show how our feelings affect our bodies and minds, little readers will feel emotionally informed!
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