Books About Feelings

“Children who are read to learn two things: First, that reading is worthwhile, and second, that they are worthwhile.” Laura Bush

“I am convinced that when we help our children find healthy ways of dealing with their feelings, in ways that don’t hurt them or anyone else, we’re helping to make our world a safer, better place.”

Fred Rogers

Emotions can seem overwhelming and confusing to young children.  A caring adult can provide support and a sense of safety as children experience and better understand their feelings. Children’s books are another tool to ensure children are heard and better understand their emotions. The following list of books is full of creative ideas to encourage children and give them tools for experiencing emotions in positive, healthy ways. 

Featured Favorites

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd (2019)

B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings by Dr. Melissa Munro Boyd (2019)

An engaging, alphabetical collection of ideas to empower children (and grown-ups) when they experience fussy, frustrating feelings.  Having fun with a friend, taking a nature walk, expressing emotions through art, and learning to breathe are just a few of the strategies in this colorful, hopeful book.

(Ages 4 and up)

After The Story

Though it could be used as a read-aloud, B is for Breathe could also be shared with individual children who are overwhelmed. B is for Breathe is a good choice as an addition to a quiet corner or space designed to give children time to feel safe and calm.  A caring adult can encourage children to choose one of the coping tools and try it out.  

Send a copy of the book home so families can read and return it after trying some ideas together.  Create a space in the classroom for families to share some of the ideas they have tried from the book.  Pictures of nature walks, glitter jars, dancing, physical activity, and enjoying music can be a tool for creating community with families. It also reinforces that everyone has challenging feelings and individual ways to cope. 

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang (2004)

When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang (2004)

Understanding their feelings can be very hard for young children, especially anger.  Sophie’s sister grabs her favorite toy, and Sophie gets angry, very, very angry.  As she kicks and screams, bold colors flow across the page as the illustrations match her rages.  Sophie runs outside to a place where she feels the breeze on her face and listens to the birds.  The images change from bold colors to calm shades of green and blue as Sophie feels more peaceful and ready to return to her family. 

After The Story

Talk with children about things that make them feel very, very angry.

Invite children to explore colors and how they make them feel. 

My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett (2016)

My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Julie Flett (2016)

What fills your heart with happiness?  For the Native American children in this book, it’s the smell of warm bannock baking, dancing, singing, drumming, and the sun dancing on their faces. Author Monique Gray Smith wrote this book to support Indigenous children and families.

The beautiful illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett remind little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy.

Ages 3-8 years

After The Story

Encourage children to think about their senses when considering what makes them happy.  After reading the story, ask the following question:

What makes your heart fill with happiness?

Talk with children about the important things in the story to the Native American children. Ask if the children have ever tried bannock or

Take children outside.  What are some of the things they love about being outdoors?  Let them walk barefoot on the grass, touch a tree, feel the wind and sun on their face, play with a friend, and walk in the mud.

You Matter by Christian Robinson (2020)

You Matter by Christian Robinson (2020)

The dedication for You Matter reads, “For anyone who isn’t sure if they matter.  You do.” This beautifully creative, story within a story reassures us that all of us matter. The illustrations move from the tiniest, microscopic life to the view from space and onto a neighborhood park. From ants below ground where a child is holding a toy airplane to the view of the busy community from an aircraft.  The message in this creative story is the same: everyone and every creature matters.

After The Story

Listen to Christian Robinson read You Matter and share why he wrote this remarkable book.  Christian shares some of the things that matter to him, including trees!  Ask children what matters to them and invite them to draw a picture of who and what matters most. 

Christian Robinson, reading You Matter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltOaIsWXpHA

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More STEAM Favorites

  • Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer (2019)

    Ages 3-6 years

  • Happy Hippo, Angry Duck A Book of Moods by Sandra Boynton (2011)

    Ages 1-5 years

  • Kindness Makes Us Strong by Sophie Beer (2019)

    Ages Baby to 3 years

  • Looking for Smile by Ellen Tarlow Illustrated by Lauren Stringer (2020)

    Ages 5 and up

  • Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban, Illustrated by Henry Cole (2012)

    Ages 2-4 years

  • On Monday When It Rained by Cherryl Kachenmeister Photographs by Tom Berthiaume (1989)

  • Owl Babies by Martin Waddell, illustrated by Patrick Benson (1992)

    Ages 1-5 years

  • Thank you, Omu! By Oge Mora (2018)

    Ages 4-8 years

  • The Very Impatient Caterpillar by Ross Burach (2019) 

    Ages Baby and up

  • The Way I Feel by Janan Cain (2000)

    Ages 3-8 years

  • Tough Boris by Mem Fox, illustrated by Kathryn Brown (1994)

    Ages 4-8

  • Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) by Keith Negley (2020)

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Ideas for Sharing Books with Children

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Library Connections

Check Out the local library in your Wyoming community.  Librarians are an excellent resource and can help you find the perfect books for your classroom, program, or home.  If you can’t get to your local library, try the Libby App!

Use your local library card and access the Libby App for children’s books on your phone, tablet, or computer. 

https://library.wyo.gov/find-thousands-of-e-books-and-audiobooks-in-gowyld-with-libby