Big Feelings
What should we do when things don’t go to plan? We may feel mad, frustrated, or overwhelmed, but by talking it through, compromising, and seeing another point of view, we can start fresh, begin anew.
Here to Help: Books about Feelings
By sharing stories together and having conversations about the books you read, you can help young children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.
It can be hard for young children to control their emotions. These books for kids ages 2 to 6 explore a wide range of feelings and how to cope with them.
Not every book is available at all locations, but any title can be requested. The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest–or feel free to suggest some titles to us. New books are always being added to the collection. You can find more Here to Help booklists on different topics by clicking here.
Blue: the Many Ways I Feel
A child describes all the beautiful shades of blue they feel, from a pale winter sky to a bright ocean wave, and discovers that one has the power to change one’s many blues into a song or a poem, blue into gold.
This title is also available for checkout as an eBook on Hoopla.
Grumpy Pants
Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can’t shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.
Here
A young child uses mindfulness and an awareness of their five senses to stay grounded while experiencing difficult emotions and bad days.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad?
Illustrations and rhyming text explore some of the things that dinosaurs might do when they are angry–and how they should control their tempers.
I Used to Be Afraid
A novelty picture book exploring the many forms fear can take and the importance of overcoming it.
I'm Sad
Flamingo learns that it is okay to be sad sometimes and that her friends, the little girl and Potato, will stand by her no matter how she feels. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.
In the Blue
A little girl whose father’s world goes from bright and yellow to dark and blue gets frustrated when she is unable to help him, but knows that together, they can do anything.
Llama Llama Mad at Mama
A young llama wants to play but must go shopping with his mother instead, and so he gets angry and makes a mess at the store. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.
The Rabbit Listened
When Taylor’s block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby or as eAudio on Hoopla.
Sometimes I Grumblesquinch
Exploring the key social emotional skills needed to navigate complicated feelings, this sweet and touching story follows Katie Honors, a nice kid who isn’t able to hold in her feelings about her brother, as she learns an important lesson.
Tough Guys: (Have Feelings Too)
Explains through simple text and colorful illustrations that tough guys have the same feelings as you and I.
Ups and Downs: a Book of Emotions
Simple words and tender illustrations demonstrate the highs and lows of a single day at school and open the door for readers to talk about their own contradictory, unpredictable ever-present emotions.
You Get What You Get - Picture Book
Melvin likes to throw a tantrum when he does not get what he wants, but he learns that the classroom rule, “you get what you get and you don’t throw a fit” applies at home as well.