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Helping children manage their anger and big emotions is essential for their emotional development and overall well-being. When kids struggle with angry feelings, it can be challenging for them to express themselves in healthy ways. Picture books can be powerful tools to open up conversations about anger management, providing relatable stories and practical strategies that children can understand and apply.
In this post, we’ve gathered 16 carefully selected books designed to help children recognize, understand, and manage their angry feelings. We know that 16 books might seem like a lot, but we’ve divided them into two groups: books for earlier elementary ages and books for later elementary ages. This variety ensures that there’s something for every child, regardless of their age or developmental stage.
These books offer engaging narratives and valuable lessons that support kids in developing self-regulation skills, learning how to express their emotions appropriately, and finding effective ways to calm themselves when they feel the storm of anger brewing. To make the most of this resource, be sure to read the descriptions carefully to help you decide which books will best fit your specific needs.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these books are excellent tools to help guide children through the challenges of anger management, turning those big, overwhelming feelings into opportunities for growth and learning.
For some of these books, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:
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Summary: Angry Octopus is a delightful and educational story that teaches children how to manage their anger using simple relaxation techniques. The story centers around an octopus who becomes upset and frustrated, leading to his tentacles twisting into knots. Through deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, the octopus learns to calm his body and mind, eventually letting go of his anger. This book offers an engaging way to introduce children to practical strategies for managing strong emotions.
Description: Angry Octopus by Lori Lite is an excellent resource for both classrooms and homes, combining a captivating story with effective relaxation techniques that help children learn how to manage their emotions. The octopus in the story serves as a relatable character for young readers, demonstrating how physical tension can build up when we’re angry and how relaxation can bring relief. The book introduces children to deep breathing and muscle relaxation in a way that’s easy to understand and apply.
The vibrant illustrations not only capture children’s attention but also contribute to the calming effect of the story. This book is a wonderful tool for educators and parents alike, providing a story that can be revisited whenever a child needs support in managing their feelings.
Reviews and Considerations: Angry Octopus is a beautifully illustrated story that introduces children to progressive muscle relaxation, helping them manage emotions like anger and frustration. Reviewers appreciate how the book not only guides children through relaxation techniques but also models how to handle emotions in a respectful way. It’s especially helpful for children who may struggle with anger, anxiety, or emotional regulation. Adults reading the book also benefit from the calming exercises. While some found the book lengthy, many praised its soothing approach and useful life lessons.
Summary:
Cool Down and Work Through Anger is a practical and straightforward guide for children on how to manage their anger in healthy and constructive ways. The book provides simple strategies that kids can use to cool down, identify their feelings, and work through their anger effectively. Through relatable scenarios and clear instructions, children learn that anger is a normal emotion, but it’s important to handle it in a way that doesn’t hurt themselves or others.
Description: Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners is an essential resource for both educators and parents who are looking to help children understand and manage their anger. This book is part of the Learning to Get Along series, which is known for offering clear and accessible strategies that children can easily grasp and apply in their daily lives.
The book walks children through recognizing the physical and emotional signs of anger and provides them with actionable steps to cool down and address their feelings in a positive manner. With supportive language and engaging illustrations, Cool Down and Work Through Anger empowers children to take control of their emotions and make thoughtful decisions about how to respond when they feel angry.
Reviews and Considerations: Cool Down and Work Through Anger by Cheri J. Meiners is a wonderful resource to help children recognize and manage their feelings. The book uses relatable, simple language and real-life scenarios to teach calming techniques like deep breathing and taking a moment to pause. Reviewers have found it especially helpful for young children who struggle with big emotions, praising its gentle tone and engaging illustrations. With added discussion points and activities at the end, it’s perfect for parents and educators looking to help kids process their anger in a healthy way.
Summary: Mouse Was Mad is a playful and engaging story that follows Mouse as he tries to express his anger in various ways, only to discover that none of them seem to work out. From stomping to screaming to rolling around, each attempt to show his anger is outdone by other animals. In the end, Mouse learns that sometimes the best way to deal with anger is simply to be still and calm. This charming story helps children understand that everyone gets mad, but there are healthier ways to manage those feelings.
Description: Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban is an excellent resource for teaching children about anger and emotional regulation. The story uses humor and relatable situations to show how different characters express their anger and how those methods can sometimes backfire. Through Mouse’s journey, children learn that it’s okay to feel angry, but it’s important to find ways to calm down and deal with those emotions constructively.
The book’s lively illustrations by Henry Cole bring the characters and their emotions to life, making it easier for young readers to connect with the story. The simple, repetitive text is perfect for young children, making it easy for them to follow along and engage with the narrative. Mouse Was Mad offers a fun and accessible way to start conversations about anger, frustration, and the importance of self-control.
Reviews and Considerations: Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban is a playful and engaging story that helps children recognize and manage their emotions. Mouse tries different ways to express his anger, following the lead of his animal friends, but ultimately learns that finding his own method—staying still and taking deep breaths—works best for him. Reviewers have praised the book for its humorous and relatable approach to anger management, making it a favorite in both homes and classrooms. It’s a fun and gentle tool for teaching kids about self-regulation.
Support your students in understanding and managing their emotions with the Mouse Was Mad Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan ELA SEL Activities. This comprehensive book companion includes over 40 engaging activities, offering 15-20 hours of lessons that integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and English Language Arts (ELA) skills.
Perfect for whole group, small group, and independent work, this comprehensive resource ensures that students develop essential skills in an interactive and supportive way. The lesson plan includes a variety of discussion questions, activities, and prompts designed to help students understand and manage hyperactivity and inattention, promoting self-regulation and coping strategies.
Summary: Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes is a thoughtful and reassuring book that helps children understand that anger is a normal emotion that everyone experiences. The story explains what anger feels like and why it happens, and it offers practical strategies for dealing with anger in a healthy way. Through relatable examples and simple language, the book teaches children that while it’s okay to feel angry, it’s important to manage that anger in a way that doesn’t hurt themselves or others.
Description: Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes by Dr. Daniela Owen is an excellent resource for parents and educators who want to help children understand and cope with their anger. The book breaks down the complex emotion of anger into concepts that are easy for young readers to grasp. It guides children through recognizing their feelings, understanding the triggers that can cause anger, and learning effective techniques to calm down.
The book’s gentle approach is paired with illustrations that vividly depict the emotion of anger and its physical effects on the body, making it easier for children to identify and articulate their feelings. The strategies offered in the book, such as deep breathing and counting to ten, are practical tools that children can easily apply in their daily lives.
Reviews and Considerations: Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes is praised for its relatable approach to helping children navigate big emotions, particularly anger. Parents and caregivers found the book effective for teaching children about emotional regulation, noting that it resonated with young readers struggling with outbursts. Reviewers appreciated the practical advice on how to manage anger, especially the volcano metaphor, which provided a concrete way for kids to visualize and control their emotions. Although some felt it was a bit lengthy for toddlers, older children benefited from its techniques like deep breathing and stepping away from situations.
Summary: What To Do When You Feel Like Hitting is a practical and empowering book designed to help children manage their impulses, particularly the urge to hit when they are angry or frustrated. The book provides children with clear, step-by-step strategies to recognize their feelings, stop themselves from hitting, and choose more appropriate ways to express their emotions. Through engaging scenarios and relatable examples, children learn that it’s okay to feel upset, but there are better ways to handle those big feelings.
Description: What To Do When You Feel Like Hitting by Cara Goodwin is an essential resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to help children navigate their emotions and develop healthier ways to cope with anger. The book is part of the What To Do series, which focuses on giving children the tools they need to handle common emotional and behavioral challenges.
In this book, children are guided through a series of steps to understand what triggers their anger and how to pause before reacting physically. The author offers a variety of calming techniques, such as deep breathing and counting, as well as alternative ways to express feelings, like using words or asking for help. The book is written in a straightforward, child-friendly language that makes it easy for young readers to follow and apply the advice. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, helping to hold the attention of young readers while reinforcing the book’s message.
Reviews and Considerations: What To Do When You Feel Like Hitting is highly praised by parents and educators for its ability to teach emotional regulation to young children. Reviewers found the book helpful for toddlers and preschoolers, especially those struggling with managing big emotions like anger. Many appreciated the book’s relatable scenarios and clear techniques, such as deep breathing and squeezing hands, which children can practice to calm down. One reviewer highlighted how their child started using the strategies almost immediately after reading. While some found the book slightly repetitive, others noted that the repetition reinforced the lessons effectively. Many parents also appreciated the caregiver tips included, finding them a valuable addition to the book’s overall message.
Summary: When I Feel Angry is a gentle and reassuring book that helps young children understand and cope with their feelings of anger. The story follows the main character as she experiences different situations that make her feel angry and shows how she learns to deal with those feelings in a healthy way. Through simple text and relatable scenarios, children are encouraged to recognize their own anger and discover positive ways to express it.
Description: When I Feel Angry by Cornelia Maude Spelman is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to help young children navigate the challenging emotion of anger. Part of the popular The Way I Feel series, this book is designed to provide children with the emotional literacy they need to identify and manage their feelings.
The story is written in clear, age-appropriate language, making it easy for children to understand and relate to the situations presented. The main character shares her experiences of feeling angry and the steps she takes to calm down, such as taking deep breaths, counting to ten, or finding a quiet place to relax. The book emphasizes that it’s okay to feel angry, but it’s important to find ways to express those feelings that don’t hurt others. Illustrated by Nancy Cote, the book features warm and expressive artwork that captures the emotions of the characters, helping to reinforce the message of the story.
Reviews and Considerations: When I Feel Angry is widely praised for helping children understand and manage their anger in a way that’s both engaging and effective. Reviewers often highlight its colorful illustrations and relatable situations, which allow young readers to connect with the characters’ emotions. Many parents and educators noted that the strategies offered in the book—such as deep breathing and taking time to cool off—help children cope with anger in positive ways. The book’s ability to spark meaningful conversations with children is also frequently mentioned.
Some feedback suggests that while the content is excellent for ages 3-7, it may be too advanced for younger toddlers, with parents occasionally needing to adapt the examples. Overall, this book is considered an excellent resource for teaching emotional regulation in young children, with both parents and teachers finding it effective in guiding kids through big emotions.
Summary: Anh’s Anger is a beautifully illustrated story that follows a young boy named Anh as he experiences and learns to manage his anger. When Anh becomes angry with his grandfather, he is sent to his room to cool down. There, Anh meets his anger personified, and together, they explore the powerful emotion in a safe and constructive way. Through mindfulness and breathing exercises, Anh learns how to calm himself and make peace with his feelings.
Description: Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver is a thoughtful and introspective book that introduces children to the concept of mindfulness as a way to manage strong emotions like anger. The story offers a unique perspective by personifying Anh’s anger, allowing children to see that anger is a part of them that can be acknowledged and understood rather than feared or suppressed.
As Anh interacts with his anger, the book guides young readers through a journey of self-discovery, teaching them that it’s okay to feel angry but that there are healthy ways to process and release those feelings. The narrative emphasizes the importance of taking time to calm down, using deep breathing and mindfulness techniques to help children center themselves and regain control.
Illustrated by Christiane Krömer, the book’s artwork is rich and evocative, perfectly complementing the emotional depth of the story. Anh’s Anger is an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who are looking to introduce children to mindfulness practices as a way to handle difficult emotions.
Reviews and Considerations: Anh’s Anger is widely appreciated for its unique approach to helping children manage their anger. Many reviewers found the story’s personification of anger—depicted as a playful, yet manageable character—engaging and relatable for young readers. The book’s emphasis on expressing emotions through movement, such as dancing and drumming, is often praised as an alternative to simply using calming strategies like deep breathing.
Parents and educators noted that Anh’s Anger is not only visually captivating but also effective in teaching mindfulness and emotional regulation, offering tools that resonate well with both children and adults. While some felt the metaphorical depiction of anger could be misinterpreted by younger or more sensitive children, the majority of readers found it helpful for encouraging self-awareness and emotional control.
Summary: I Am Stronger Than Anger is an empowering story that follows a young boy named Max as he learns to manage his anger in a positive way. When Max feels frustrated and angry, he struggles with controlling his emotions, leading to outbursts and negative behavior. However, with the guidance of his mother, Max discovers that he can be stronger than his anger by using simple techniques like deep breathing, counting, and expressing his feelings with words.
Description: I Am Stronger Than Anger by Elizabeth Cole is a valuable resource for helping children build emotional resilience and learn to manage their anger effectively. The story is centered around Max, a relatable character who experiences common triggers for anger such as not getting his way or feeling misunderstood. As Max navigates these situations, the book introduces practical strategies for calming down and handling anger constructively.
The book’s language is clear and accessible, making it easy for children to understand and apply the techniques discussed. The story emphasizes that while anger is a natural emotion, it doesn’t have to control us. Instead, children are encouraged to take charge of their emotions and make positive choices when they feel upset. The vibrant illustrations capture Max’s journey from frustration to calm, helping to reinforce the book’s message visually.
Reviews and Considerations: I Am Stronger Than Anger is appreciated for its relatable and engaging approach to helping young children manage anger. The book’s vibrant illustrations and simple language make it accessible for toddlers and young readers. Many parents note that the story’s use of zoo animals offering anger-management techniques, such as deep breathing and physical activity, keeps children engaged while teaching important skills. However, some reviewers express concerns about the book’s ending, where a toy is used as a reward, which may not align with all parenting styles.
Summary: I Can Control My Anger is an insightful story that follows the experiences of a young girl named Nora as she learns how to manage her anger in different situations. The book explores various scenarios where Nora feels frustrated or upset and shows how she uses different strategies to keep her anger under control. Through these experiences, children are taught that while it’s normal to feel angry, there are positive ways to deal with those feelings.
Description: I Can Control My Anger by Dagmar Geisler is a helpful and relatable book that provides children with practical tools to manage their anger. The story is built around Nora, who encounters everyday situations that could easily lead to outbursts. Instead of letting her anger get the best of her, Nora learns to recognize her triggers and apply techniques such as deep breathing, counting, and taking a break to calm down.
The book is written in an engaging style that is easy for children to understand, with colorful illustrations that vividly depict Nora’s emotions and her journey toward self-control. The narrative emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and gives young readers actionable steps they can take when they feel their anger rising.
Reviews and Considerations: I Can Control My Anger has received a mix of feedback. Many reviewers praise the book for helping children learn strategies to manage their anger, with colorful illustrations and clear explanations. Parents and educators alike find it a helpful resource for teaching emotional regulation. However, some readers express concerns about the book’s use of certain words, such as “stupid,” and feel that it focuses too heavily on negative behaviors before offering solutions. Despite this, many believe it is an effective tool for young children dealing with anger.
Summary: Millie Fierce tells the story of a little girl named Millie who feels overlooked and decides that the only way to be noticed is to be fierce. As Millie embraces her fierceness, she finds herself behaving in ways that hurt others and alienate her friends. Eventually, Millie realizes that being fierce doesn’t make her happy and learns that there are better ways to express her feelings and get the attention she desires.
Description: Millie Fierce by Jane Manning is a compelling story about the consequences of letting anger and frustration take control. Millie’s journey is one that many children can relate to—feeling invisible and acting out in response. The book explores how anger can lead to actions that have unintended negative consequences, and it teaches children the importance of finding healthier ways to express their emotions.
The illustrations are bold and colorful, reflecting Millie’s intense emotions and her transformation throughout the story. Manning’s writing style is engaging, making it easy for young readers to follow Millie’s experiences and understand the lessons she learns.
Reviews and Considerations: Millie Fierce has been widely praised for its portrayal of a young girl learning to manage her big emotions and navigate feelings of being overlooked. Parents and educators appreciate how Millie’s journey highlights the consequences of anger and emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and kindness. The colorful illustrations enhance the story’s emotional depth, making it accessible to younger readers. However, some reviewers note that the transition from Millie’s misbehavior to her understanding of kindness could have been smoother, prompting valuable discussions about emotional regulation and healthy attention-seeking behaviors.
Summary: Soda Pop Head is a relatable story about a boy named Lester who struggles with controlling his anger. When something upsets Lester, he feels like a bottle of soda being shaken up—ready to explode. The book follows Lester as he learns techniques to manage his anger and keep his “bottle” from bursting. Through practical strategies and supportive guidance, Lester discovers that he can control his emotions and respond to situations in a calmer, more thoughtful way.
Description: Soda Pop Head by Julia Cook is an engaging and practical book that helps children understand and manage their anger. The story uses the metaphor of a soda bottle to illustrate how anger can build up inside us and the importance of finding ways to release that tension without “exploding.” Lester, the main character, faces everyday challenges that trigger his anger, and the book provides readers with strategies he uses to stay calm, such as deep breathing, counting to ten, and talking about his feelings.
Julia Cook’s approachable writing style, combined with the book’s vibrant illustrations, makes Soda Pop Head an effective tool for teaching children about emotional regulation. The relatable scenarios and practical advice offer children concrete ways to manage their anger and prevent outbursts.
Reviews and Considerations: Soda Pop Head by Julia Cook is praised for its engaging approach to teaching anger management to children. The story uses relatable situations and humor to illustrate how emotions can build up like a soda bottle about to explode, offering practical strategies to manage anger. The catchy “soda pop head” song and colorful illustrations make the book appealing, while its message resonates with kids, parents, and educators alike.
However, some found the book a bit lengthy for younger readers, and a few questioned the suggestion to punch a pillow as an outlet. Despite these minor concerns, Soda Pop Head remains a popular tool for teaching emotional regulation.
Summary: The Bad Seed tells the story of a sunflower seed who has earned a reputation for being “bad.” He’s rude, unkind, and disruptive, but as the story unfolds, readers learn that there’s more to the seed than his bad behavior. Through self-reflection and determination, the bad seed decides to change his ways, showing that it’s never too late to turn things around and choose to be better.
Description: The Bad Seed by Jory John is a powerful and engaging book that explores themes of behavior, self-identity, and the possibility of change. The story provides a nuanced look at why someone might act out and helps children understand that bad behavior doesn’t define who they are or who they can become. The seed’s journey is one of redemption, self-improvement, and understanding the impact of one’s actions on others.
The illustrations by Pete Oswald are vibrant and expressive, perfectly capturing the emotions and transformation of the main character. The book’s humor and heart make it an appealing read for children, while its underlying message about personal growth and change resonates with readers of all ages.
Reviews and Considerations: The Bad Seed has been well-received for its engaging and relatable story about a seed who believes he is “bad” because of his negative behavior, but ultimately realizes that change is possible. The book offers an important message about personal growth and the ability to improve oneself, even after making mistakes. Its playful illustrations and humorous tone appeal to young readers, while its deeper message about self-acceptance and kindness resonates with parents and educators. Some reviewers note that the story encourages reflection on one’s actions and behaviors.
Summary: Train Your Angry Dragon is a charming story about a young boy named Drew and his pet dragon, Diggory Doo. The dragon struggles with anger, and his temper causes all sorts of problems. Through patience, guidance, and practice, Drew helps Diggory Doo learn how to manage his anger. The story uses the dragon as a metaphor for children’s own emotions, helping them understand that, like Diggory Doo, they can learn to control their anger with the right tools and techniques.
Description: Train Your Angry Dragon by Steve Herman is a delightful book that provides a fun and engaging way to teach children about anger management. The story follows Drew and Diggory Doo, who experiences anger in various situations, leading to fiery outbursts. The boy patiently helps his dragon learn strategies such as deep breathing, counting, and taking a break to cool down. These techniques are presented in a way that is easy for children to understand and apply to their own lives.
The book’s illustrations are colorful and lively, bringing Diggory Doo’s emotions to life and making the story visually appealing to young readers. The narrative is both entertaining and educational, offering children practical methods to manage their anger while enjoying a fun story.
Reviews and Considerations: Train Your Angry Dragon by Steve Herman has received positive reviews for its relatable portrayal of anger management techniques aimed at children. Readers appreciate the simple yet effective strategies, such as counting to ten and calming down before reacting. Many note how the book resonates with young children, especially those who love dragons, making it easier to discuss difficult emotions. The illustrations and humor add to its appeal, though some reviewers mentioned minor grammatical issues and suggested the book may be more effective for slightly older children. Overall, it is highly recommended for helping kids understand and manage their emotions.
Help students learn valuable anger management strategies with the Train Your Angry Dragon Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan ELA SEL Activities. This comprehensive book companion provides over 40 engaging activities, offering 15-20 hours of lessons that seamlessly integrate Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and English Language Arts (ELA) skills.
Perfect for whole group, small group, and independent work, this comprehensive resource ensures that students develop essential skills in an interactive and supportive way. The lesson plan includes a variety of discussion questions, activities, and prompts designed to help students understand and manage hyperactivity and inattention, promoting self-regulation and coping strategies.
Summary: Two Monsters and Me is a story about a young girl who encounters two mischievous monsters that represent her anger and frustration. As the monsters cause trouble and stir up emotions, the girl learns how to manage these feelings and tame the monsters within. Through the guidance of a wise friend, she discovers practical strategies to calm down, think clearly, and make better choices when faced with anger.
Description: Two Monsters and Me by George Nesty is an engaging and imaginative book that helps children understand and manage their anger. The story uses the two monsters as metaphors for the intense emotions that children often experience when they are upset. As the girl interacts with the monsters, she learns that while these feelings are natural, they can be controlled with the right techniques.
The narrative introduces children to practical methods such as deep breathing, taking a moment to think before reacting, and talking about their feelings with someone they trust. The colorful illustrations bring the monsters and the girl’s emotional journey to life, making the story both entertaining and educational.
Reviews and Considerations: Two Monsters and Me by George Nesty has received positive reviews for its approach to teaching children anger management strategies in an engaging and relatable way. The book uses fun illustrations and a simple storyline to present techniques like using an “anger basket” or counting to ten, which many parents and educators find helpful for children struggling with emotions. The monsters in the story serve as a playful metaphor for children’s big feelings, making it easier for kids to relate and understand how to manage their anger.
Reviewers also praise the vivid and creative illustrations, which add to the appeal for younger audiences, though some note that the font size could be larger for easier reading. While most find the story to be effective for children ages 4 to 8, a few mentioned that it might be slightly wordy for toddlers but still useful as an introduction to handling strong emotions
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