Understanding emotions is an essential skill for young children, helping them navigate social interactions, express themselves, and develop emotional resilience. However, learning to recognize and manage feelings can be challenging, especially for little ones who are still developing the language to describe their experiences. That’s where books come in!
Picture books offer a powerful way to teach children about emotions in a fun and engaging way. Through relatable characters, playful storytelling, and interactive elements, books can help kids identify their feelings, understand that emotions are natural, and learn healthy ways to express them. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, having the right books on hand can make all the difference in guiding children through their emotional development.
This collection of books on emotional awareness covers a range of approaches—from playful monster masks to gentle mindfulness techniques. Whether you’re looking for a book to help children name their emotions, navigate complex feelings, or simply reassure them that all emotions are normal, these selections provide valuable tools for social-emotional learning. Let’s explore some of the best books to help kids understand and express their feelings!
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: Monsters have feelings too! In Glad Monster, Sad Monster, little readers explore a full range of emotions—glad, sad, silly, mad, and more—through playful monster characters. With bright, interactive die-cut masks, children can try on different feelings as they read, helping them connect emotions to facial expressions and body language. This engaging book offers a fun, hands-on approach to building emotional awareness and learning how to express feelings in a healthy way.
Description: A favorite among parents and teachers, Glad Monster, Sad Monster is more than just a book—it’s an experience. The interactive masks encourage children to act out emotions, making it easier for them to recognize and talk about their own feelings. Each monster describes what makes them feel a certain way, providing relatable, real-world examples of emotional triggers. This structure makes the book a fantastic tool for social-emotional learning, especially for preschoolers and early elementary students who are still learning how to articulate their emotions.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators praise Glad Monster, Sad Monster for making emotional awareness both accessible and enjoyable. Reviewers highlight how the book helps children label their emotions, use color associations to express feelings, and practice emotional regulation through imaginative play. Some caregivers even use the monsters as a reference point in daily conversations, asking children, “Are you feeling like the blue monster today?” to encourage emotional communication.
A few readers note that the masks, while fun, can be delicate and prone to wear and tear—especially in a classroom setting. Despite this, most agree that the interactive element makes the book a must-have for teaching kids about emotions.
Summary: Can you feel happy and sad at the same time? Excited and nervous? I’m Happy-Sad Today helps children understand that emotions can be complex and layered, and that it’s okay to feel multiple feelings at once. Through a relatable, first-person narrative, a young girl explores her own mixed emotions, such as being proud yet jealous, or frustrated but determined. The book reassures children that all emotions are valid and provides them with the language to express how they feel in a healthy way.
Description: This engaging picture book is an excellent resource for building emotional awareness in children. It normalizes the experience of conflicting feelings, which can be particularly helpful for kids facing transitions, such as starting school or dealing with changes at home. The playful illustrations bring emotions to life, and the book even introduces fun, made-up words to describe mixed emotions—like nervescited (nervous + excited). A special section at the end provides caregivers with strategies for helping children name and manage their feelings.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, educators, and therapists praise I’m Happy-Sad Today for its thoughtful approach to emotional awareness. Many find it especially useful for children dealing with big life changes, such as new siblings, moves, or saying goodbye to loved ones. Teachers love using it in the classroom to spark discussions about feelings, and some even encourage students to create their own blended emotion words.
While some readers note that the text may be lengthy for very young children, most agree that the book’s core message is essential for helping kids understand and articulate their emotions.
Summary: This colorful and engaging book is a fantastic introduction to emotional awareness for young children. Covering a wide range of emotions—from happy and excited to jealous and lonely—The Great Big Book of Feelings helps kids recognize, name, and understand their emotions in a calm and constructive way. Instead of just defining feelings, the book also provides gentle guidance on how to navigate them, making it a valuable resource for both children and caregivers.
Description: Mary Hoffman’s book stands out because of its inclusive approach to emotions. It acknowledges that feelings come in different intensities—such as small sadness and big sadness—and reassures children that all emotions are normal and valid. The book’s interactive nature invites kids to reflect on their own experiences, making it an excellent conversation starter for parents, teachers, and counselors. The bright illustrations add to its appeal, making complex feelings more accessible for young readers.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, educators, and therapists appreciate The Great Big Book of Feelings for its thoughtful exploration of emotions. Many find it especially helpful for children who struggle with identifying and verbalizing their feelings. It is widely used in classrooms and therapy settings as a discussion tool, allowing children to connect their experiences to the emotions presented in the book.
Some readers note that the book is best used in small sections rather than read in one sitting, as it can feel lengthy when covered all at once. Others appreciate its ability to validate emotions while offering simple strategies for managing them.
Summary: This vibrant and expressive book helps young children recognize, name, and understand their emotions. Using colorful illustrations and rhythmic text, The Way I Feel introduces a variety of emotions—happy, sad, angry, frustrated, silly, and more—giving children the vocabulary they need to express their feelings. It reassures kids that emotions aren’t good or bad; they simply are, making it an excellent tool for emotional awareness and social-emotional learning.
Description: Janan Cain’s book stands out with its bold, engaging artwork that captures the intensity of emotions in a way that young children can relate to. Each feeling is paired with a short, poetic description that makes it easy for kids to grasp and remember. Parents, teachers, and caregivers can use this book to start conversations about emotions, helping children connect feelings to real-life experiences and learn how to express themselves in a healthy way.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents and educators praise The Way I Feel for its effectiveness in teaching emotional awareness. Many find it especially useful for toddlers and preschoolers who are just beginning to navigate their big feelings. Reviewers note that children often ask to read the book repeatedly and even start using it as a reference to describe their emotions.
Some readers mention that while the book introduces emotions well, it does not provide strategies for managing difficult feelings. However, many find this a positive feature, as it allows for open-ended discussions and encourages children to reflect on their own experiences.
Summary: Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness—our hearts can hold so many emotions at once! In My Heart follows a young girl as she explores the different ways she feels, using poetic language and relatable metaphors. Some feelings make her feel as light as a balloon, while others weigh her down like an elephant. This beautifully illustrated book reassures children that all emotions—big or small, joyful or difficult—are normal and part of life.
Description: With lyrical text and heart-shaped cutouts that grow smaller with each page, In My Heart provides a unique, interactive reading experience. Christine Roussey’s whimsical illustrations make emotions visually engaging, helping children recognize and name their feelings in a safe and supportive way. The book serves as a wonderful resource for parents, teachers, and therapists to encourage emotional awareness and meaningful conversations about feelings.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers praise In My Heart for its engaging design and thoughtful approach to emotional expression. Parents note how their children easily relate to the examples given, often referencing them in daily life. Some appreciate how the book helps kids articulate their emotions beyond just “happy” or “sad.” While a few mention concerns about the cutouts’ durability, the overall response is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-have for fostering emotional intelligence.
Summary: Even the strongest, toughest guys—superheroes, wrestlers, bikers—have feelings too. Through bold, expressive illustrations and simple yet powerful text, Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) breaks down the stereotype that showing emotions is a sign of weakness. This book reassures young readers, especially boys, that it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or vulnerable, and that emotions are a natural part of being human.
Description: With vibrant artwork and minimal text, this book sparks important conversations about emotional awareness. The contrast between traditionally “tough” figures and their tender emotions helps children see that everyone experiences feelings, no matter how strong they appear on the outside. It’s an especially great pick for challenging gender norms and encouraging boys to express their emotions in a healthy way.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and teachers appreciate this book for its powerful message and eye-catching illustrations. It’s been praised for helping young boys understand that expressing emotions is normal and acceptable. However, some readers wish the book explored a wider range of emotions beyond sadness. Overall, Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) is a valuable addition to any library focused on emotional intelligence and social-emotional learning.
Summary: This beautifully illustrated book encourages children to see emotions as guests—welcoming them in, exploring them, and understanding their purpose. Instead of labeling feelings as “good” or “bad,” Visiting Feelings invites kids to be mindful of their emotions, experiencing them fully without judgment.
Description: With poetic language and vibrant illustrations, this book introduces children to mindfulness, helping them acknowledge and accept their emotions. It’s a gentle way to teach kids emotional awareness and self-regulation, making it a great fit for families and classrooms. A special note for parents offers tips on incorporating mindfulness into daily life.
Reviews and Considerations: Educators, therapists, and parents appreciate the book’s calming approach to emotional exploration. Many find it helpful for guiding children through big feelings in a nonjudgmental way. Readers praise the engaging illustrations and lyrical writing, which make mindfulness accessible for young kids. Some note that its abstract style may require adult guidance to help children connect with the message.
Summary: Do you ever feel as stubborn as a mule? Or as chicken as a chicken? Of course you do—everyone does! Wild Feelings playfully explores emotions by comparing them to animal traits. Through simple yet expressive illustrations and minimal text, David Milgrim reassures young readers that all feelings—whether awkward, silly, or even really, rrrreally mad—are completely normal. This lighthearted book offers a fun and relatable way for children to recognize emotions in themselves and others.
Description: This book takes a gentle, humorous approach to emotional literacy, making it a great fit for toddlers and preschoolers. Each page introduces a feeling with a question, followed by an illustration of a child in an animal costume, reinforcing the connection between emotions and familiar expressions. The book culminates in a comforting statement: “Of course you do,” reminding children that emotions are natural and shared by everyone.
With its bold, simple illustrations and spare text, Wild Feelings is well-suited for read-alouds and group storytimes. However, while it helps children identify feelings, it does not offer strategies for managing them. Some readers find this to be a shortcoming, as it leaves out the “what to do” part of emotional regulation.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators appreciate the book’s warm and reassuring tone, noting that its brevity makes it accessible even for wiggly toddlers. The humor and animal comparisons make emotions feel less overwhelming, allowing kids to engage without pressure.
That said, some readers expected a deeper exploration of emotions and were disappointed by the lack of coping strategies. While the book normalizes feelings, it does not provide tools to navigate them. Some found it too simplistic, feeling it missed an opportunity to help children process their emotions more effectively. Despite this, Wild Feelings remains a charming and engaging read for the youngest children, offering a lighthearted first step into understanding emotions.
Summary: Having a pet dragon sounds fun—until he struggles with his emotions! In Teach Your Dragon About Feelings, readers follow a young boy as he helps his dragon recognize and understand emotions like anger, sadness, fear, joy, and anxiety. Through engaging storytelling and playful illustrations, this book teaches kids that all feelings are normal and offers practical ways to manage them.
Description: Part of the My Dragon Books series, this installment introduces children to emotional awareness through the adventures of a lovable dragon. The story walks young readers through a wide range of emotions, explaining why they happen and how to handle them in a healthy way. The book encourages emotional regulation, making it a useful tool for parents, teachers, and therapists alike.
With simple, repetitive language and colorful illustrations, Teach Your Dragon About Feelings is accessible for young readers. The series is well-loved for its engaging storytelling, making emotional learning fun rather than overwhelming. This book is particularly helpful for children who experience big emotions and need guidance in managing them.
Reviews and Considerations: Many parents and educators praise this book for its ability to help children identify and express their emotions. Readers appreciate how the story makes big feelings easier to understand and provides opportunities for discussion. Some caregivers find the book especially useful for kids who struggle with emotional regulation, as it presents concepts in a relatable and reassuring way.
Several reviews highlight the popularity of the My Dragon Books series, noting that children enjoy reading about the dragon’s experiences. The book is often reread in households, proving its effectiveness in teaching emotional intelligence. A few reviewers mention using it as a conversation starter with their children, making emotions a more approachable topic.
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