Our little ones experience a wide range of feelings the same way we do as adults. But often, they can’t quite communicate their feelings because they are shy, confused, unsure, afraid, or don’t know what their feelings mean or are even called!
This list of celebrated children’s books helps toddlers understand all kinds of feelings—big ones, little ones, scary ones, confusing ones, and everything in between!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Let’s look at why these books have made it to our top picks to teach little kids about big feelings!
8 Recommended Reads For Toddlers On Understanding Big Feelings
Read on to find out more about why these vibrant, endearing, and whimsical books are the ideal tool to teach children about different kinds of feelings:
1. Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Age Group: 2-5 years
Summary: This adorable #1 New York Times Bestseller introduces us to Jim the chimpanzee, who always seems grumpy and in a bad mood. His friends don’t understand why he is this way and look for ways to help turn his mood around.
But Jim huffs off, grumpier than ever, because maybe, just maybe, he needs to have a moment to feel how he’s feeling.
How It Helps: It teaches empathy and resilience through a realistic story of two adorable friends. It also lets children know it is okay to feel what they are feeling, even if it is a negative emotion.
2. The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
Age Group: 4-7 years
Summary: The little boy in this book seems to feel every emotion massively. His happiness pours out of him, as do his sadness, fear, sympathy, and anxiety. He tries to push these big feelings deep down to avoid being made fun of.
But with some help and imagination, he discovers that these feelings are a great thing to have, no matter how big or small.
How it Helps: This is a poetic, tender, and beautifully illustrated book about understanding and celebrating big feelings instead of fearing them and the value of connecting with people. It is great for promoting Social-Emotional Learning and is helpful for children on the autism spectrum, those who experience anxiety, or those identified as Highly Sensitive.
3. Llama, Llama, Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Age Group: 2-5 Years
Summary: Llama llama hates going to the grocery store with his mom. The crowds, the noise, and the smells put him off, but Mama can’t leave him behind, so Llama throws a tantrum in the store. But Mama knows just the thing to get him out of his funk!
How It Helps: This endearing book tackles tantrums and meltdowns in a way that helps kids better work through their difficult emotions.
4. Me and My Fear by Francesca Sanna
Age Group: 3-7 Years
Summary: A gentle and soothing colour palette is the backdrop to this endearing story about a little girl who has moved to a different country and is about to start at a new school. Her fear tags along everywhere, growing bigger and bigger with each question about how she would cope in a new place and how she would make new friends. But this brave girl knows how to face her fears head-on!
How it Helps: This delightful story about a little girl and her growing fears teaches kids that everyone has their own fears and that they can be overcome.
5. Feelings: Inside my Heart and in my Head by Libby Walden
Age Group: 3-6 Years
Summary: This interactive peep-through book introduces children to all kinds of feelings while reassuring them that they can be unique and universal!
How it Helps: From bravery and excitement to embarrassment and more, this beautifully illustrated book and lyrical text help kids explore the uniqueness of each emotion.
6. What To Do When You’re Feeling Blue by Andi Cann
Age Group: 3-7
Summary: Another adorably illustrated book, this story introduces us to Kappy, a girl who feels all sorts of emotions, from happy to sad and everything in between. But when she is unhappy, she talks it out with her dad and discovers things to do to overcome the blues!
How it Helps: A book about unhappiness and what you can do to get happy again. It also teaches kids the importance of talking to people, particularly parents, about things that are bothering them and finding constructive ways to cope with what they are going through.
7. My Body Sends a Signal by Natalia Macguire
Age Group: 3-8 Years
Summary: This interactive book on our list introduces kids to different feelings. What sets this apart is that it also introduces them to the signals their bodies send to let them know what they are feeling and helpful ways to express them.
How it Helps: It teaches kids about emotions, big and small and shows them that all feelings are important. It also shows them what to do with those emotions. The best part is that this book includes games, puzzles, and colouring pages to strengthen the concepts.
8. Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis
Age Group: 4-8 Years
Summary: It’s one thing to teach kids about the different feelings they are feeling, but what if you could show them how to embrace these feelings and even have fun while they are doing it? This quirky and colourful book helps parents do just that!
How It Helps: The verses in this silly book show us that whatever we’re feeling inside is entirely okay. It features rhymes that help kids feel their feelings healthily.
Let us know if you have read any of these books in the comment section below! What other books on feelings do you and your kids love?
