10 Books About Big Emotions for Little Kids

Emotions are tough to handle for little kids. What are they? Where do they come from? And what are we supposed to do about them? These are some important questions to tackle with very young kids to learn how to identify their emotions and learn constructive ways to manage their feelings. We have rounded up 10 kids’ books about feelings to help your little ones understand their emotions, including how to express them appropriately and when to ask for help. 

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang 

Grumpy Monkey is having a terrible day. His friends try to help him out of his funk, but he seems resistant and even annoyed by their efforts until he meets one friend who shows him that sometimes it is okay to be grumpy and sit with your feelings. This story about emotions is a beautiful lesson in empathy and resilience.  

The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas 

This is a great book about feelings for toddlers who are just beginning to understand that they have big emotions. A sweet monster wakes up one day, and his feelings are all jumbled up. With the help of a little kid, he sorts out what his feelings mean by using colours. 

The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee and illustrated by Jacob Souva 

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is a poetic and beautifully illustrated book that tells the relatable story of a boy with so many big emotions that they spill out of him. But instead of being upset or afraid, he learns how to understand and celebrate them. 

Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival

When little Ravi’s temper gets the best of him, he turns into a tiger! At first, he loves being a ferocious jungle cat—he can do as he pleases! But then he learns the downside to letting his anger run wild. Additional books in the Big Bright Feelings series explore other emotions—another one kids might relate to is Ruby Finds a Worry.

Calm-Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Mireka Heinlen

A big part of growing up is learning how to calm down after big emotions erupt. This kids’ book about feelings addresses just that, giving children some strategies for weathering the aftermath of a stormy tantrum. 

Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney

In this kid-favourite book about feelings, Mama Llama takes Little Llama shopping, and he is not happy. Through this relatable tale for toddlers (and let’s be honest, parents, too—who among us haven’t had to deal with a flailing, wailing toddler in the supermarket?), young readers will feel seen as typical toddler struggles are reflected back at them. 

Feelings by Libby Walden, illustrated by Richard Jones

This interactive book invites little readers to explore feelings—from bravery and excitement to embarrassment and loneliness…and everything in between—through gorgeous illustrations and lyrical prose.

My Body Sends a Signal by Natalia Maguire and illustrated by Anastasia Zababashkina

My Body Sends a Signal is a fantastic book to teach kids about emotions, big and small. Not only does it do a wonderful job at showing kids that their feelings are important, but it breaks down what each emotion feels like and shows kids what to do with them. The book also includes games, puzzles, and colouring pages to help drive the lessons home. 

Feelings and Dealings: The ABC's of Emotions by Camille Childs and Bryan Jones 

'Feelings and Dealings' is a perfect book about feelings for toddlers and little kids. It goes through the alphabet, gives kids 26 different emotions, and teaches kids how to identify them and deal with them. Unlike other books, this one focuses on nonverbal cues, including body language and facial expression, to help kids build a working vocabulary of different emotions.  

How Do You Feel? By Lizzy Rockwell

This book about emotions helps tiny readers name feelings and recognise them by facial expressions…a fantastic first step for building emotional intelligence.

More Books for Little Kids:

• Children's Books About Friendship
• Children's Books That Teach Kindness and Empathy
• Bedtime Books for Babies and Toddlers

Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.