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Little Kids, Big Feelings (Kids)

Learning to deal with emotions is an important part of growing up. Here are some great books for helping kids manage their feelings.

I walk with Vanessa : a story about a simple act of kindness by author Kerascoët

An elementary school girl witnesses the bullying of another girl, but she is not sure how to help.

Feelings like mine by Marie-Therese Miller

"Feelings can be happy or sad, big or small, easy and hard, and everything in between. Explore a diverse mix of feelings and the many ways to tackle those feelings"--

Jabari jumps by Gaia Cornwall

After he passes his swimming test, little Jabari decides he's ready to try jumping off the diving board, but when the big moment arrives, Jabari needs to work up the courage to jump.

Llama Llama mad at mama by Anna Dewdney

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

Ira Crumb feels the feelings by Naseem Hrab

"Ira Crumb and Malcolm Cake are best friends. They make each other laugh. And they always play together--or do they? A disagreement about whether they should play tag or hide-and-seek leaves Ira all alone. And suddenly, he starts feeling these...feelings! His tummy hurts! His chin is wobbling! His eyes are leaking! What's happening? Finally, Malcolm finds Ira again and asks the one question that matters, "What's wrong, Ira? You can tell me." And finally, Ira has the opportunity to honestly express his feelings. Eventually the two start laughing again--which results in totally ridiculous fart joke that makes everything OK again. As in the previous book, Josh's big bold illustrations, with quirky characters and comic-style panels, gives Ira's story tons of visual interest and an up-tempo pace that matches Ira's unflinchingly expressive personality."--

How do you feel? by Lizzy Rockwell

"The playground is the perfect place to witness a wide range of emotions. A girl is happy when playing with a puppy. Another girl is angry when a boy knocks over her drink. And the boy is sorry. Readers learn to identify feelings in themselves and in others in this simple, but clever book by a prominent preschool nonfiction author-illustrator. Beautiful, detailed spreads show panoramic views, while close-ups focus on specific incidents, body language, and facial expressions. The art provides many opportunities for meaningful conversation and solid learning." -- Amazon.com

Sometimes I feel sad by Jaclyn Jaycox

"What does it mean to be sad? It's normal for people to feel down sometimes. Learn what it feels like, what causes it, and how to turn sad feelings into happy ones. Big, diverse photos illustrate what sadness looks like. A mindfulness activity will give children the chance to practice managing their emotions"--

Sometimes I feel worried by Jaclyn Jaycox

"What does it mean to feel worried? Everyone feels worried sometimes. Learn how to recognize, name, and manage your emotions. Stunning photos illustrate what being worried looks like. A mindfulness activity will help children learn how to turn worried feelings into good ones!"--

The way I feel by Janan Cain

Illustrations and rhyming text portray children experiencing a range of emotions, including frustration, shyness, jealousy, and pride

I feel angry : why do I feel angry today?

"Learn how anger affects the body, like breathing harder and having a faster heartbeat. The Anger character evokes the feelings that small children have experienced, but might not have the words for just yet. Help them understand what these emotions are and that everyone feels them sometimes. The book also includes tips and tricks to control anger, which kids can practice whenever something upsets them"--

I'm happy-sad today : making sense of mixed-together feelings by Lory Britain

Happy, and also sad. Excited, but nervous too. Feeling friendly, with a little shyness mixed in. Mixed feelings are natural, but they can be confusing. There are different kinds of happy—the quiet kind and the “noisy, giggly, jump and run” kind. And there are conflicting feelings, like proud and jealous, frustrated and determined. With gentle messaging and charming illustrations, a little girl talks about her many layered feelings, ultimately concluding, “When I have more than one feeling inside me, I don’t have to choose just one. I know that all my feelings are okay at the same time.” A special section for adults presents ideas for helping children explore their emotions, build a vocabulary of feeling words, know what to do if they feel overwhelmed, and more

Sometimes I feel angry by Jaclyn Jaycox

"What does it mean to be angry? Anger may not make us feel good, but it's an emotion everybody has! Children will learn how to identify when they are angry and ways to manage their feelings. Large, vivid photos help illustrate what anger looks like. A mindfulness activity will give kids an opportunity to explore their feelings"--

My many colored days by Dr Seuss

This rhyming story describes each day in terms of a particular color which in turn is associated with specific emotions

The unbudgeable curmudgeon by Matthew Burgess

A young girl's attempts to get her backpack from her brother are hindered by his unwavering grumpiness, until his mood proves unexpectedly contagious.

Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

Feeling too grumpy to fly, Bird begins to walk and finds that his mood changes as other animals join him

Me and my fear by Francesca Sanna

When a young immigrant girl starts at a new school, she is accompanied by her fear, which grows bigger and bigger every day and keeps her isolated from her classmates, until one day a fellow student makes an offer of friendship.

Be kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference or at least help a friend

Tough guys (have feelings too) by Keith Negley

A series of tough wrestlers, ninjas, superheroes, and bikers let their sensitive sides show, in a book that ensures readers that it is okay to let feelings show.

The lion inside by Rachel Bright

A little mouse decides to seek lessons in roaring from the mighty lion--who happens to be afraid of mice--and the two become good friends.

Today I feel silly & other moods that make my day by Jamie Lee Curtis

A child's emotions range from silliness to anger to excitement, coloring and changing each day

Being Edie is hard today by Ben Brashares

A sensitive girl imagines transforming herself into different animals to help manage her intense emotions during difficult situations at school.

Today I feel... : an alphabet of feelings by Madalena Moniz

Full-page illustrations and simple text portray an emotion for every letter of the alphabet.

A little spot of anger : a story about managing big emotions by Diane Alber

Kids experience frustrating situations everyday, whether it's someone taking their toy or they feel like they can't do something. This story shows them that instead of yelling or stomping their feet, they can practice some fun ways to help them stay calm

A little spot of courage : a story about being brave by Diane Alber

What is courage? You might think of super hero when you hear COURAGE, but all of us can do small and big acts of COURAGE everyday! A Little SPOT of Courage will show you some ways you can grow your COURAGE SPOT From trying out for a basketball team to helping someone when they are being treated unkind too much more! --Amazon

A little spot of anxiety : a story about calming your worries by Diane Alber

"Anxiety comes from feelings of being worried, scared, or anxious. When these feelings are in small amounts that's okay because they are there to help protect us, but when they get TOO BIG, they become overwhelming and need to be managed"--Amazon

My mixed emotions : help your kids handle their feelings by Elinor Greenwood

Describes four primary emotions, including happiness, anger, fear, and sadness, and suggests ways for young readers to deal with those emotions.

How do I feel? : a little guide to my emotions.

Introduces the concept of feelings, from happiness and anger to sadness and pride.

My monster and me by Nadiya Hussain

"A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It's there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?"--

What if, Pig? by Linzie Hunter

Pig cannot help but think of everything that could possibly go wrong after deciding to throw a party for Mouse and their friends.

I feel... something by D Corchin

"Sometimes I feel something. It's hard to explain. It's not quite a feeling. It's not quite a pain. The things that I'm feeling make no sense in my brain! Sometimes our bodies send us signals that are hard to define and express. What do we do when we feel...hungry? When our arms are tingly and uncomfortable? When we have an itch? With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Something introduces kids to the concept of interoception (the ability to understand the signals our body sends us). This book makes it easier for kids to identify and express those bodily signals-and have fun too

I feel... anxious by D Corchin

"Sometimes I feel anxious. Sometimes I feel worried. And sometimes these unsettling feelings can grow until they feel totally overwhelming! But no matter how big my anxiety feels, I know there are lots of ways I can help myself and feel better. With fun,witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Anxious addresses the common feelings that come with being a child. This book makes it easy for kids to identify how they're feeling-and have fun too. Titles in this series include: I Feel...I Feel... Different I Feel... Awesome I Feel... Lonely I Feel... Meh I Feel... Too! I Feel... Sick I Feel... Allergic I Feel... Angry I Feel... Something"--

Sometimes I feel angry by Jaclyn Jaycox

"What does it mean to be angry? Anger may not make us feel good, but it's an emotion everybody has! Children will learn how to identify when they are angry and ways to manage their feelings. Large, vivid photos help illustrate what anger looks like. A mindfulness activity will give kids an opportunity to explore their feelings"--

I feel... meh by D Corchin

"Sometimes I feel meh and I don't want to play. I don't want to read and I have nothing to say. Sometimes you just feel...meh. You don't really feel like doing anything or talking to anyone. You're not even sure how you're feeling inside. Is that bad? With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Meh tackles apathy, recognizing it as a valid emotion, while also offering practical steps to get you out of your emotional slump. It's the perfect encouragement for kids-and adults-whoare feeling gray to find some joy again! Titles in this series includes: I Feel... I Feel...Something I Feel...Allergic I Feel...Lonely I Feel...Angry I Feel...Meh I Feel...Awesome I Feel...Sick I Feel...Different I Feel...Too!"--

ABC of feelings by Bonnie Lui

"The perfect way for kids to explore the wide range of emotions they feel every day--complete from A to Z"--

Feelings like mine by Marie-Therese Miller

"Feelings can be happy or sad, big or small, easy and hard, and everything in between. Explore a diverse mix of feelings and the many ways to tackle those feelings"--

I am courage : a book of resilience by Susan Verde

Celebrates everyday courage, including believing in ourselves, speaking out, trying new things, asking for help, and getting back up no matter how many times we may fall. Includes information on how to let go of fear by practicing yoga poses and mindful breathing exercises

Recipient of the National Medal, the nation's highest honor for libraries.