We all deal with big emotions, and sometimes it can be overwhelming for children to deal with such giant feelings in such small bodies. Here are a few picture books to help teach kids (and perhaps adults) what to do when they feel over stimulated, cranky, happy, excited, and everything else.
By Laura Marx Fitzgerald
Illustrated by Jenny Løvlie
New York, New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2022. Picture Book
Winnie sees, hears, and feels the world differently than we might. She gets antsy, squirrelly, and can’t seem to sit still sometimes. Instead of being punished and reprimanded, Winnie’s teacher suggests that the entire class follows Winnie’s lead. This book is a great representation of sensory sensitivity and sensory processing disorders. With a guide in the back to help you and your little ones who may relate to Winnie, this picture book is sure to become a favorite.
By Julie Berry
Illustrated by Holly Hatam
Boulder, CO : Sounds True, 2021. Picture Book.
A charming book about a young girl who is completely and totally cranky. She has her reasons, and no one can do anything to help. Everything, and everyone make her cranky. Read this story to discover that sometimes all we need to put us back into a good mood is a little nap—and maybe some cranky boots.
By Yijing Li
London : Lantana Publishing, 2022. Picture Book.
When a boy gets lost in a forest, he runs into Emptiness. They journey together, finding several objects from his past, some with happy memories and some with sad memories. This book is a great tool for anyone dealing with a transition period in their lives.
By Gibson Frazier
Illustrated by Micah Player
New York : G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2022. Picture Book.
Dash is often overwhelmed by his feelings, and he finds himself in situations where he knows what he should do, but his emotions get the best of him. He gets so excited that he can’t help himself. This is a book I wish I had when I was younger, and the illustrations perfectly complement the author’s ideas. Read this cute story that describes how we can help others (and ourselves) deal with big feelings by stopping to smell the cookies.
By Jenni Nakken
Illustrated by Jon Klassen
Self-Published : Jenni Nakken, 2022. Picture Book.
This simple and charming book explains how there is no such thing as a “good” or “bad” feeling, just feelings we have. They help us get through life and shape who we are. This book has fun illustrations for each emotion, and is a helpful guide to remind those young and old how feelings are just feelings.
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