9 Books to Teach Children About Their Emotions in 2023
As children grow up, they collect new and exciting experiences. These can be accompanied by feelings and emotions that children have not yet encountered or know how to process. Learning how to handle these reactions is an important part of young readers becoming their best empathetic, compassionate, and healthy selves. Help your child have a positive year and improve their communication through emotional education.
When children read, they have the opportunity to enhance their emotional intelligence. This social-emotional development helps children thrive in their education, relationships, and futures.
From anger to fear and sadness, these stories will teach children about their emotions and how to process them in a healthy way. Our BookSmart app has thousands of digital books to make understanding children’s feelings easier.
Bravery
Frustration
The Elephant in the Room by Sam Wilson
Published by Book Dash
Ages 6-8
Lindi finds a very large elephant in her room. But is it really there if no one else believes in it?
► Learn how to fight frustration here.
Grief
Remembering Mommy by Carole Bloch
Published by New Africa Books
Ages 6-8
Sithembile and Themba’s mother has died and they miss her very much. Although they are sad, they come to realize that they are cared for and are not alone. This book is a useful starting point for talking to young children about death and grief.
► Learn how to navigate loss here.
Anger
Angry Akku: Level 2 by Vinayak Varma
Published by Pratham Books
Ages 6-8
Akku is having an awful day and it’s making her very angry. Read this book to find out how Akku’s anger melts away, and get ideas on what to do when you are very angry.
► Create an outlet for anger here.
Sadness
Jealousy
Feeling Jealous by Dolphin Press
Published by Dolphin Press
Ages 6-8
This book helps children identify, understand, and accept when they feel jealous.
► Get a jump on jealousy here.
Joy
Sizwe’s Smile by Vianne Venter
Published by Book Dash
Ages 6-8
Join Sizwe as he learns that a smile is something you can give away without losing it.
► Share a joyful smile here.
Calm
Keep Calm, It Will Be Fine by Rosie Linder and Paulina Olsson
Published by Peppy Pals
Ages 6-8
Kelly, Gabby and Izzy feel stressed at school. Through different exercises, they learn how to calm down. This book is about the ways in which stress can affect us and how a deep breath, music, and play can help us manage it.
► Learn to alleviate stress here.
► Leer en español aquí.
Fear
Scared Tumi by Mohale Mashigo
Published by Book Dash
Ages 6-8
Join Tumi as his mother helps him confront the monster under his bed and shows him that everything is okay.
► Learn how to face your fears here.
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