Staff Picks
Read All About It: Feelings and Mental Health
- Heather M.
- Tuesday, October 27, 2020
Collection
Sharing books about feelings gives children the language to name their emotions. These stories can also give children the opportunity to explore feelings and imagine how they might behave if they were a character in the story.
Talking about emotions with a trusted caregiver builds a solid foundation of mental health.
Check out some of these great read-alouds and start your conversation today!
Looking for even more good books? Check out our personalized recommendations or call us at 803-799-9084.
Way Past Worried
Published in 2020
Brock is worried about going to his friend's superhero birthday party alone, but while he is hiding he meets Nelly, who is just as frightened as he is.
Violet Shrink
Published in 2020
"Violet Shrink doesn't like parties. Or bashes, or gatherings. Lots of people and lots of noise make Violet's tummy ache and her hands sweat. She would much rather spend time on her own, watching the birds in her backyard, reading comics or listening to music through her purple headphones. The problem is that the whole Shrink family loves parties with loud music and games and dancing. At cousin Char's birthday party, Violet hides under a table and imagines she is a shark gliding effortlessly through the water, looking for food. And at Auntie Marlene and Uncle Leli's anniversary bash, Violet sits alone at the top of the stairs, imagining she is a slithering snake way up in the branches. When Violet learns that the Shrink family reunion is fast approaching, she musters up the courage to have a talk with her dad. In this thoughtful story about understanding and acceptance, Violet's natural introversion and feelings of social anxiety are normalized when she and her father reach a solution together. Christine Baldacchino's warm text demonstrates the role imagination often plays for children dealing with anxiety, and the power of a child expressing their feelings to a parent who is there to listen. Carmen Mok's charming illustrations perfectly capture Violet's emotions and the vibrancy of her imagination. A valuable contribution to books addressing mental health."-- Provided by publisher.
When Sophie Gets Angry-- Really, Really Angry
Published in 2007
Everybody gets angry sometimes. And for children, anger can be very upsetting. In this Caldecott-honor book, children will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. People do lots of different things when they get angry. What do you do?
When Sophie Gets Angry--really, Really Angry...
Published in 1999
A young girl is upset and doesn't know how to manage her anger but takes the time to cool off and regain her composure.
When Sophie's Feelings Are Really, Really Hurt
Published in 2015
Sophie's is hurt when the other children laugh at her painting of her favorite tree--but when she explains her painting everybody understands what she was trying to do.
Being Edie is Hard Today
Published in 2019
A sensitive girl imagines transforming herself into different animals to help manage her intense emotions during difficult situations at school.
My Cold Plum Lemon Pie Bluesy Mood
Published in 2013
Jamie describes his mood throughout the day, using colors and rhythmic text, as he changes from an "easy green mood" while drawing a picture for his sister to a "brooding black mood" when he is teased for doing so.
Tiger Days
A Book of Feelings
Published in 2018
"Some days I feel so WILD and BRACE and some days I feel small. THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS TO BE when you're as BIG inside as me" -- cover.
Feeling Angry
Published in 2018
Do you ever get so frustrated you want to yell? Sometimes things in life make you mad, and how you deal with emotions is up to you. Learn all about feeling angry and how to acknowledge your feelings. -- Provided by publisher.
Feeling Happy
Published in 2018
"Have you ever found yourself smiling or laughing with a friend or family member? Chances are, you were feeling happy! Find out what it means to feel happy and how you can acknowledge your feelings"-- Provided by publisher.
Feeling Sad
Published in 2018
"Sometimes you just need to cry! Feeling sad is a normal part of life, and acknowledging your feelings is important. Find out what it means to feel sad and how to acknowledge your feelings."-- Provided by publisher.
I Hate Everyone
Published in 2018
A young girl celebrating her birthday has confusing feelings that are making it difficult to be nice when everyone else is in a partying mood.
Dan's First Day of School
A Book About Emotions
Published in 2018
"Introduces readers to Dan's eventful first day of school. Discusses the many emotions children may feel in any given day. Additional features to aid comprehension include vivid photographs, Common Core questions and activities, a phonetic glossary, and sources for further research."--Publisher's website.
The Rabbit Listened
Published in 2018
"When Taylor's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but only the rabbit quietly listens to how Taylor is feeling"-- Provided by publisher.
When Sadness is at Your Door
Published in 2019
A young child experiences sadness as if it were a visitor, acknowledging the emotion and suggesting activities to do with it.
Grump Groan Growl
Published in 2008
Rhythmic text exposes a bad mood on the prowl, and advises the reader not to hide, but to let those feelings be.
Happy
Published in 2012
Teaches about emotions with illustrations of fish portraying these feelings, including curiosity, sadness, and confusion.
Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings
Published in 2018
"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."-- Provided by publisher.
Gritty Kitty
Published in 2019
Resilience, or "grit," is the ability to keep going through difficult situations, such as a playground fall, an uncomfortable feeling, or traumatic life event. For each, the ability to recover using inner strength and family support is a strong predictor of healthy development and success in school and life. The Amierican Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Psychological Association (APA) recommend ways to help children become more "gritty."
Los Sentimientos De Fiona
Published in 2018
When the Cincinnati Zoo's baby hippo, Fiona, was born six weeks early, she was too small and weak to stand and nurse from her mother. With help from #TeamFiona, this once-tiny hippo is growing stronger every day. As Fiona explores the world around her, she is at times happy, mad, curious, and playful, as all children can be. Young readers will love exploring Fiona's feelings--and their own--while building important language and social-emotional skills
The Bad Seed
Published in 2018
A New York Times bestseller! Amazon Prime's Most Read Title of 2019! An Amazon Best Children's Book of the Month from the New York Times bestselling author of the Goodnight Already! series This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be-happy? With Jory John's charming and endearing text and bold expressive illustrations by Pete Oswald, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
The Bad Seed
Published in 2019
From the New York Times bestselling author of the Goodnight Already! Series. This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be-happy? With Jory John's charming and endearing text, here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for readers young and old, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.
Bad Seed
Published in 2017
"This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know?"--publisher.
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Published in 2019
"Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage. He especially takes care with his patka--his turban--smoothing it out and making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, all he wants is to be invisible. Will he ever feel a happy sunny yellow again?"--Amazon.com.
Nina in That Makes Me Mad
A Toon Book
Published in 2014
There are many, many things that make Nina mad, but she is glad to have such an understanding mom.
My Feelings and Me
Published in 2018
Invites readers to talk about feelings while going through a range of potential emotions without ever calling them "good" or "bad," allows readers to recognize and examine their own emotional world.
Stuck with the Blooz
Published in 2012
When a monster named the Blooz comes to visit, a little girl tries everything she can think of to get rid of the feelings of sadness it brings.
The Color Monster
A Story About Emotions
Published in 2018
Emotions, including happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm, are described through the actions of a monster sorting them out.
Wild Feelings
Published in 2015
"Do you ever feel as stubborn as a mule? Or as chicken as a chicken? Of course you do. Looks at the normal, natural feelings we all have"-- Provided by publisher.
Three Little Birds
Published in 2019
Blue is upset when Red and Yellow go to find worms without him, but feels even worse after starting a rumor that Red and Yellow are not getting along.
Tough Guys
(have Feelings Too)
Published in 2015
Explains through simple text and colorful illustrations that tough guys have the same feelings as you and I.
I Feel Teal
Published in 2018
Encourages the reader to enjoy all of the colors, representing feelings, that may be experienced in the course of a day.
How Do You Feel?
Published in 2019
Identifies a wide range of emotions children may have while at a playground, including happiness, anger, fear, sadness, and bravery.
Visiting Feelings
Published in 2014
Invites children to sense, explore, and befriend any feeling with acceptance and equanimity. Children can explore their emotions with their senses and nurture a sense of mindfulness. Gaining this objectivity allows space for a more considered response to the feelings.
Me and My Fear
Published in 2018
When a young girl has to move countries and start at a new school, her fear tells her to be alone and afraid. How can she hope to make friends if she doesn't understand anyone? Surely no one else feels the same way.
The Bad Mood and the Stick
Published in 2018
New York Times bestselling author Lemony Snicket sheds light on the way bad moods come and go. Once there was a bad mood and a stick. The stick appeared when a tree dropped it. Where did the bad mood come from? Who picked up the stick? And where is the bad mood off to now? You never know what is going to happen.
The Bad Mood and the Stick
Published in 2017
Curly's bad mood travels from person to person, unexpectedly leaving opportunities for forgiveness, laughter, and love in its wake.
Fergal and the Bad Temper
Published in 2019
"Fergal the dragon does not like being told what to do. Its not fair! And when things aren't fair, Fergal loses his temper and snorts angry fire. He feels sorry afterward, but Fergal just can't control his outbursts! After one really fiery day, his family and friends offer him some advice to calm down. Can this dragon learn to cool it before a temper tantrum hits? A perfect choice for fiery kids everywhere!"--Jacket.
It's Not All Rainbows
Published in 2019
Everyone knows that unicorns are perfect. They are glamorous and glittery, and their smiles make rainbows appear! But Kevin is having a less-than-perfect day. First, he wakes up on the wrong side of the bed ...on the floor. Then he discovers that his mane is so wild that even his Super-Perfect-Hair-Day-Spray can't tame it. And the day just gets worse from there. Kevin does his best to keep his outlook sunny, but it's hard to keep smiling when everything goes horribly wrong!
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too!
A Smidgeon of Pigeon
Published in 2005
Do pigeons have feelings? Is a hot dog yummy? Throughout a hilarious board book, Pigeon runs through his signature gamut of emotions while attempting to thwart his old nemesis, the bus driver. By the creator of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
In My Heart
A Book of Feelings
Published in 2014
A young girl explores what different emotions feel like, such as happiness which makes her want to twirl, or sadness which feels as heavy as an elephant.