Many parents neglect the feelings of their kids, saying it’s petty. Still, emotions cannot be ignored. One needs to feel them and deal with them. Otherwise, they can affect our mental health. The consequences are:

• Depressions;
• Low self-esteem;
• Poor patterns of behavior in adult life (the desire to do everything oneself, zero tolerance for criticism, etc.).

You should speak with kids about emotions and teach them how to cope with negative ones. Here are 10 books that can come in handy.

Best Picture Books about Emotions

Books are always in place. It doesn’t matter how old you are, you can always find the one to warm you up with its interesting plot. The same is true for kids of all ages, even the youngest.

I Love You to the Moon and Back by Amelia Hepworth

This is a sentimental story about the love between a parent and a kid. A bear and its cub spend a day together. They walk in the forest, splash in the water, and watch lights in the sky. The whole day is a manifestation of unconditional love.

The book shows how to reveal one`s feelings. The bear and the cub hug each other, touch their noses, and chase each other. It teaches kids to reveal their feelings nonverbally.

The book is a perfect choice for toddlers. But lots of preschoolers still love it due to its eye-catching illustrations. It’s a nice quick read for bedtime. Plus, the pages are sturdy enough to “endure” the youngest kids` reading habits.

Kindness Is My Superpower by Alicia Ortego

The book will teach your kid to admit mistakes and apologize. Together with the main character – Lucas, young boys and girls will learn how to be kind in different life situations, either at home or the playground.

Kindness Is My Superpower is one of the books in the My Superpower series, aimed at developing virtues in children. One can use it for home reading or as a part of the educational process in a class. Colorful illustrations will grasp kids` attention, while rhythmic stories make it easy to understand and, finally, comprehend.

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad by Gregory E. Lang and Susanna Leonard Hill

This book celebrates a father and daughter bond and can become a nice present for little princesses. It’s become a New York Times and USA Today bestseller, intriguing young readers with a gripping plot and fascinating illustrations. There a series of books, covering the topics of interpersonal relationships between:

• Mom and son;
• Dad and son;
• daughter and mom.

The book is recommended for kids ages 3-7. It reveals the best ways a father may become a friend to his daughter and support her through life. Read it if you`re a dad to a small girl or a father-to-be. Also, buy it for a man who has a small daughter. The book can help fathers of daughters become a better version of themselves. Moreover, kids will like illustrations as well as welcome the protagonists with open arms – a family of bears.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

This is a hilarious picture book about the always grumpy monkey. No matter the day, Jim is in a bad mood. His friends wonder how to help him feel the beauty and overcome his sadness.

With such children’s books about emotions, young readers can learn emotional literacy. They will see in Jim`s example that it’s possible to manage the anger and begin enjoying every minute of life.

Thanks to colorful illustrations, kids love Jim at first sight. The monkey can become their favorite fictional character for a long time. But, most of all, this book is valuable for its message, proclaiming emotional intelligence as an essential skill.

I Love You Like No Otter by Rose Rossner

A charming animal board book for the youngest children. It’s a brilliant gift idea and a purchase for everyday reading. It will appeal to those kids who love animals. On the examples of their families, your little one can learn what love is and how to show a close person that you love him.

Among feelings books for kids, this one is quite suitable for the smallest. It’s convenient to hold with their small hands. Plus, the story is completely simple to understand. Take this one as a gift on a special occasion:

• Christmas;
• Baby shower party;
• Easter basket stuff;
• Birthday, etc.

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

This is one of the best children’s books about emotions. The author manages to come up with an unbelievable story about crayons. A boy wants to color with crayons but when he takes them it turns out that all of them are facing some emotional problems. The blue one is tired of coloring the water, while the black one argues he is worth more than just drawing outlines.

This marvelous story won`t leave your little one indifferent. It will appeal to kids of all ages, so it’s the finding to buy for your kid or your friends’ kids. By the way, The Day the Crayons Quit has become the #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon.

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

Our list of picture books about emotions cannot do without this one. It is a picture book about a gloomy fish who finally realizes that being angry and evil isn’t the way. Another thing is to be kind and cheerful.

This is the first book in the Pout-Pout Fish series, recognized by the New York Times as bestselling. Choose the book for toddlers who like playful rhymes and exciting illustrations.

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

This is a nice picture book written by the talented Anna Dewdney, an illustrator. This rhyming read-aloud holds an important message concerning anxiety and the ways of overcoming it. When a little llama is left alone, it begins to feel a whole range of negative emotions, such as fear and anxiety. The mother-llama is away only for a few minutes, but the kid is scared. When she`s back the little lama is finally calmed down.

Toddlers will like its illustrations and the infectious verse, which is so easy to learn by heart. This story also teaches kids that mom is always in charge of them, even if she’s away for a moment.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman

A tiny dinosaur has a huge problem – he needs to hug his best friend to cheer him up. But his arms are too short to manage it. Now that he knows it, he should find the way out.

It`s a warm story about friendship, kindness, and loyalty. And if your little one is crazy about dinosaurs, it’s his must-have. The book is for kids ages 3-8.

You’re My Little Cuddle Bug by Nicola Edwards

It’s a beautiful interactive board book for the youngest. Among today’s children’s books about feelings, this one stands out by its design. There are shaped cut-outs and raised elements to please your little one and allow him to interact with the book to the full extent.

Thanks to the amazing story, this book can become your child’s new page-turner. Besides, it

• develops motor skills;
• is an excellent present for all occasions;
• instills a love of literature.

Conclusion

Now you see that books about emotions are not only for psychologists or adults interested in them. Teach kids to realize their feelings and manage them with the help of these books. Keep their mental health safe!