Books for BIG Feelings
What do you do with a feeling you can’t put into words? As adults, BIG feelings can be difficult — and for children who don’t have the years of experience we do managing our feelings — it can be overwhelming.
This time of year during the holidays, BIG feelings can be even bigger than usual. Whether missing family members and friends due to moving or loss, when favorite traditions are upended, or normal life stresses rise to the surface… sometimes the best response is to take a deep breath and turn to a book.
Picture books create a safe space for children and adults to come together to learn about difficult emotions — and healthy ways to process them.
You’ll find a list of some of my favorite books below on topics including problem solving, grief & loss, how to be a good friend when others are hurting, fear, anger, and praying through different emotions,
Problem- solving:
A boy trudges uphill with an inside-out umbrella in the rain.
“This is the story of a persistent problem and the child who isn’t so sure what to make of it. The longer he avoids the problem, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different indeed.”
My 2nd graders adored this book. Kids can relate any problem to this story, and find comfort in how the hero eventually faces his and learns something new.
Grief and Loss:
An adult and two children stand together, observing a paper heart dangling from a string.
This story is dear to my heart, as our classroom read it during the time a student’s mother passed away unexpectedly.
“Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they're all connected by an invisible string. "That's impossible!" the children insist, but still they want to know more: "What kind of string?" The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can't see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.” - Amazon reviews
For big & little heartaches — and for kids who want to be a good friend
A boy and rabbit hug
A boy’s incredible block tower gets knocked down, and different animals try to help by telling him how to respond. But only the rabbit knows what the boy needs to heal.
The gift of imagination on bad days
A mother and baby giraffe touch noses while the sun sets over the savannah
“Debut author Kerry Docherty reminds us that even when we are having a bad day, just imagining that somewhere, right now, something beautiful is happening can bring a feeling of calm.” - Amazon.
A family processes fear, anger, grief, and exhaustion together through imagining a peaceful, happy scene.
Prayers for toddlers & small children
A happy lion, tiger, and snake peak out from between the bushes and flowers
A simple first book of praying through different emotions along with a related verse — loneliness, guilt, fear, joy, love, etc.
Need more suggestions? Check out the Books That Help database.
“This site is a place for grownups to find picture books that offer support through life’s ups and downs, covering subjects that include family separations, illness, grief, anxiety, well-being, moving house and more. This is also an opportunity to celebrate a carefully curated list of outstanding picture books and the teams behind them.”
Lastly, Mesothelioma Hope, helps adults talk to children about a loved one having cancer. For many children, their first experience with illness and death happens all at once. It's a challenging situation to handle, and it can be overwhelming. That's why ensuring these young people get the support they need to cope with such a difficult time is essential. By providing the right resources and care, this organization helps them navigate this challenging period and emerge stronger on the other side. You can learn more here:
Mesothelioma Hope
