Feelings – Page 3

Picture books about Feelings from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Picture books that encourage young children to explore their feelings such as sadness, anger, disappointment and fear. Emotional intelligence, or being able to understand and manage feelings, is really important for children as they grow and develop. Children tend to feel happier, more confident and less anxious when they are able to identify, understand and manage their emotions well. Some books describe a character who has learned to manage a big emotion successfully. Others offer strategies to help a child deal with strong feelings such as anxiety, shyness, sadness and fear.

Animal Phobias

Books which either show animals such as mice, spiders and insects in a positive light, or which tackle the fears and phobias that some children experience when coming face to face with certain animals and insects.

Anxiety

Children’s picture books that explore anxiety, worry and stress.

Being Different & Being Yourself

Many children get anxious if they feel that they ‘don’t fit in’. These picture books promote the message that being different is a good thing.

Fear of The Dark

Books which acknowledge fears and phobias associated with the dark. Some titles aim to neutralise fears by promoting darkness as a positive and necessary aspect of the night.

Ghosts and Monsters

Books that acknowledge childhood fears of ghosts and monsters. Some books attempt to neutralise fears by featuring characters who seem frightening at first but ultimately reveal friendly qualities.

Sadness

Books to comfort children going through periods of sadness. Some books explain that feeling sad occasionally is normal, and offer practical ways to make the child feel happier.

Shyness

Books that either have a character who is shy, or reassure shy children that they can cope with this emotion.

Wanting to be Grown Up

Books that reflect the common childhood desire to be ‘grown up’. Many children can’t wait to be bigger, expecting this to lead to more excitement, control and variety.

The Lion Inside

A delightful story showing that everyone feels scared sometimes. Great for encouraging children to find their own voice.

As We Grow

A comforting story with beautiful illustrations discusses how life may change as we grow older.

Under the Love Umbrella

A book to comfort 'anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost or alone'. Useful for children who are experiencing separation anxiety or loneliness, it sends the comforting message that wherever you are, you are loved.

Ice in the Jungle

Ice the little polar bear cub suddenly has to move from her North Pole home to a new life in the jungle when her mother gets a new job. Ice is understandably upset, and finds the new place very unfamiliar. She misses her friends. But with time, and through the kindness of others, she settles in to her new life just fine.

Worried (Dealing with Feeling…)

Helps to identify what worries are and provides tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them.

Supposing…

In this comforting story a little monster is helped to overcome a scary dream by imagining the many happy things he and his mother can do together.

The Colour Monster

A good book to help young children identify, recognise and explore their emotions.

I Don’t Want to be Small

A picture book about learning to love what you have and who you are, it will inevitably chime with any child who can't wait to be grown up.

Tad

A heart-warming and empowering story with a central character who uses her intelligence and bravery to compensate for her small size and lack of physical strength. A gentle reminder to children who are desperate to be 'grown up' that we all get there, in our own time.

William, The What If Wonder

A story about an anxious boy's first day at school that will help children recognise the difference between worry and reality.

The King Who Banned the Dark

Children who are afraid of the dark may find comfort and acknowledgement here, but the story also explores themes of power, revolution, manipulation and acceptance which older children might enjoy discussing.

A Rainbow of Fun

An entertaining story about finding out who you really are and being true to yourself, and learning to stand up to prejudice and criticism.

Along Came A Different

A fun story about different shapes who learn to put aside their differences and get along. Promotes open-mindedness, kindness and tolerance.

The Jar of Happiness

Many children can feel insecure out of their comfort zone and are therefore "unhappy" if something goes wrong - this book strives to acknowledge that these feelings are normal, and that there are ways to feel better.

The Sea Saw

A sentimental story that acknowledges the sadness that children feel when they lose a well-loved toy. This book could be a good starting point for a conversation about the loss of a person as well as a comfort object.

The Worry Box

A great choice for children with occasional worries, the bear in the story is given strategies to help ease his anxiety.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses

A picture book which acknowledges that getting used to wearing glasses can be a challenge for some children. The boy in the story ultimately grows to accept them.

The Prince and the Frog

This book will certainly provide reassurance to any child who may be experiencing confusion regarding their sexuality. it encourages children to listen to others, be kind, and embrace diversity and equality.

When Sadness Comes to Call

A powerful exploration of sadness, this picture book helps children to accept and process periods of sadness and empathise with and support others who are experiencing sadness or depression.

Super Duper You

A positive picture book that encourages children to celebrate their uniqueness and stop worrying about not fitting in with the crowd.

The Bravest Fish

The Bravest Fish is a delightful book that follows the journey of a little fish, Stanley, after he is separated from his school and fish family. The book follows Stanley’s journey through the ocean to find his family. The story highlights the importance of being positive, never giving up and harnessing strength and bravery.

Betsy Goes to the Doctor

A story about a little girl of pre-school age called Betsy who feels unwell and is taken to see the Doctor for the first time by her mummy. She is worried about letting the Doctor look at her sore ear, but is put at ease when the kind Doctor looks at her toy penguin first.

Pom and Pim

A story about a child who encounters good luck and bad luck. This book can help children to discover how sometimes bad luck can lead to surprising and wonderful good luck!

Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans

An entertaining and amusing story that encourages children to be comfortable with and proud of who they are.

The Bumblebear

An amusing story that tells children about the importance of friendship, and that our differences can be our strength.

Malala’s Magic Pencil

An uplifting and empowering true story about a young girl who achieved world-wide respect for standing up for her beliefs.

Hortense and the Shadow

This book encourages the reader to see strengths within themselves that they may have originally thought were weaknesses. It uses a quirky, abstract message to promote self-respect. It would be a good starting point for a conversation about tolerance and respect for others too.

Hip, Hop, Hooray for Brooklynn!

An upbeat story book about a young bunny born with clubfoot. A great way to introduce young children to the treatment of clubfoot and similar conditions.

Odd Dog Out

This appealing and witty picture book has a very important central message for children: you don't have to be like everybody else - be who YOU are.

Hudson Hates School

A useful introduction to dyslexia for children, this book reassures children that dyslexia should not be a barrier to success if it is properly recognised and managed.

Will You Be My Friend?

This is a very useful guide to help children understand how friendships work. The content can be discussed with an adult, but could also be used as a self-help guide - a go-to resource if needed - to help children through tricky situations with their friends.

Tigger and Jasper’s New Home

This gentle and appealing story gives young children a glimpse inside the life of a blind person. The blind woman in the story is loving, independent and capable.