What Is This Feeling? Using Books To Explore Emotions

By Chelsea Appleton, Children's Associate, Hardesty Regional Library

Feelings can be big, overwhelming, or sometimes hard to name. As caregivers, it’s essential to help children recognize, understand, and navigate their emotions. But where do you start? Books are a fantastic way to explore feelings and emotions with your child.

Books use engaging stories, vivid illustrations, and accessible language to create a safe space for children to explore their emotions. They can help children identify their feelings and provide reassurance that their emotions are normal and valid.

Reading about emotions together can also open up opportunities for meaningful conversations. By relating to the characters in these stories, children can learn empathy, self-awareness, and healthy ways to express their emotions.

If you’re looking for books to help your child explore their feelings, check out these wonderful titles:

How Are You Feeling? by Marie-Therese-Miller
Everyone has big feelings. Learn how to name your emotions with Sesame Street friends!

Sign Language & Emotions by Kathy MacMillan
This book introduces ASL words for feelings and emotions, with real-life scenarios.

Teach Your Dragon About Feelings by Steve Herman
This book teaches that all emotions are normal and how we can recognize and regulate them.

Little Dinosaurs, Big Feelings by Swapna Haddow
Doctor Diplo, helps dinosaurs navigate their big feelings with mindfulness exercises that you can try, too.

Big Feelings  by Alexandra Penfold

A group of kids express a multitude of feelings and discover they are not alone.

Ups and Downs by Mike Wohnoutka
From excited to scared, from worried to confident—emotions can shift in a moment! This tender book illustrates the highs and lows of a school day and encourages children to share their own feelings.

If you’d like help finding more books about feelings, you can also check out this book list: What Is This Feeling? for even more titles that explore emotions or stop by your local library. We’re here to help!