Talking about emotions can be hard even for grown-ups. So how do we help kids name what they feel and learn what to do with those big feelings?
We start by teaching them how to identify and constructively communicate those feelings!
From gentle rhymes to goofy potatoes to box sets packed with interactive tools, these books help kids learn how to recognize their emotions, express them with confidence, and build resilience and empathy along the way.
These are some of our favorite picks for developing emotional intelligence through storytelling perfect for your bookshelf or the classroom!
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through them. Thanks for supporting my book-loving habits!
My Body Sends a Signal: Helping Kids Recognize Emotions and Express Feelings
This one’s like an emotional intelligence starter pack. Not just a storybook, it’s also a full activity guide for teaching kids about emotions. You get:
- Relatable stories
- Gorgeous illustrations
- Calming activities
- Emotion & feeling cards
- Coloring pages and empathy short stories
If you're looking for a one-stop book that combines reading time with learning and hands-on emotional development, this is it.
A Little SPOT of Emotion (8-Book Box Set)
These small but mighty books cover:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Peace
- Happiness
- Sadness
- Confidence
- Love
- Scribble Emotions (yes, that chaotic “everything at once” feeling)
Each book makes a big feeling feel manageable, with concrete tips for what to do with it. Kids love the clear language and expressive illustrations, and adults love how it opens doors for meaningful conversations. It’s a go-to gift or classroom set!
The Sad Potato
A book about a depressed spud? YES PLEASE.
This playful, pun-filled book is a fan favorite for a reason. With simple drawings that somehow manage to be hilariously expressive, it introduces the idea that sadness is okay—and that you’re still lovable and sweet even on tough days.
Bonus points: it’s loaded with potato puns. Kids laugh. Adults smirk. And everyone walks away a little more okay with feeling not-okay.
The Magical Yet
“Can’t ride a bike... yet.”
“Can’t tie your shoes... yet.”
This uplifting read gives kids a powerful little sidekick: the Yet. A friendly force that reminds us that struggling is just part of the process. With rhythmic rhymes, energetic art, and big Dr. Seuss vibes, this one’s a motivational pep talk disguised as a bedtime story.
Perfect for kids frustrated by failure or grownups who need a reminder, too!
The Invisible String
With over 2 million copies sold, this one is a modern classic. The story follows two kids who learn that love connects us all through an “invisible string,” no matter how far apart we are.
It’s been used to support:
- Separation anxiety
- Military families
- Foster/adoptive families
- Grief and loss
- Everyday reminders of connection
There’s now a workbook and celebration edition, too, making it easy to extend the learning.
Ruby Finds a Worry
What do you do when a worry shows up... and won’t go away?
This bright and gentle book walks kids through the experience of anxiety in a relatable way. Ruby discovers that everyone has worries, and the best thing you can do is talk about it.
From the Big Bright Feelings series, which also includes:
- Ravi’s Roar (anger)
- Meesha Makes Friends (social anxiety)
- Tilda Tries Again (resilience)
These books are conversation starters in the best way.
What Do You Do With a Problem?
From the creators of What Do You Do With an Idea? comes this beautiful, thought-provoking story about how avoiding a problem can make it grow... but facing it might lead to something unexpectedly good.
With stunning art and a layered message, this one resonates with all ages and sparks great “what would you do?” conversations.
This who series was so helpful for our oldest!
Caring by Kobi Yamada
This gentle book reminds kids (and adults) that what we do matters even small actions. With lush illustrations and a message about kindness, purpose, and making a difference, it’s a grounding read that encourages compassion and connection!
Great for:
- Starting service projects
- Talking about empathy
- Emotional reflection at the end of a big day
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Humans
Kids don’t need to have it all figured out. We adults don't even have it all figured out! They just need the tools and the space to talk about their feelings!
Books like these give us all a shared language for the hard stuff. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or just someone who wants to raise emotionally intelligent resilient humans, these stories are a great place to start!
Want more heartfelt recs like these ones?
Sign up for The Weekly Bookmark, our once-a-week newsletter packed with bookish news, exclusive updates, upcoming releases, and info on giveaways you won't want to miss!
Final Thoughts
Helping kids understand their emotions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right books and resources, you can start powerful conversations that build emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy right from your living room!
Whether it’s through a silly story about a sad potato, a calming mindfulness strategy, or a magical reminder of the “yet” we all carry with us, these books offer gentle, effective tools for big feelings we all navigate!
