The “I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying” Guide to Kids Books about BIG Feelings
- Veronica’s Views
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
Hey, I get it: raising tiny humans is basically like being a full-time air traffic controller for a fleet of emotional hurricanes. One minute, they’re over the moon because they found a particularly shiny pebble, and the next, the world is ending because you cut their toast into triangles instead of rectangles. (The audacity!). For kids, these feelings are new, and they are big!
As an author and professional storyteller who has spent 25 years in classrooms, I’ve seen every emotion under the sun—and probably a few that haven't been named yet. If you're looking to help your little ones navigate their "inside feelings" without losing your own sanity, here are my top ten book picks for those big, messy, beautiful emotions.
1.
by Veronica Saretsky
Look, I might be biased, but even poodles need someone to talk to! Loneliness isn't just about being alone; it's that heavy "inside feeling" that can pop up even in a crowd. This book is about using your imagination to build a bridge back to a bright day—think ice cream sandwiches with new friends and giant family igloos. It is a book that gives a strategy for kids to use when their feelings get big.
2.
by Anna Llenas
This poor guy wakes up feeling like a jar of spilled glitter—all mixed up! It’s the ultimate guide for kids to sort their emotions into neat, color-coded jars. If only my pantry were that organized.
3.
by Suzanne Lang
Jim Panzee is having a terrible day for absolutely no reason. His friends try to force a smile on him, but sometimes you just need to be grumpy. It’s a hilarious reminder that we don't always have to "perk up" on command.
4.
by Cori Doerrfeld
When things go wrong, everyone wants to fix it, talk about it, or shout about it. But the rabbit? The rabbit just sits there and listens. It’s a masterclass in empathy for both kids and the "fixer" parents among us.
5.
by Tom Percival
Worries are like weeds; they start small and then suddenly they’re taking over the garden. Ruby discovers that talking about her worry is the secret to making it shrink back down to size.
6.
by Molly Bang
Sophie is all of us when the Wi-Fi goes down. She explodes! This book perfectly captures the heat of anger and the quiet peace of finding your center in nature.
7.
by Jo Witek
This one is literally a physical journey through the heart. It makes abstract feelings tangible—like happiness that makes you want to twirl or sadness as heavy as an elephant.
8.
by Judith Viorst
The GOAT of bad moods. Some days are just garbage, even in Australia. It’s essential reading for normalizing the fact that some days just flat-out stink.
9.
by Britney Winn Lee
For the kids who feel everything—the loud trucks, the sad movies, the joy of a good joke. It celebrates being "highly sensitive" as a superpower rather than something to stuff down.
10.
by Anna Dewdney
Because nothing triggers a meltdown quite like a trip to the grocery store. It’s a relatable look at the "llama drama" that happens when a toddler's patience finally runs out.
So, the next time your house feels like an emotional volcano is about to erupt, grab a book. It’s much cheaper than therapy—and usually has better pictures.
Do you have a go-to book that helps your child (or you!) handle a meltdown, or are you looking for a specific topic like sibling rivalry?
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