8 BEST Emotional Regulation Books for Kids: Emotional Regulation Series Part 8

Welcome to the final post in our 8-part Emotional Regulation Series! Whether you’re just getting started on your emotional regulation journey with your students or you’ve followed each post from the start, this series is here to support you every step of the way. This post is about one of the most impactful tools you can use in your classroom— emotional regulation books for kids!

Taking a Quick Look Back

Now is a great time to refresh your mind (or get caught up!) on all of the rest of the powerful tools and ideas in the Emotional Regulation series. 

Check out the previous posts:

• Part 1: Favorite Calming & Sensory Tools
• Part 2: Calm Down Strategies
• Part 3: Relaxation Techniques
• Part 4: Breathing Exercises
• Part 5: Mindfulness Techniques
• Part 6: Setting Up a Calm Down Corner
• Part 7: Teaching Emotional Awareness

Why Books Are So Beneficial for Teaching Emotional Regulation

In this final piece, we are diving into a super common classroom resource— books!

Books are like windows or mirrors for kids. They help students see themselves, understand others, and explore the world of feelings in ways that they may not otherwise be able to. Books are safe and relatable spaces for kids. When stories involve characters who experience big emotions and learn how to manage them, students begin to internalize these messages— often without even realizing it!

Books are great for sparking deep conversations and can be used seamlessly throughout the day.

Let’s dive into some of the very best emotional regulation books for kids that you’ll want to add to your classroom library or calm down space this year:

Emotional Regulation Books for Kids You Will Love

*This post contains some affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

1. “The Color Monster” by Anna Llenas

This story introduces young children to the idea that feelings can be sorted and identified— just like colors! A little girl shows Color Monster what each of his many feelings means through color. Color Monster finds peace and self-awareness with the help of his new friend. 

This makes it perfect for helping children understand a variety of emotions and connect their feelings with important vocabulary. 

2. “When Sophie Gets Angry— Really, Really Angry…” by Molly Bang

When Sophie gets angry, she gets really, really angry! Her experience with overwhelming anger is both honest and relatable for many kids. Throughout this book, kids follow along as Sophie learns to identify her anger, find space for it, and eventually calm down. 

This book is a great choice to read when teaching calm down strategies for your students!

3. “My Body Sends a Signal” by Natalia Maguire

This book empowers students to tune into the physical signs their bodies give them when they’re feeling big emotions. The diverse visuals and clear explanations of different feelings in this book makes this one a great choice for all students! 

4. “The Jelly Donut Difference” by Maria Dismondy

Maria Dismondy’s book encourages kids to be empathetic and kind as they learn from the sibling duo in the story. The siblings learn the joy in giving as they share jelly donuts with their new neighbor. Your students also learn how their actions affect others. 

5. “The Boy with Big, Big Feelings” by Britney Winn Lee

The boy in this story feels emotions very deeply, often in ways that others don’t understand. He learns to see his feelings as gifts instead of something to hide inside. Use this book to help sensitive or anxious students feel seen and valued.

6. “Grumpy Monkey” by Suzanne Lang

Jim Panzee doesn’t know why he’s in such a bad mood— he just is! All of his friends try to help him be less upset, but nothing seems to work. 

This playful and honest story helps kids realize that it is okay to feel grumpy and not want to “fix it” right away always.

7. “The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain

This colorful rhyming book names common feelings while giving kid-friendly descriptions and examples for each. Use this book to start discussions with your students as you’re teaching emotional awareness. 

8. “Waffle Can’t Decide” by Brenda S. Miles

There are so many choices to be made every single day! Waffle the dog can’t choose, and his indecisiveness causes frustration. 

This book teaches kids effective calm down strategies when they are anxious or overwhelmed. You definitely want this relatable, engaging story in your classroom when you have a child who struggles with decision-making. 

*Find even more emotional regulation books for kids here!

Easy Ways to Incorporate Books into Your Routine

Don’t overcomplicate how or when you add books to your daily schedule! Consider any (or all!) of these natural moments:

• During Morning Meeting
• End of day wind-down
• As literacy connections
• In your Calm Down Corner library
• During Small Groups or Individual Support

Let’s Celebrate YOU

Finally, take a moment to remember that you ARE making a big difference in the lives of your students! 

Over the past eight posts, you’ve explored calming tools, strategies, and other helpful information to support your students’ emotional regulation journeys. You’ve learned how to model mindfulness, build calming spaces, teach emotional vocabulary, and now, how to use picture books as a powerful SEL tool. 

Remember, emotional regulation isn’t taught in one lesson or activity. It’s built moment by moment. The books you choose, the words you say, and the way you respond to students’ big feelings… It all adds up to something profound that students can carry with them for life!

Let me know if you have any questions about anything you see here. Don’t forget to pin this post to refer to it later!

Other posts you may enjoy:

4 Powerful Ways to Immediately Boost Student Well Being

10 Tips for a Successful Morning Routine to Reduce Chaos