5 Books That Make Emotions Easier to Talk About

📚 Does your child struggle to express their feelings?📚

Big emotions can be overwhelming for children. They might lash out in frustration, struggle to put their feelings into words or bottle things up until they explode. As parents, we want to help, but knowing how to guide them isn’t always easy.

✨ That’s where stories come in. ✨

As a mindfulness practitioner and mum, I use books all the time—at home and in my classes—to help children recognise, name and regulate their emotions. The right book can make feelings feel safe, understandable and even fun to explore!

In honour of World Book Day tomorrow here are five beautiful books that I highly recommend:

🐉 Daisy’s Dragons by Frances Stickley & Annabel Tempest
For when your child feels frustrated or angry – This story helps children understand that emotions can grow and become hard to control, but they can also be tamed.

❤️ In My Heart by Jo Witek & Christine Roussey
For helping your child name their emotions – This interactive book explores different feelings, making it easier for children to describe what’s going on inside them.

☀️ Sometimes I Feel… Sunny by Gillian Shields & Georgia Birkett
For teaching that all feelings are natural – This lighthearted book normalises emotional ups and downs, just like the changing weather. Great for younger children.

🌬️ Breathing Makes It Better by Christopher Willard & Wendy O’Leary
For teaching mindful breathing – This book introduces simple breathing exercises that help children calm overwhelming emotions. I use it all the time in my mindfulness sessions!

🫶 Look Who’s Here by Louise Shanagher & Rose Finerty
A wonderful book about different emotions that visit.

📖 How to Use These Books at Home:
1️⃣ Read together and pause to ask, “Have you ever felt this way?”
2️⃣ Act out emotions in the story to make them more relatable.
3️⃣ Try a breathing technique from Breathing Makes It Better when big feelings arise.

💛 Want to help your child feel more confident with their emotions? Start by adding one of these books to your bedtime routine.

What’s a book that has helped your child explore their feelings? I’d love to hear your recommendations! Drop them in the comments. ⬇️

#mindfulness #bigemotions #worldbookday #readalouds #picturebooks