Books About Disappointment

The Best Disappointment Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Feelings and Emotions, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about disappointment? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Disappointment

Just a Bad Day
Sale price
$284
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 1993

Just a Bad Day

By Mercer Mayer · Little Critter series

A rainy day turns unexpectedly bright for Little Critter.

24 pages· 350 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,665 ratings
$2.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Little Critter faces a series of mishaps on a dreary, rainy day. Stuck indoors, everything seems to go wrong, testing his patience and spirit. But as the day unfolds, Little Critter discovers that even the gloomiest days can hold unexpected surprises and joy. Will he find a way to turn his luck around and see the silver lining? Join Little Critter on this heartwarming journey of resilience and optimism.
Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2011

Fancy Nancy and the Mermaid Ballet

By Jane O'Connor, Robin Preiss Glasser (Illustrator) · Fancy Nancy series

A young girl named Nancy auditions for a ballet and learns to deal with disappointment and jealousy when her best friend gets a better part.

32 pages· 1,018 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 1,606 ratings
Hardcover
Summary: Fancy Nancy dreams of being a glamorous mermaid in her ballet show, but ends up cast as a plain tree. As the performance nears, a crisis threatens the production. Can Nancy's creativity save the day and bring her unexpected role to life? Discover how she navigates disappointment and finds her moment in the spotlight. Will Nancy's flair turn the ordinary into extraordinary, or will the show fall apart? Join Nancy on a journey of resilience and imagination in this charming tale of friendship and unexpected heroism.
Saturday
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2019

Saturday

By Oge Mora

A young girl spends a day with her mother, experiencing various disappointments but ultimately learning the value of time with loved ones.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (2020)
40 pages· 507 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.5 Goodreads · 2,932 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Every Saturday, a mother and daughter cherish their special routine. But this time, everything goes awry—storytime, salon, picnic, and puppet show plans fall apart. As frustration mounts, the daughter gently reminds her mom that their time together is what truly matters. This touching tale captures the essence of love and resilience, celebrating the beauty of shared moments even when plans go astray.
Where's the Party?
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–6 · 2016

Where's the Party?

By Ruth Chan · Georgie and Friends series

Georgie's party plans hit a snag when no friends can attend.

40 pages· 378 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 279 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Georgie the cat is known for his legendary parties, complete with balloons, lights, and cake. But when he plans the ultimate bash, his friends are too busy to join. As Georgie races through the city, he wonders if his party will be a flop. Can friendship save the day, or will Georgie celebrate alone? Discover the heartwarming twist that answers the question: Where's the Party?
The Birthday Pet
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2009

The Birthday Pet

By Ellen Javernick, Kevin O'Malley (Illustrator)

A boy gets a series of pets that aren't what he wanted.

34 pages· 387 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 255 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: For his birthday, Danny can choose any pet he desires. He dreams of a turtle, but his family surprises him with a series of unexpected animals. Will Danny's wish come true, or will he find joy in the unexpected? Follow Danny's journey through a parade of pets to discover if his birthday wish is fulfilled.
Family of Friends
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2025

Family of Friends

By Varsha Bajaj, Ishaa Lobo (Illustrator)

When a beloved visitor can't come, a girl's birthday plans fall apart, until neighbors step in.

32 pages
3.9 Goodreads · 35 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Isha can't wait for her birthday party, because Nani, her fun-loving grandmother, is coming all the way from India. When Nani has to postpone her trip, Isha no longer feels like celebrating. Her whole neighborhood of friends works together to cheer her up and make her day special, in a story about the families we are born into and the ones we choose.
I Wanted a Giant Chocolate Egg But All I Got Was This Stupid Book
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–8 · 2027

I Wanted a Giant Chocolate Egg But All I Got Was This Stupid Book

By Merv Lamington

A disappointed kid sets off to confront whoever is responsible for a chocolate-free holiday.

32 pages
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Instead of a giant chocolate egg, a child got this book. Outraged, the narrator invites the reader on a different kind of Easter egg hunt: tracking down the Easter Bunny to complain. A funny journey from disappointment to delight for any kid who thinks the Easter Bunny could have done better.
A Little SPOT of Disappointment
Picture Book · 2023

A Little SPOT of Disappointment

By Diane Alber

Can your child turn disappointment into resilience? Discover the power of flexible thinking.

32 pages· 619 words
4.7 Goodreads · 59 ratings
Paperback
Summary: Join Little SPOT as he navigates the ups and downs of disappointment, teaching kids to transform rigid expectations into flexible ones. Through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, children learn to manage emotions, set realistic goals, and build resilience. Will Little SPOT's journey inspire your child to face challenges with a new mindset? This heartwarming tale offers practical tools for parents and sparks meaningful conversations about emotions and problem-solving. Dive into a world where disappointment becomes a stepping stone to growth and resilience.
Just My Best Friend
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Just My Best Friend

By Mercer Mayer · My First I Can Read series

A sleepover plan goes awry, teaching Little Critter the value of friendship.

32 pages· 327 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.5 Goodreads · 108 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Little Critter eagerly plans a perfect sleepover in his tree house with his friend Tiger. Games and treats are on the agenda, but when things don't go as planned, Little Critter must embrace the unexpected. Can he learn that the best moments come from the heart, not a checklist? Discover how friendship can turn any mishap into a memorable adventure.
Guess What!?
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Guess What!?

By Mo Willems · Book #4 in the Unlimited Squirrels series

Zoom Squirrel's beach trip turns into a hilarious adventure. Can you outsmart the Squirrels?

96 pages· 346 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 396 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Zoom Squirrel and friends embark on a beach adventure filled with unexpected twists and laughter. As they navigate the sandy shores, their antics raise the question: do you know more about beach fun than these quirky Squirrels? Packed with jokes, quizzes, and nutty facts, this tale promises a delightful journey where learning and laughter go hand in hand. Will Zoom Squirrel's excitement lead to a day of fun or chaos? Discover the answer in this engaging, furry escapade that challenges your beach knowledge and tickles your funny bone.
Ages 3–6Picture Book Club

Great books for ages 3–6, every month.

Two hardcover picture books a month, perfect for reading aloud, with coordinated spines for a beautiful shelf.

See the Picture Book ClubFrom $19.95 a box
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