Books About Emotions · 511 titles considered

The Best Emotions 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.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about emotions? 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 Emotions

Ghost
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 2016

Ghost

By Jason Reynolds · Book #1 in the Track series

A young sprinter must outrun his past to achieve greatness on the track team.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2016)Cybils Award (2016)Odyssey Honor (2017)
208 pages· 39,201 words· Est. 4.5 hour read
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 54,524 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw dreams of being the fastest sprinter on his middle school track team, but his troubled past threatens to derail him. Haunted by memories of fleeing his violent father, Ghost struggles to channel his raw talent under the guidance of a former Olympic coach. As he races toward the Junior Olympics, Ghost must confront his fears and prove to himself that he can overcome his history. Will he find the strength to stay on track, or will his past catch up to him? Discover the electrifying journey of a boy running for more than just victory.
What Are You Glad About? What Are You Mad About?
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2016

What Are You Glad About? What Are You Mad About?

By Judith Viorst, Lee White (Illustrator)

Explore childhood's emotional roller-coaster through witty poems.

112 pages
5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 185 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into a world where emotions swing from joy to sorrow. This collection of poems captures the essence of childhood's ups and downs, from school adventures to family dynamics. Discover how each verse navigates the complex landscape of young feelings, offering both laughter and reflection. Will you find your day filled with sunshine or shadowed by clouds? Perfect for young readers beginning to understand their own emotional journeys.
I Am (Not) Scared
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

I Am (Not) Scared

By Anna Kang, Christopher Weyant (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the You Are (Not) Small series

Two friends face their fears at an amusement park, discovering bravery in unexpected ways.

32 pages· 116 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
5.1/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,407 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Two fuzzy friends embark on a thrilling adventure at an amusement park, each trying to outdo the other with tales of scarier things than the roller coaster—like hairy spiders and aliens. As they confront their fears, they learn that being scared isn't always as terrifying as it seems. This delightful story, filled with humor and charm, explores the courage found in friendship and the joy of overcoming fears together. Will they conquer the roller coaster, or will their imaginations get the best of them?
The Pain and the Great One
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 5–8 · 1974

The Pain and the Great One

By Judy Blume, Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Illustrator) · Pain and the Great One Series series

A young boy and girl navigate their feelings towards their siblings and their roles within the family.

48 pages· 904 words· Est. 11 min read
4.0 Goodreads · 2,474 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: An eight-year-old girl and her six-year-old brother, known as 'The Pain' and 'The Great One,' engage in a humorous rivalry to determine who their parents love more. As they take turns describing each other, their antics reveal the true nature of family love. Will their competition ever end, or is there more to their bond than meets the eye?
Judy Moody Was in a Mood
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2000

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Judy Moody series

Judy Moody faces third grade with a bad mood and a unique class project.

176 pages· 11,142 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 19,108 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Judy Moody starts third grade in a terrible mood, dreading her new classroom and seating arrangement. With a passion for medicine and a quirky collection of Band-Aids, Judy's individuality shines. When Mr. Todd assigns a special project, Judy's creativity is unleashed. Can this project turn her mood around and reveal her true self? Dive into Judy's world of humor and attitude as she navigates school challenges and discovers the power of self-expression.
Grumpy Monkey Get Your Grumps Out
Sale price
$474
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2021

Grumpy Monkey Get Your Grumps Out

By Suzanne Lang, Max Lang (Illustrator) · Grumpy Monkey: Step Into Reading series

A grumpy animal tries to get rid of his grumpiness with the help of his friends.

32 pages· 335 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.9 Goodreads · 201 ratings
$4.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Jim Panzee, the grumpy monkey, decides it's time for a change. He enlists his jungle friends to help him get rid of his grumpiness by making him mad. But when his friend Norman reminds him that it's okay to be himself, Jim must decide if he can accept his grumpy side. Will Jim find peace with who he truly is, or will he continue his quest for a new self? This delightful tale, with easy-to-read words and vibrant illustrations, invites young readers to explore the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of being true to oneself.
The FRUSTRATING Book!
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 2022

The FRUSTRATING Book!

By Mo Willems · Book #5 in the Unlimited Squirrels series

Zoom Squirrel seeks new emotions, but what if they're not what he expects?

96 pages· 731 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
7.0/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 436 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Zoom Squirrel is on a quest to experience new emotions, but his squirrel friends' help might lead to unexpected feelings. Will Zoomy embrace these changes, or will they prove too much? Join the fun-filled adventure with quirky quizzes and nutty facts, and discover if you know more about feelings than the squirrels by the end of this engaging tale.
Three Little Words
Sale price
$1248
Picture Book · Ages 2–5 · 2014

Three Little Words

By Clemency Pearce, Rosalind Beardshaw (Illustrator) · Three Little Words series

Discover how three little words can brighten any child's day.

32 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·3.5/5 Goodreads · 104 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: In a world where childhood worries loom large, three little words—'I love you'—hold the power to transform. Through charming animal families and rhythmic storytelling, children learn that love is always there to comfort and uplift. Whether it's a mighty, friendly, or winning embrace, these words offer reassurance and warmth. Perfect for moments when a hug is needed, this tale celebrates the boundless ways love can conquer fears and bring smiles. Join the journey of love's gentle magic, where every page promises a comforting embrace and a boost of confidence for little hearts.
Emma
Sale price
$1139
Board Book · Ages 2–4 · 2015

Emma

By Jennifer Adams, Alison Oliver (Illustrator) · BabyLit Classic Lit series

A young matchmaker stirs emotions in her village.

22 pages
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 316 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Board book
Summary: Emma Woodhouse, a spirited young matchmaker, stirs a whirlwind of emotions in her village. As she meddles in the lives of her friends, Mr. Elton grows angry, Miss Taylor finds happiness, and Jane Fairfax feels weary. Will Emma's matchmaking lead to harmony or chaos? Discover the emotional journey in this charming primer.
Augustus and His Smile
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2001

Augustus and His Smile

By Catherine Rayner

A tiger embarks on a journey to rediscover his lost smile.

32 pages· 224 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 756 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Augustus the tiger feels a deep sadness as he realizes his smile is missing. Determined to find it, he stretches his powerful body and ventures into the world. Along his journey, Augustus encounters breathtaking landscapes and discovers the simple joys that nature offers. Will he find his smile amidst the beauty surrounding him? This enchanting tale invites young readers to explore the wonders of the world and the happiness that lies within.
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Browse by age

Emotions Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about emotions for the youngest readers and listeners.

I Yoga You
Sale price
$899

I Yoga You

Ages 2–4 · 2019

Discover love through yoga as families share mindful moments from dawn to dusk.

Sometimes Babies...
Sale price
$999

Sometimes Babies...

Ages 0–2 · 2022

Discover the many kinds of babies and the love that embraces them all.

Fiona's Feelings
Sale price
$799

Fiona's Feelings

Ages 0–3 · 2018

A premature hippo's journey to strength and discovery inspires young readers.

The Feelings Book
Series
Sale price
$899

The Feelings Book

Ages 2–4 · 2005

Explore the colorful world of emotions and discover the joy of expressing every feeling.

Calm-Down Time
Series
Sale price
$899

Calm-Down Time

Ages 1–3 · 2010

Discover tools to help toddlers manage meltdowns and find calm.

Baby Faces
Sale price
$699

Baby Faces

Ages 2–5 · 1998

Discover baby expressions in a colorful, engaging board book.

A Kiss Means I Love You
Sale price
$799

A Kiss Means I Love You

Ages 0–3 · 2012

Discover the world of nonverbal communication through playful rhymes and photos.

View all emotions board books
Browse by age

Emotions Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about emotions for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Boring Book
Sale price
$1799

The Boring Book

Ages 5–8 · 2017

A bored boy discovers boredom is a gateway to unexpected adventures.

Hello Goodbye Dog
Sale price
$1799

Hello Goodbye Dog

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A determined dog escapes to reunite with her girl at school.

Susan Laughs
Sale price
$2199

Susan Laughs

Ages 4–7 · 2000

A lively girl navigates life's ups and downs, revealing her wheelchair only at the end.

From Tree to Sea
Sale price
$1799

From Tree to Sea

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the hidden wisdom of nature and our place within it.

The Heart and the Bottle
Sale price
$1899

The Heart and the Bottle

Ages 4–8 · 2010

Can joy be rediscovered after loss, or is it forever bottled away?

Green
Series
Sale price
$1999

Green

Ages 3–6 · 2012

Discover the endless shades of green in a magical journey through nature's palette.

I'm Just a Kid
Sale price
$1899

I'm Just a Kid

Ages 3–9 · 2023

A child learns to manage overwhelming emotions with a little help from Mom.

View all emotions picture books
Browse by age

Emotions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about emotions for developing and independent readers.

Poetry Comics
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

Poetry Comics

Ages 8–12 · 2024

Explore life's moments through illustrated poems, from new shoes to falling leaves, in a unique graphic novel experience.

Strange Planet
#1 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1499

Strange Planet

2019

Explore a whimsical world where beings navigate life's milestones with humor and charm.

Good Different
Sale price
$1899

Good Different

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A girl must embrace her uniqueness before her world unravels completely.

A Rover's Story
Sale price
$1999

A Rover's Story

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A Mars rover faces perilous challenges and unexpected emotions on a mission to survive.

The Big Shrink
#6 in Series
Sale price
$699

The Big Shrink

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Marigold's shrinking magic spirals out of control, threatening her friends and their protest.

Pilu of the Woods
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Pilu of the Woods

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A runaway girl and a lost tree spirit face a storm and their emotions in the woods.

Ploof
#1 in Series
Sale price
$1899

Ploof

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Help a lonely cloud discover friendship through playful interactions.

View all emotions chapter books
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