Books About Emotions · 509 titles considered

The Best Emotions Books for Kids

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.

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

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Emotions

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 53,994 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 184 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2017

I Am (Not) Scared

By Anna Kang, Christopher Weyant (Illustrator) · 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 experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,398 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

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?

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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 2,460 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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?

Sale price

$574

Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2000

Judy Moody Was in a Mood

By Megan McDonald, Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) · 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

4.0/5 Goodreads · 19,048 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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.

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

3.9/5 Goodreads · 198 ratings

$4.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 430 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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.

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 experts·3.5/5 Goodreads · 104 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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.

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 316 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 756 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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.

The Bookroo Book Club