Books About Sadness · 31 titles considered

The Best Sadness Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about sadness? 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.

A Shelter for Sadness
Graphic Nov.
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Sadness

Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2018

When Sadness Is at Your Door

By Eva Eland · When Sadness Is at Your Door series

Explore sadness as a visitor, not a foe.

32 pages· 145 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 3,437 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

A Shelter for Sadness

A boy befriends his sadness, learning to embrace emotions and find beauty in the world.

40 pages
4.4/5 Goodreads · 745 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

My Elephant Is Blue

By Melinda Szymanik, Vasanti Unka (Illustrator)

Can anything lift the weight of sadness when it feels like an elephant on your chest?

32 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 170 ratings
$19.00Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Jenny Mei Is Sad

A friend supports Jenny Mei, who hides her sadness behind smiles.

30 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 454 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Maybe Tomorrow?

Can a joyful friend help lift the weight of sadness and lead to healing?

40 pages· 564 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,016 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

The Shadow Elephant

By Nadine Robert, Valerio Vidali (Illustrator)

An elephant's sadness meets unexpected understanding.

48 pages· 391 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 153 ratings
$18.95Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 0–18 · 2004

Michael Rosen's Sad Book

By Michael Rosen, Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Explore the depths of sadness and the journey to cope with loss.

32 pages· 617 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.5/5 Goodreads · 3,522 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2024

Gray

By Laura Dockrill, Lauren Child (Illustrator)

Explore a child's moods through colors, finding love and acceptance in every shade.

40 pages
4.2/5 Goodreads · 328 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

When I Feel Sad

A little guinea pig learns that sadness is temporary.

24 pages· 234 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
4.1/5 Goodreads · 238 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Chapter Book · 1991

Clifford, We Love You

Can friends lift Clifford's spirits when he's feeling down?

32 pages· 378 words· Est. 7 min read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 4,167 ratings
$3.99Save 5%
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Browse by age

Sadness Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Baby Happy Baby Sad

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Baby's joy turns to sadness with a dropped ice cream and lost balloon.

Princess Stella Gets Sad

Ages 2–6 · 2013

A princess must conquer her sadness to restore joy to her castle.

I'm Feeling Sad
Sale price
$599

I'm Feeling Sad

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Discover how Daniel Tiger learns to manage sadness and find joy again.

View all sadness board books
Browse by age

Sadness Picture Books

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

Sometimes When I'm Sad

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A child learns to manage overwhelming sadness with simple, empowering strategies.

Little Unicorn Is Sad

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A unicorn's mane changes with emotions. Can he find his rainbow again?

Little Mole Finds Hope
Sale price
$1799

Little Mole Finds Hope

Ages 3–6 · 2020

In darkness, Little Mole discovers hope and the promise of spring.

Cheer Up, Mouse!
Sale price
$1299

Cheer Up, Mouse!

Ages 4–8 · 2013

Mouse's friends try everything to lift his spirits, but only a hug can help.

I'm Sad

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl and a potato try to cheer up a sad flamingo.

Max's Box

Ages 0–6 · 2019

A magical box traps Max's emotions, growing until it blocks his joy. Can he find a way to let go?

Sad, Sad Bear
Sale price
$1799

Sad, Sad Bear

Ages 0–8 · 2021

Bear faces his first day at Cub Care. Will he find new friends?

I'm Not Happy

Ages 4–8 · 2011

Can Ben turn his friends' frowns into smiles?

Let the Light In

Ages 4–7 · 2024

Guide children from sadness to brighter days with simple, uplifting ideas.

Who Feels Sad, Dear Dragon?

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A boy learns the power of truth and friendship after poor choices with his dragon.

Albert Le Blanc

Ages 3–+ · 2023

A toy shop bear's frown sparks a quest for laughter and friendship.

I See You, Sad Bear

Ages 3–6 · 2023

A bear's sadness invites a friend's comforting presence.

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