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At Sharing Stories, we believe that books are powerful tools for supporting children’s mental health. As parents, educators, and book lovers, we know that books help children name their emotions, process feelings, and normalize difficult experiences. From the toddler years to early elementary, children go through big emotions—joy, frustration, sadness, fear—and books provide a safe space to explore them.
Reading stories about emotions helps kids understand that it’s normal to feel bad sometimes. It reassures them that they are not alone and gives them words to express what they are going through.
Here’s how books can support mental well-being in children from 0-5 years and up to 10 years, along with recommended titles.
Why Books Matter for Mental Health
1. They Put Words to Feelings
Many young children struggle to express emotions. Books offer simple, relatable language that helps them say, “I feel angry” or “I feel sad.”
2. They Normalize Big Emotions
Books show that all emotions are valid. They teach kids that everyone—adults, kids, and even animals—feels happy, sad, scared, or frustrated at times.
3. They Help with Emotional Regulation
Stories can model calm-down strategies like deep breathing, counting, or seeking comfort from a loved one.
4. They Create a Safe Space for Discussion
A book can be a gentle conversation starter about fears, worries, or tough days.
5. They Build Empathy
Reading about characters with different emotions helps children understand their own feelings and recognize them in others.
12 Books Selection That Support Children’s Mental Well Being
For 0-5 Years
The Colour Monster – Anna Llenas
Uses colors to explain emotions in a clear, visual way.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings – Jo Witek
Helps children name and understand different emotions.
Grumpycorn - Sarah McIntyre
Teaches that it’s okay to feel grumpy and that emotions pass.
The Rabbit Listened – Cori Doerrfeld
Teaches the power of listening and emotional support when sad.
Calm Down Time – Elizabeth Verdick
A simple book on self-regulation and calming techniques.
Feelings – Kathy Gordon
Uses playful illustrations and lift the flap to explore a variety of emotions.
Llama Llama Mad at Mama – Anna Dewdney
Normalizes frustration and tantrums, showing how to move through them.
At Sharingstories.me, you can find variations of those titles in different languages.
For 5-10 Years
Big Breath – William Meyer
Calm your worries and build your bravery. Step by Step guide to feel your breathing.
Ravi’s Roar – Tom Percival
Helps children understand anger and how to talk about it.
How Are You Feeling Today? - Sarah Jennings
Children can choose a feeling that relates to them and then turn to the page that provides child-friendly strategies for dealing with that feeling.
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness – Susan Verde
Introduces mindfulness techniques for calm and focus.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse - Charlie Mackesy
Filled with beautiful illustrations and thoughtful conversations about love, friendship, and finding hope even in challenging times.
Guts - Raina Telgemeier
Tackles anxiety and emotional challenges with compassion and humor, showing how kids can work through their fears.
How to Use These Books in Everyday Life
✅ Read them when things are calm. Books about emotions are most effective when read in a relaxed setting, not just during emotional meltdowns.
✅ Let your child lead the conversation. Ask open-ended questions like, “Have you ever felt like that?” or “What do you think the character should do next?”
✅ Revisit books often. Children process emotions over time. A book they don’t connect with today might resonate deeply a few months later.
✅ Use books to reflect on real-life situations. If your child is struggling with a specific emotion, refer to a book: “Remember how the Color Monster felt mixed up? What colors would describe your feelings today?”
Final Thoughts: Making Emotions a Normal Part of Childhood
At SharingStories, we believe that feeling sad, frustrated, or anxious is just as normal as feeling happy and excited. Books help children accept and express their emotions in healthy ways.
By filling our homes with books that acknowledge all emotions, we teach children that they are seen, heard, and understood and that is one of the most powerful gifts we can give them.
Looking for book recommendations for your children? Explore Sharingstories.me, a Kids Book Club and Multilingual Library Service in the UAE that delivers new stories tailored to your child's needs right to your doorstep every month. Discover more