Picture books can support children’s emotional development as well as their literacy skills. They can offer a mirror of the big feelings children feel and open doors to good ways to express and cope with emotions. Reading picture books is a safe, non-judgmental and enjoyable way to learn about feelings.

How do picture books support emotional development?

Picture books can help children:

• identify and name emotions
• develop empathy, as children learn to understand emotions in others
• learn healthy ways of expressing and coping with big feelings
• talk about feelings by opening conversations.

The pictures amplify the words and convey more meaning than the words alone. Wordless picture books, such as Mel Tregonning’s Small Things, demonstrate the power of images.

Picture Book Recommendations

Sad? Worried? Angry? Scared? Happy? Picture books represent all these emotions and more.

These lists of recommended books can help you find some picture book titles.

21 Multicultural Children’s Books About Feelings

All the Feels: 10 Books to Helps Kids With Their Emotions

Best Picture Books for Kids About Feelings (aka. Emotional Intelligence/EQ)

Building Blocks of Wellness: Books that Support Social Emotional Learning

Children’s Books That Teach Kids About Emotions

Finding Hope in Hard Times Reading List

Picture Books that Nurture Emotional Awareness

Struggling To Discuss Tough Topics With A Kid? Here Are Books That Might Help