Picture books tagged with: anger

The River

A beautiful, hopeful picture book that supports and acknowledges children struggling with complex emotions. The boy in the story experiences (and recovers from) a prolonged period of sadness following the death of his pet dog, but the themes in the story would be useful for many scenarios.

Charlie and the Dog Who Came to Stay: A Book About Depression

This gentle and reassuring story should chime with any young child who is living with depression, whether it is themselves or someone else who has been affected by it. A useful tool to help children to understand depression and how it can change people's feelings and behaviour, containing practical non-preachy guidance and coping strategies.

Me and My Fear

A beautifully imagined exploration of fear and how it can change a child's behaviour and perception of the world around them. An excellent springboard for a discussion about emotions, empathy, talking through your worries with others and coping with change.

What’s worrying you?

A great picture book to help children explore their worries. While it is normal to feel anxious now and then, when anxiety escalates and can't be controlled, sitting down with your child and reading this book together should help.

Grumpy Frog

A thoroughly entertaining and engaging book which explores some important themes: forgiveness, tolerance, co-operation, and how moods and behaviour affects others.

A Safe Place for Rufus

This book would be a good choice for children who have experienced trauma in their lives which has left them feeling anxious in new situations. Also relevant for children who are struggling with transitions such as moving house, changing school or moving from one family to another.

Funny Face

A good starting point to chat to a very young child about emotions, for example, how they feel during a tantrum.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

Ever So Ever So

This book may help to explore disgruntled feelings between an older sister and a new baby arriving home. It is hard to accept the adoration and attention mum and dad are giving to new baby sister Susan.

What Makes Me Happy?

May help a child to identify emotions they are experiencing and encourage them to discuss any they feel uncomfortable with. Reassures children that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

The Happy Book

A great starting point for talking about both positive and negative feelings with very young children. This book may gently encourage co-operation and good behaviour.

The Most Magnificent Thing

For those children struggling to get things just right, this story will inspire them to keep trying, even when plans go awry. A great message for little perfectionists!

The Night Dad Went to Prison: What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Prison

A story which details the practical and emotional impact of a parent going to prison.

Arabella and the Magic Pencil

Acknowledges that a new baby in the house can mean big changes, but these changes can be positive ones (although a period of adjustment is needed)

Horrible Bear!

A sweet picture book with an important message: looking for the good in people and situations and learning to apologise will lead to more happiness than being angry, judgemental and stubborn.

The Colour Monster

A good book to help young children identify, recognise and explore their emotions.

Banana!

A simple and funny tale of two monkeys showing the importance of sharing, co-operation and saying "please".

Hortense and the Shadow

This book encourages the reader to see strengths within themselves that they may have originally thought were weaknesses. It uses a quirky, abstract message to promote self-respect. It would be a good starting point for a conversation about tolerance and respect for others too.

Big Tree is Sick

Helps children understand and cope with long-term or life-threatening illness of a relative or friend. The story is particularly relevant to cancer treatment.

Rosie Rudey and the very Annoying Parent

Children who have had a difficult start in life, who are finding it hard to adapt to life within a new family, may benefit from this book. Children in other situations who are struggling with emotional and behavioural issues may identify with Rosie in the book, and, with the guidance of a parent or other trusted adult, may be able to take the first steps to improving their situation.

Hudson Hates School

A useful introduction to dyslexia for children, this book reassures children that dyslexia should not be a barrier to success if it is properly recognised and managed.

Put Away Your Phone!

Encourages a child to develop strategies to manage situations that make them cross. Helps a child to see that phones can be useful in an emergency, and forces parents to consider how much time they may be spending on their devices.

Angry Arthur

Acknowledges the overwhelming feelings of anger that children sometimes experience.

Hands Are Not for Hitting

Reinforcing the message that violence is never acceptable, and encouraging children to use their hands in more positive and creative ways than hitting.

All Kinds of Feelings: a Lift-the-Flap Book

Chill

Acknowledges that everyday situations may give rise to negative emotions in young children. The story offers some practical suggestions that young children can use to ease anxiety and frustration, such as deep breathing.

It’s Not Fair (Your Feelings)

Explores the concept of unfairness in a child-friendly way and encourages children to come to terms with this emotion. Also touches upon the subject of anger and violence as the child in the story feels like 'hitting out' when she considers things to be unfair.