3 Kid Books That Normalize Big Feelings

As children grow up, they start to experience different kinds of emotions like happiness, excitement, frustration, worry, angry, and even embarrassment. As parents, we have a very important role in helping them explore, understand, and manage these feelings. One creative way to address feelings is through stories! Here are the 3 children's books that you and your little one can start with! 📚

The Boy with Big, Big Feelings

By Britney Winn Lee

Meet a boy with feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own. The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated. This story has a wonderful message that’s relatable for any child, but especially for children experiencing anxiety and extreme emotions, or diagnosed with autism or as a Highly Sensitive Person.

⭐ Review: With creativity and tenderness, Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva invite children and adults to understand the value of our emotions.. [Why they are] a part of what allows us to experience life with resilience and connection. ―Aundi Kolber, Author, Speaker, and Trauma-Informed Therapist

Read The Boy with Big, Big Feelings

Hudson Hates School

By Ella Hudson

Hudson is good at a lot of things, but spelling isn't one of them. In fact, having to do spelling tests is one of the many things he HATES about school. After another horrible day Hudson declares he will never go back to school. But one final very different test helps Hudson understand why he is special... and how he can learn to learn!

⭐ Review: A gentle and thoughtful introduction to dyslexia presented in a fun and lively way.

Read Hudson Hates School

Scaredy Squirrel

By Melanie Watt

Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute. Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ... his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk.

⭐ Review: Scaredy Squirrel is a masterful balance of charm, comedy and serious realism. ―Toronto Star

Read Scaredy Squirrel

Doll Play Helps Kids Talk About Thoughts and Emotions

Playing with dolls activate parts of the brain that allow children to develop empathy and social processing skills which are essential to their growth and emotional development

Nurturing and healthy pretend play enable kids to practice social skills which they can utilize when interacting and developing relationships with people in the real world. When kids vocalize their thoughts and emotions, they start building social skills, like empathy and compassion, that give them the tools as they grow into adulthood.

Our 20-inch realistic ToddlerTime Dolls will inspire creativity and imagination through fun play! Browse our collection and get one for your little love today!