Big Feelings & Emotional Regulation
Stories can help children understand, express and make sense of the many emotions they experience throughout life. Whether a child is feeling worried, angry, overwhelmed, sad, excited or confused, books can provide a gentle way to explore feelings and start important conversations.
The books in this collection support emotional awareness, emotional regulation and self-understanding, helping children learn that all feelings are welcome and that emotions can be understood, expressed and managed in healthy ways.
Anxious Charlie to the Rescue
Author: Terry Milne
Focus: Anxiety, courage, emotional regulation.
A practical and engaging story that helps children understand anxiety and build confidence when facing worries.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
This is a wonderful book for children whose worries sometimes feel bigger than they are. It helps children understand that courage isn't about making worries disappear—it's about learning how to move forward with them.
Best for: Ages 5–12
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
▶️ Watch Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guRJNszkR8w
Visiting Feelings
Author: Lauren Rubenstein
Focus: Emotional awareness, mindfulness, emotional regulation.
A beautifully illustrated book that teaches children that feelings come and go like visitors.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
I love how this book helps children understand that they are not their feelings. Feelings visit, stay for a while, and eventually move on.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
▶️ Watch Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2gLkHymF3U
I'm Happy-Sad Today
Author: Lory Britian
Focus: Mixed emotions, emotional literacy.
A gentle reminder that we can experience more than one feeling at a time.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
Children often think feelings should make sense. This book helps normalise having lots of feelings at once, especially during times of change.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
▶️ Watch Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LoJpn8KhKM
It's OK to Feel the Way You Do
Author: Josh Langley
Focus: Emotional validation, self-acceptance.
A reassuring story that helps children understand all feelings are welcome.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
A lovely book for children who think they shouldn't feel sad, angry, worried or frustrated. It reminds them that emotions are part of being human.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library