Children's books for the big moments and big feelings
Picture books that help with the big moments and big feelings: kindness, worry, patience, a new sibling, a new school.
12 guides
- Books about patience for kids: stories about waiting Twelve picture books that make waiting something a child can watch, laugh at and practice: seeds, chrysalises, surprises that are not here yet, and one very slow tortoise.
- Books about lying for kids: picture books about telling the truth Eleven picture books about fibs, lies that grow and the relief of telling the truth, chosen with the research on which honesty stories actually work, plus the AAP’s calm advice.
- Books about kindness for kids that don’t preach Twelve picture books that show kindness in action instead of preaching it: a mouse and a lion, an ant and a shoe, a girl who walks beside a classmate, and a friendship missed.
- Books about growth mindset for kids: it’s okay to get it wrong A girl who builds the wrong thing, an artist whose splotches become ideas, and a tiger who blooms in his own good time. Picture books for kids who hate getting it wrong.
- Books about gratitude for kids: picture books that teach thank you Twelve picture books about being thankful, from board books to poetry, that teach children to notice the people behind what they have. No guilt, no lectures.
- Books about friendship for kids 4 to 8 A zookeeper whose friends come to him, an imaginary friend waiting to be chosen, and a pie made for an enemy. Picture books for the years when friends start to matter.
- Books about feelings for kids: the best picture books for big emotions Thirteen picture books that give children words for what they feel, from monster masks for toddlers to bad days, tears and very big feelings for ages 5 to 8.
- Books about confidence for kids: picture books that build self-esteem A boy on a high diving board, a girl in a snowstorm and a giraffe who cannot dance, yet. Picture books for the moments your child doubts themselves.
- Books about anxiety for kids: gentle picture books for worriers A mouse who worries about everything, a worry that grows when you ignore it, and an invisible string that keeps you close. Picture books for children who feel things a lot.
- Books about anger for kids: picture books for when they’re mad A girl who runs out the door, a mouse who tries every kind of mad, and a pot of soup you scream into. Picture books for the moments when feelings get big.
- Books about a new baby sibling for big brothers and sisters Thirteen books for the soon-to-be big brother or sister: some to read while you wait, some for the first weeks home, and some for the jealous days that often come after.
The library behind the Journal
The Money & Business Library is five illustrated picture books for ages 4 to 8 that follow money from a first dollar to a small business: earning, ideas, worth, building and growing. Audiobook editions are available too.
We publish the Journal so parents get the research for free, whether or not the books end up on your shelf.
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