Big feelings are a normal part of growing up, but when anger shows up, it can take over fast. For elementary students, learning to manage those fiery emotions takes time, patience, and the right tools. One of the gentlest and most effective ways to start the conversation? Picture books.
Whether it’s a bear who blows his top or a little girl learning to pause and breathe, stories help kids see themselves, name their feelings, and practice calm-down strategies in a safe and engaging way.
Here are some favorite picture books to support emotional regulation, spark class discussions, and remind students they’re not alone when their tempers flare.
Here are a few books to add to your list:
A fantastic pick for young learners! This relatable story teaches simple, kid-friendly anger management tools like deep breathing, counting to 10, and shaking out big feelings—perfect for helping little ones learn to calm their inner roar.
Learn more about the book here.
Partner with: this book companion activity set.
Buddy is like most kids—he has good days and tough ones. But when things don’t go his way, it can feel like hot lava is bubbling up inside, ready to explode!
Sometimes I Am Hot Lava is a great read for helping kids understand and manage feelings of anger and frustration, using simple mindfulness and breathing techniques.
Martina’s had a muy bad day—mud puddles, bugs, gum, and ruined lucky socks! But when she shares it all with Abuela, her wise grandmother has a few tricks (and tunes) to help turn things around.
Partner with CBT activities to talk about changing our thoughts to change our day!
Penelope Weathervane had big plans—but when the weather turns stormy, so does her mood. Her grumpy day just keeps getting grumpier!
To calm the storm inside, Penelope turns to deep breaths and mindfulness.
Jim the chimp is in a bad mood—and no one can figure out why. His friends try everything to cheer him up, but it only makes things worse… until Jim finally lets it all out.
This funny, relatable story reminds kids that it’s okay to have big feelings.
Partner with this activity set from Simply Imperfect Counselor.
Robots don’t stay up late or throw tantrums—they say BLEEP BLOOP! But even the best-programmed bots can have meltdowns.
“Meltdown!” is a playful, pun-filled story that normalizes big emotions and offers fun ways to cool down. Perfect for robo-kids (and their grown-up units too)!
Tornado is tearing through town—but it’s not just wild, it’s angry (even if it won’t admit it). When Tornado picks up Cow, things get complicated… until Cow listens. Sometimes, that’s all a storm needs.
Penguin’s having a grumpy day—and he doesn’t even know why! Nothing helps… until he finds a way to wash the grumpies away and start fresh. A simple, cheerful story that’s perfect for turning moods around.
Partner with my activity set or this set from Counselor Keri.
Ruthie’s real problem at school? The Snurtch—a scribbly, grabby, burpy little monster that causes all kinds of trouble.
This fun, clever story explores the challenge of managing big emotions… especially when your inner monster won’t behave.
After reading have students draw their own “Snurtch.”
Billy’s a bit grumpy and different from the other kids. On a trip to the animal rescue, he finds a group of scruffy, grouchy pets—just like him. Maybe he’s finally found a friend who gets it.
Life can be tough—especially for kids figuring things out.
Ninja Life Hacks is a fun, easy-to-read book series that teaches valuable life skills to kids ages 4-10.
At Sunnyvale Elementary, students carry more than books—they carry big, confusing feelings.
Today, anger is spilling out everywhere. It’s up to the kids to become detectives and uncover what’s really behind those angry feelings: hurt, embarrassment, or feeling left out.
Gloria the bulldog feels sad when her best friend starts playing with a new doll. The girl’s brother and sister try to cheer Gloria up with fun games. Great for your littles 2-5.
Everyone gets angry sometimes, and it can feel upsetting, especially for kids. This Caldecott Honor book shows what Sophie does when she feels angry and helps children understand their own feelings. It’s a great way for parents, teachers, and kids to talk about anger and how to handle it. What do you do when you’re angry?
Great for younger elementary.
When little dinosaurs get mad, they stomp, yell, and have big tantrums! But after the roar, they learn to calm down by counting to ten, cleaning up, and giving hugs. This fun book by Yolen and Teague helps kids understand anger and how to handle it. Perfect for parents, teachers, and children to talk about feelings.
What do you do when anger takes over? In Ravi’s Roar, Ravi gets mad when being small means he can’t join in—so he turns into a roaring tiger! But no one wants to play with a wild tiger. Ravi learns how to manage his big feelings without hurting others. This book, part of the Big Bright Feelings series, helps kids understand and talk about emotions like anger in a kind, easy way.
Mootilda wakes up in a bad mooood and has a day full of silly accidents—she trips, spills milk, and even crashes near the chicken coop! Luckily, her barnyard friends help her feel better and turn her day around. Great for ages 4-8.
There are lots of excuses for being a grump, and this book is full of em. But in this book, the things that make you grumpy can actually be funny.
Luckily, he learns how to calm down and turn his day around. A gentle story for ages 4-6 about managing anger and tough feelings.
Partner with this activity set from the Calm & Creative Counselor.
Amaya seems angry everywhere she goes, but there’s more beneath her frown. As she learns to recognize her feelings and take deep breaths, she discovers how to manage anger and the emotions hiding underneath. The book for ages 6-10 includes helpful activities to practice calming down.
Everyone gets angry, even kids, but it can feel hard to control. This picture book shows simple ways to calm down—like deep breathing, doing an “angry dance,” and asking for help. Friendly illustrations show kids handling anger in healthy ways. At the back, there are fun activities for kids and tips for caregivers. Part of the Kids Can Cope series, this book helps children manage big feelings with easy tools and support.
Crankenstein is a hilarious and relatable story about a boy who turns into a cranky monster, & what it takes to turn his mood around.
Keya is very mad after her brother ruins breakfast. At school, she yells at her best friend Hooper, who then storms off upset. Now Keya must find a better way to handle her anger and make things right. A relatable story about managing big feelings.
Even superheroes have bad days—but they don’t throw tantrums! Instead, they find smart ways to handle big feelings like anger, sadness, or frustration. With fun rhymes and bold pictures, this book shows how kids (and superheroes) can stay calm and strong when emotions run high.
For ages 8 and up, How to Take the Grrrr Out of Anger helps kids understand that anger is normal, and shows them how to handle it in healthy ways. With easy tips, humor, and fun illustrations, this book offers practical strategies kids can use right away.
Explore all kinds of moods with a colorful crew of sea creatures! From mad eels to snappy turtles, even a crabby crab has rough days—but that’s okay. This playful underwater story helps kids understand that feelings change, and it’s normal to have ups and downs.
Find it here on Amazon.
Partner with my freebie or this one from Momma’s Little Bee’s on TpT.
When Miles’s brother breaks his favorite toy, he gets really mad—so mad he sees a fuzzy red monster in the mirror! The Mad Monster helps Miles find the right words to express his anger and calm down. A fun, gentle story that helps kids understand and manage big emotions. Great for littles 2-5.
Clovis has worked hard to manage his temper, especially since taking over his late Granny’s china shop. He drinks tea, plays calming music, and remembers her wise words: “Grace, grace, nothing broken to replace.” But when old football rivals show up to tease him, Clovis faces his biggest test yet. A warm, funny story about staying calm and finding second chances.
In honest, simple prose, I Hate Everyone explores the big, messy emotions kids can feel—especially during tough moments. Set at a birthday party, this first-person story captures how frustration and anger can bubble up, even when you don’t fully mean what you say. A poetic, powerful look at the emotional ups and downs kids experience, perfect for fans of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Turn little pouts into big smiles in this splashy adventure where Mr. Fish, the star of the New York Times bestselling The Pout-Pout Fish series, learns how to tackle some mad, mad feelings.
When Tommy loses his favorite toy, his emotions take over—first worry, then anger, then jealousy and sadness. They grow like colorful, wild monsters he can’t escape! This fun, relatable story helps kids understand big feelings and how to manage them.
Bonus workbook!
This interactive book teaches kids ages 6–12 how to cool down angry thoughts and manage their actions using fun examples, step-by-step tips, and lively illustrations. Part of the What-to-Do Guides for Kids series, it helps children build calm, healthy habits with support from parents and caregivers using proven cognitive-behavioral tools.
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