Young children can easily become overwhelmed when they’re feeling sad. Kids ages 3-5 are just beginning to discover what emotions are, how to name them, and how to manage these big feelings. This age-appropriate picture book list will help you teach your little learners what to do when they’re feeling sad or upset.
Picture Books About Managing Feelings of Sadness
Feeling sad sometimes is normal. You can help your preschoolers learn to identify how their bodies feel and what they can do to manage their big emotions when they’re feeling sad. Use these books to help children identify when they are sad and how they can begin to manage their own emotions.
Pocket Full of Sads, by Brad Davidson
Bear has a pocketful of sads, feeling low and weighed down. He’s not even sure why he’s feeling like this. Rabbit decides to find a way to help her friend.
A Shelter for Sadness, by Anne Booth
A boy creates a place for his sadness to stay. Whenever he needs to, the boy comes to sit with sadness.
When Sadness Is at Your Door, by Eva Eland
Sadness can be scary and overwhelming. This book treats sadness as a visitor that comes sometimes and helps kids thinks about what they can do with their sadness.
Emotion Books About Feeling Sad
Jenny Mei is Sad, by Tracy Subisak
Jenny Mei is sad, even though she may smile or eat blue popsicles or make others laugh. But her friend knows Jenny Mei is sad and does what she can to support her.
Way Past Sad, by Hallee Adelman
James’ best friend is moving. James feels alone and upset. Even hugs from Mom don’t make it all go away. James begins to learn things he can do to get past his sad.
The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld
Taylor isn’t sure what to do when something sad happens. Each of Taylor’s animal friends has a suggestion but nothing seems quite right. Rabbit just listens…which is just what Taylor needs.
My Friend is Sad, by Mo Willems
Gerald the elephant is sad, but his friend Piggie tries to cheer him up. Will dressing as a cowboy, a clown, and even a robot be enough to cheer up the sad elephant?
Kids Books About Emotions: Feeling Sad
Life Without Nico, Andrea Maturana
Nico and his family must move away for a while. Maia is upset to lose her best friend. Everything seems empty with Nico. Maia discovers new things that help her cope with Nico’s moving.
Santiago’s Sadness, by Gabi Garcia
Santiago’s family moved. Santiago didn’t feel like doing anything. He learns that being sad is okay and things can be better again.
Little Unicorn is Sad, by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine
Little Unicorn has a rainbow mane. When he feels sad, the mane turns completely blue. But he learns that using breathing exercises, his rainbow will return.
Children’s Books About Managing Emotions: Feeling Sad
Why Do We Cry? by Fran Pintadera
Mario asks his mother about crying. Mother explains all the different reasons we might cry. Crying releases our emotions and brings calm.
I’m Sad, by Michael Ian Black
Flamingo tells his friends he’s feeling sad. They try to cheer him up but nothing helps. The friends realize that they can just support their friend instead of cheering him.
The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered, by Jack Kurland
The cat didn’t want to play. The cat didn’t want to go on adventures. The cat didn’t want to do anything. Why? The cat is feeling sad.
More Tools to Help Preschoolers Manage Emotions
Feelings Check-in Cards – You can use these printable feelings cards to quickly and easily create a daily classroom routine that promotes social-emotional learning in children. Your preschoolers can practice identifying their own feelings and the feelings of their friends in the classroom.
Feelings and Emotions Games – What better way to teach your students about their feelings than through some fun games? Discover a few of my go-to activities.
Calming Down
Calm Down Corner – It’s important to have a special area in your classroom that teaches children how to manage their emotions safely. Discover how to create a designated space in the classroom for children to practice social-emotional regulation.
Calm Down Kit – Use these resources in your calm down area or another space to help kids learn and remember how to self-regulate and how to use coping skills.
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