20 Books on Big Feelings for Little Kids

Recently, a friend asked for a list of books on feelings for toddlers. This request took me back to when we first encountered toddler tantrums with my son. I remember looking for ways to help him learn to deal with feelings so they wouldn’t turn into monster-like outbursts. So, when I began researching books about feelings, I realized that there really are multiple facets on this topic: feelings in general, temper tantrums and bad days.

Ultimately, I believe tantrums and bad days for little ones most often are because they “feel some sort of way” and just haven’t learned how to handle them, which is why the list includes children’s books for babies up through older children. And, let’s be honest – I know many adults (myself included) who have not mastered this skill yet either.

Since this is a big list, I am simply listing the books without reviews, but rest assured, we did sit down and read each of them, so they are Lit Loving Mom approved! You can click the title or the book cover to visit Amazon to read more about each book.

Books about Feelings

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

Glad Monster, Sad Monster

The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings

How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods

Today I Feel Silly: And Other Moods That Make My Day

Feelings

Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: A Book of Moods

Hurty Feelings

ABC Look at Me

Books about Temper Tantrums

Llama Llama Mad at Mama

Mouse Was Mad

Sometimes I'm Bombaloo

When Sophie Gets Angry -  Really, Really Angry

Finn Throws a Fit!

I Was So Mad

Jilly's Terrible Temper Tantrums

Books about Bad Days

Grumpy Bird

Mean Soup

My No, No, No Day

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Not a book, but a resource that worked well with my son is this terrific piece called “Belly Breathe” by Common and Colbie Caillat on Sesame Street. We still talk about breathing the monster out to help when he is on the verge of a meltdown.

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5 Books to Teach Colors

Colors Are Confusing 

Confession: We have been a little worried our 2.5 year old is color blind. I do not mean that offensively to anyone who is color blind or jokingly. We were seriously worried about her lack of color understanding. Somewhat frustrating since she loves all things rainbow.

We could hold a red solo cup in front of her and ask her what color it was. The conversation went like this:

What color is this cup?

Blue! It BLUE cup.

No, it’s not blue. Try again. What color is this cup?

Green! It GREEN!

No, it’s not green. Try again. What color is it?

White! No, Purple! PURPLE cup!

Nope. Try again.

Yellow cup!

No, baby girl. It’s RED. It is a RED cup. Red like a fire engine.

Y’all. We just could not understand. And this was becoming a regular thing. She’d excitedly yell in the car, “Look Mom! A RED car! A RED car!” I’d look and the car would be BLUE. What in the world? For the life of me, I do not remember colors being this difficult to teach my first born. But, for whatever reason, it was just not clicking.

Then, it came time to set up her preschool meeting and assessment (yes, that is an actual thing). So, I did what any former teaching book loving mom would do. I panicked and ordered several books about colors on Amazon (as if we didn’t already own color books, cards, toys, puzzles, etc.) But, lo and behold, she is starting to get it.

Her preschool assessment is today, and she can proudly identify both PURPLE and GREEN correctly 95% of the time. We are on a roll.

Therefore, I am presenting the books we’ve been using that have somehow made sense to her little brain.

Monsters Love Colors

This children’s book by Mike Austin is fantastic! Both of my kids are always fans of anything to do with monsters. This book combines monsters, silly sounding words and lots of onomatopoeia with bright illustrations and squiggles. It teaches children about the different colors using different colored monsters by emphasizing fun color words (Yellow = Roar!), as well as teaching them how mixing certain colors makes new colors. It is fun to read (even for adults) and kids will giggle and learn at the same time. Win, win!

Steam Train Dream Train Colors

My daughter is also in the train stage. Trains are just so much fun to toddlers and preschoolers. Who knew? Well, clearly Sherri Duskey Rinker did when she created the bestselling book Steam Train Dream Train. I tend to find most book spin-offs as simply ploys to get more money. However, in this case, the book stands alone well. It is just as fun and uses smart tools to teach colors. Each page focuses on a different solid color with the corresponding page full of things that are that same color. The solid colored page includes lines that rhyme and have rhythm making it enjoyable as a read aloud.

Color Dog

If you do not have a Matthew Van Fleet book on your bookshelf, you must change that today! Van Fleet’s books are, by far, my children’s most read and most adored books. In this touch, feel, pull the tab, moveable scene book (yes, these books really have it all), dogs help introduce the concept of color. Tons of dogs are used to create colorful pictures. My kids laugh aloud as they see a dog pass stinky green gas on one page. What can I say? We have a very sophisticated sense of humor in our home. But, with all the interactive touch and pull features, it is effective in teaching concepts.

Tabbed Board Books: My First Colors: Let’s Learn Them All

This is simply a basic word book with colored pictures, but sometimes the basic books work the best. In this particular book, there are tabbed pages for each color of the rainbow. Each page is full of items that are the key color. So, your child will both learn about colors and increase his/her vocabulary. Another perk to this book is that anyone can use it to teach colors. For example, my 6 year has been using it to teacher his little sister colors.

Bear Sees Colors

We love the Bear series (Bear Snores On) in our home. Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman have created a bear that children love because he is humble and kind and friends with all the animals. In this book, Bear is learning about all the different colors in the world around him. Readers take a walk with Bear through the woods and play spy the different colors with Bear. Since kids love to play I spy, this is a great book to use to point out colors. 

* You may order these book from amazon. This blog has affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: The Fearless Travelers' Guide to Wicked Places

The Fearless Travelers' Guide to Wicked Places By Pete Begler

As a book lover and a mother, I have a list of books that keeps growing of all the books I am excited to read with my kids. My son recently turned 6 years old, so most of these titles are getting closer and closer to reality. I get giddy thinking about introducing him to Harry Potter, Narnia, Roald Dahl and Rick Riordan, just to name a few. And, now, I have a new title to add to that ever-growing stack of fantasy books. I am pleased to introduce children’s book fans to The Fearless Travelers’ Guide to Wicked Places by Pete Begler.

Let me begin by saying, whoa. This book is fantastic! I mean, you should recognize if I am grouping it with Roald Dahl and Rick Riordan, it means I am a big fan. Children’s books for middle age kids are often hit or miss for me, but the ones that stand out are amazing. This is definitely the case for The Fearless Travelers’ Guide to Wicked Places.

This hefty novel contains several fast-paced chapters with exciting and scary adventures that make the pages fly by. As an adult, I had a hard time stopping reading to do the things I needed to be doing. The novel focuses on a young girl named Nell who has the gift of seeing what others around her cannot see. When her mother is taken by a cloud of witches, she and her brothers must make a trek into the Wicked Places, the land of Dreams and Nightmares, to save her.

Imagine every good dream and every nightmare you had as a kid – they are brought to life in this book. The children can fly as comets, animals wear clothing and whales are made of stars. But, there are also scary, evil clowns, skeletons and clouds that rain knives and blood. It is a delightful fright fest (if there has ever been such a thing, this is it).

While Nell and her brothers and their new friends have to battle evil enemies, travel through various dream worlds (beautiful and terrifying) and find their way through mazes, they must also remember who they are. By staying true to themselves and saying yes to facing obstacles, they will find their way home.

This book was so much fun! I cannot wait until my son is old enough to read this one. If you have a reluctant reader, this would be a great choice. It has something for everyone. This book was just released this week and I am thankful I got to be one of the first to read it and tell others about it.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may order this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

7 Girl Power Books for Your Strong Little Women

Since I talked about my strong girl earlier this week, I decided it was time to put together a list of books for strong girls. You know, #bossnotbossy girls. Let me preface this by saying I am by no means anti-princess. I love all the princesses. We are a princess-friendly house, just as we are a superhero-friendly house. I am not against princesses – but I am against not giving girls options. Therefore, I present this fun list of titles for your own strong little women.

My First Book of Girl Power

Since we are a superhero-loving family, it should come as no surprise that one of the first books on my daughter’s bookshelf is dedicated to female superheroes. In this board book by Julie Merberg, each female superhero is identified along with her strengths. The strengths include things like speed, bravery, intelligence, kindness and strength. It is fun to introduce cool female characters, as well as discuss the qualities that make them super.

The Paper Bag Princess

Do you ever read a book that is simply so delightful you wonder how you ever made it this long before reading it? The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko is this book for me. If you do not own it, run to amazon and purchase it now! (That’s what I did.) A quick summary of this classic: a princess loves a prince. Their castle is burned by a dragon and the prince is taken by the dragon. The princess goes on a quest to save him (wearing only a paper bag because all her gowns burned). She outsmarts the dragon and saves him, only to have him point out that she looks like a mess. The book ends with her telling him he may look like a prince, but he is a bum. And they did not get married after all. I cannot stop reading it and laughing. Trust me on this one. It is a classic for a reason.

Princess Pigsty

In this fun children’s book by Cornelia Funke, there are three princess sisters. One of the sisters is simply over it. She does not want to wear all the dresses and do all the princess-y things anymore. Her father, the king, punishes her by making her do dirty chores (work in the kitchen and then in the pigpen). But, surprise, surprise! This princess finds she is much happier mucking it up in the mud with the pigs. The book does show the struggle of the king accepting his daughter’s choice, but he ultimately comes around to realize she is happier than she ever was in the castle. Princesses and pigs – that’s enough to make my daughter giggle.

Not All Princesses Dress in Pink

Jane Yolen is a super popular children’s literature author for good reason. Her books are easy to understand, clever, full of rhymes and bright illustrations. This book focuses on identifying what the title suggests – princesses like all different colors, hobbies, careers. These princesses do not fit into stereotypical boxes, but they do all wear crowns (even when playing sports).

The Princess Knight

This clever children’s book by Cornelia Funke focuses on the daughter of a king who is raised by her father and older brothers after he mother passes away. She learns (and teaches herself) how to be a knight. She is strong enough to play fight with her brothers and to defend herself. However, her father announces they will be holding a tournament for knights to battle for her hand in marriage. She is simply not okay with this idea. So, she does what any brave princess who knows how to joust would do. She fights in the tournament in disguise to win for herself. And she does. Hooray!

Ninja Red Riding Hood

My daughter loves this children’s book by Corey Rosen Schwartz and illustrated by Dan Santat! And what’s not to love about taking a classic fairy tale and adding in ninja moves? This story follows the traditional fairy tale with the exception of Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf both learning martial arts, and Red defeating him with her awesome moves, of course. Granny also has some smooth moves she uses to take down the wolf. In the end of this reimagined fairy tale, the big bad wolf decides to find inner peace by taking up yoga.

Pirate Girl

Pirates are fun! Boy pirates, girl pirates, puppy pirates – who cares? I like this book by Cornelia Funke because while it focuses on the group of burly men pirates capturing a girl who is then rescued by a group of women pirates, it really emphasizes the mom rescuing her daughter. In this story, the pirate men were afraid of the band of female pirates. But, what is scarier than a mom who is fighting for her child? It makes perfect sense to me.

* You may purchase these books from amazon by clicking on the titles. These are affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: The Dragon Hunters

The Dragon Hunters by James Russell

Wow, oh, wow! If you are looking for children’s book that is entertaining for both kids and adults, I have the one for you. The Dragon Hunters by James Russell is so much fun!

This children’s book tells the adventurous story of two young brothers who go on an epic quest to rescue their pet dog from a dragon. The illustrations are eye-catching, and the rhymes keep the pace fast and silly. A book that captures my child’s attention with rhymes such as “derriere” and “fresh air” is sure to be a hit in our home.

My two children loved the story, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it aloud with them. In addition to their rescuing efforts told with great rhythm and rhymes, excellent illustrations, the book is also set up to work with a downloadable app. The app makes the story come alive! Even more fun – this is just Book 1 in what is sure to be an exciting trilogy.

I highly recommend this upcoming children’s book for all families. This is a book you will want to read over and over again.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands

Happiness Doesn't Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt

Happiness Doesn’t Come from Headstands by Tamara Levitt is a lovely spin on the idea of teaching kids trying and trying again equals achievement. Children are often taught this idea; therefore, they often become frustrated because the end result doesn’t equal achievement or lead to perfection or happiness.

This is where this wonderful children’s book is effective. Little Leela loves yoga, but no matter how hard she tries, she is still struggling to learn how to do a headstand independently. She becomes frustrated and envious when the other children in yoga class succeed with this feat.

Until her kind friend, Lyle, points out all the great things Leela already can do. He helps her see that happiness does not come from headstands, but instead from being happy with herself. I applaud Tamara Levitt for presenting a difficult lesson in a way all children can understand.

If you have a child who struggles with perfectionism or is anxious about completing tasks, this book will be a helpful tool to have on hand. It will make a great addition to your children’s bookshelves.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: There, There

There, There by Time Beiser

I read There, There by Tim Beiser recently. I wanted to read this book because the premise is something I can relate to as a mom of young children. Little Rabbit constantly complains and whines about everything. Nothing can go right in his eyes. Fortunately, Rabbit’s wise friend, Bear, is there to soften his complaints with a simple, “There, There.”

Until, like most people, Bear gets annoyed with the continuous whining. Bear tries to teach Rabbit the importance of being grateful for what he does have in his life. This is also where the children’s story lost its effect for my children. Bear uses the example of earthworms crawling in the dirt to show Rabbit that at least he doesn’t have it “that bad.”

I really wanted my kids to love this book and appreciate the message, but it was not their favorite. They did not seem to appreciate the earthworm comparison and then they felt bad for that Bear was “picking on” the earthworms. The message is a good one for teaching a basic principle, but it won’t be one we rush out to buy.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 Books to Help With Potty Training

Warning: If bathroom talk makes you cringe, skip today’s post.

If you have not yet had to potty train a child, I can promise you that it will be one of the strangest experiences in your parenting life. It is so weird. It may also be the first major time you, as a parent, feel completely and utterly defeated by your child. Because it is not easy or very much fun. And it stinks. Literally. But, you are not alone. Every parent must eventually battle and conquer potty training.

For many lucky parents, the hardest part of potty training is the second part (aka poop). Some kids are not keen on the idea of putting “that” in “there.” It is scary (for the child and the parents). For those parents who found potty training to be a breeze, we all hate you. Just kidding. Well, maybe just a little. For everyone else, fear not! Here is my handy dandy list of the most ridiculously helpful potty training books for kids. 

At this point, Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi should be considered a classic. If you are not familiar with this book, it is pretty simple. Everyone eats; therefore, everyone poops. The writer uses animals to help children understand the concept. The pictures and ideas are easy for children to understand. How can it be scary when everyone does it?

Let’s take it a step farther. If the book with pictures isn’t enough to help your child, then introduce Where’s the Poop? by Julie Markes and illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung. This is a lift-the-flap children’s book. What is more fun than lifting the various flaps to find out where the baby animals have pooped?! Ha! Plus, it ends with a human child going to the bathroom. It is silly and children love it. 

For the family who is okay with potty humor, Super Pooper! by Monika Sloan will be a hit. It encourages kids to be super poopers by putting the stinky stuff in the potty. It is repetitive and ridiculous. But, it is just silly enough to encourage your child. Just be warned – your child may excitedly announce he/she is a super pooper in the middle of the grocery store.

If you are at the beginning stages of potty training, P-O-T-T-Y is a cute board book that introduces a song to help prepare children for potty training. The tune of the song is the same tune as BINGO. Is it stuck in your head already? Since little ones usually already know BINGO, this is a fun way to encourage kids to use the potty.

Potty Time by Caroline Jayne Church is another introduction to potty training. This is a board book that includes a “flushing” sound button to get children interested in going to the restroom. Since kids seem to love flushing a toilet best, this book is effective in allowing them to “flush” repetitively. 

Not a book, but another great tool to have at home as you prepare for this adventure. Elmo’s PottyTime works in the same way Sesame Street always does – it uses colors, fun songs, silly characters and creative situations to teach children. Of all the shows involving potty training, this one is the most helpful.

Good luck! Stay sane! 

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Book Review: The Way Home in the Night

The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi

The beautifully illustrated children’s book The Way Home in the Night by Akiko Miyakoshi is a wonderful addition to your kid lit collection. The simple story tells the story of a young bunny’s walk home with her mother.

The black and white illustrations work to highlight the different activities taking place in her neighbor’s windows. Who is cooking? Who is reading? Who is having a party? Who is sleeping? The neutral colors allow readers glimpses into various scenarios while imagining what takes place in homes other than their own every night.

This is another hit for the award winning author and illustrator, Akiko Miyakoshi. If your little ones have curious minds, I recommend this book. The illustrations alone make it worthy of your attention. 

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Tricked

Tricked by Jen Calonita

Recently I read Tricked (Fairy Tale Reform School) by Jen Calonita. Tricked is book three in the entertaining Fairy Tale Reform School series. With the surge of books making plays on traditional fairy tales, it is fun to read a unique spin.

Fairy Tale Reform School focuses on sending those young people who are on the road to trouble to a special school run by reformed villains (such as Cinderella’s evil stepmother). The books combine the classic fairy tale characters and introduce new characters and plots.

Tricked centers on Gilly’s desire to return to FTRS to find out what sneaky trick the new headmaster, Rumplestiltskin is planning and to help her younger sister, Anna, who has been sent to FTRS along with her closest rebellious friends, Hansel and Gretel. All Gilly knows is that her sister is not acting like herself and the town is enchanted with Rumplestilskin’s desire to “Make Enchantasia great again.” Gilly reunites with her fellow former FTRS friends to get into enough trouble to get thrown back in. The novel follows this wise, crafty, bad-turned-good band’s quest to save their beloved school, home and families from Rumplestilskin.

My only regret with this book is that I wish I had read the previous books in the series. The book does not stand alone, and I would have understood more about the characters and the setting if I was familiar with the previous books. Fans of the series, rejoice! Tricked will be released in March.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may preorder this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Book Review: Good Morning Superman

Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl

This week we read Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano. This is a SUPER book for young children. Our family is superhero-friendly. All toy boxes and book shelves are filled with all things superhero related. So, when the opportunity came along to read this book, I jumped at the chance.

Good Morning, Superman is a fun book to look at because the children’s morning routine is mirrored by Superman’s hero saving activities. Time to get dressed, just like Clark Kent! Duty calls for our young hero (time to use the potty and brush his teeth), while the panel also shows how duty calls superman to save the day!

This book is not only fun and brightly illustrated, it works well to teach your child a morning routine. For those parents struggling to get their kids up and out of the door in the morning, this book will be helpful in teaching them an easy routine in a fun way. It is a great book to add to your superhero collection.

* I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

* You may purchase this book from amazon here. This is an affiliate link. Thank you for supporting my blog!

7 Books for Your Little Valentines

Whether you love all the red and pink in February or hate the commercialization, Valentine’s Day is fun for little ones. Candy, love notes, more candy, balloons, and even more candy. Who can blame them? But, sometimes the Valentine’s Day themed books can be a little much. We prefer quirky love stories in our home. If you want to find some heartwarming, silly books that talk about love all year long rather than just in February, here is a list for you.

Love Monster by Rachel Bright

By far, my favorite children’s book about love is Love Monster. A monster is looking for love, but his quest for love is long and hard. When he is ready to give up, love finds him. Between the adorable pictures and the lines about searching for love that resonate with both kids and adults, this book always leaves me teary-eyed.

I Love You, Stinky Face by LisaMcCourt/Cyd Moore

My kids cannot get enough of I Love You, Stinky Face. This fun book combines outstanding illustrations with silly ideas that represent a mother’s unconditional love. So what if you are a super smelly skunk? “I’d plunk you in a bubble bath! But if you still smelled stinky, I wouldn’t mind. I’d whisper in your ear, ‘I love you, Stinky Face.” We regularly repeat lines from this book to one another. These terms of endearment sure beat all the regular mushy-gushy Valentine’s stuff.

Runaway Mummy by Michael Rex

Another nontraditional book about a mother’s unconditional love is Runaway Mummy. This book works well for my Halloween, spook loving children. This mommy mummy will stop at nothing to stay near her boy. Except for turning into a soccer mom.

Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton

What toddler is not a fan of the amazing Sandra Boynton? She can do no wrong in their eyes (or mine). The reason I love Snuggle Puppy is because it gives parents the chance to sing loudly, smooch and squeeze their little ones. We sing the song to each other often – not just on Valentine’s Day.

Just a Little Love by Mercer Mayer

The whole idea of this book is that sometimes people just need a little love, and it shows children all the different ways you can show just a little love. I love Mercer Mayer books because they are so realistic with their truthful messages (and humorous). Mom’s dinner falls to the floor? She needs a little love. Dad gets a speeding ticket rushing to grandma’s house? He needs a little love.

You Are My I Love You by Maryann Cusimano/Satomi Ichikawa

If there is a book that illustrated the way my second child loves, it is this one. If you have never read the poem, you should read it right away. My favorite lines are “I am your praying hands; you are my saying grace. I am your favorite book; you are my new lines.” It is beautiful and true. Yet, it also makes me smile at the differences in the way a child sees you and how you see your child. 

A Crankenstein Valentine by Samantha Berger/Dan Santat

Look at their little Crankenstein faces. Bless. 

I wanted to include just one actual Valentine’s themed book, but I chose a book that is also nontraditional. Crankenstein is not a fan of all the Valentine’s mushy stuff. There is lots of silliness about icky yucky hearts and jokes about underwear, so it is a hit with my 6 year old son. But, little Crankenstein finds a friend who shares his hate for all things lovey-dovey, and this makes him appreciate the holiday a little more.

 
Any other quirky, nontraditional children’s books about love I should add to the list for Valentine’s Day and all year round?

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