7 Picture Books About Learning to Handle Anger

The Way I Feel, by Janan Cain
All types of feelings, from happy to sad, angry to proud, are depicted in this picture book, making it a great tool for reminding little ones that a wide range of feelings, including anger, are a normal part of our emotions—not necessarily bad, or good, but simply part of life. It can also help with teaching your child to recognize and name some of the many different kinds of feelings they have.

When Sophie Gets Angry —Really, Really Angry…, by Molly Bang
This book depicts a typical situation that often makes little ones angry—having to share a favorite toy. What will Sophie do when her mother tells her it’s her sister’s turn to play with her stuffed gorilla? Kids will relate to Sophie’s feelings, as well as her experience. How will she handle it? How would they?

I Was So Mad, by Mercer Mayer
Little Critter does not like it when he is stopped from doing the things he wants to do. He gets MAD. First, his mom doesn’t let him keep frogs in the bathtub. Then, his dad won’t let him play with his sister’s dollhouse. What can Little Critter do? Is there anything fun that’s not off-limits?! And no, he doesn’t want to play in the sandbox, or slide down the slide. This cute picture book is compassionate and understanding of Little Critter’s frustration at being told “No!”, and it also shows how an adult’s saying “Yes” at the right time can make a crucial difference.

My No, No, No Day, by Rebecca Patterson
Nothing is going Bella’s way today, from her breakfast, to a grocery story trip, to a playdate. How does she deal with her emotions when she gets upset? This is a fun read that reminds us that we all have “those days” from time to time.

Llama Llama Mad at Mama, by Anna Dewdney
Llama Llama is back in this rhyming book about shopping on a Saturday. The little llama, like many young kids, is not a huge fan of shopping at big stores, and he takes his frustration out on his mama. Together, the two figure out ways to make the experience more fun for both of them! This installment in Anna Dewdney’s popular series is perfect to read with your toddler or preschooler before taking them grocery shopping or running errands with them.

When I Feel Angry, by Cornelia Maude Spelman, illustrated by Nancy Cote
We can feel angry when we are made fun of, or when have to clean our room, or when something isn’t fair. But how should we deal with our anger? This book teaches alternative ways to handle angry feelings without yelling or lashing out—such as deep breaths, taking time for yourself to cool down, or going outside and changing up your environment.

Cool Down and Work Through Anger, by Cheri J. Meiners
Another great resource for kids who need ways to channel their angry feelings into less harmful and more productive actions, this book is filled with ways to cool down when angry, such as exercise, spending time with others, reading a book, or drawing. Other ideas include talking calmly and showing respect, apologizing when you’re in the wrong, and forgiving others when they are.