Stories are a wonderful way of showing children that it’s normal to have different emotions, particularly when they are read with a trusted adult, to allow for discussion during and afterwards.
Books to support emotional resilience and expression
This selection of books will help children to identify what they’re feeling, and to find methods to deal with their emotions should they become overwhelming.
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Happy as a Lamb: Choose Your Mood, Express Your Feelings
illustrated by Teresa Bellōn
2024 2 to 4 years
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How can these books support my work?
We’ve suggested the following scenarios in which the books recommended above might be used to support your work with children and families, but you can use them in any way you see fit.
Scenario 1: the child has many conflicting emotions frequently competing for attention, causing them to become overwhelmed and/or hyperactive.
Booklist use: The adult could take out the jigsaw pieces from Happy as a Lamb and ask the child for help to put them back where they fit. Emphasise that the adult cannot do it without the child. This gives the child an active focus. While doing so, a gentle chat about why each piece fits in a particular slot, i.e. naming and matching the emotions, might ensue.
Scenario 2: the child is withdrawn, preferring to be silent
Booklist use: Using How are you Feeling Now?, the adult could ask the child to point to a child who is cross, a child who is happy, and so on (getting it wrong themselves on purpose perhaps?), culminating in asking them how they themselves are feeling now. With the different options shown on the pages, there is no need for the child to speak – they can simply point. This would ensure they are feeling heard, without forcing them to do anything they’re uncomfortable with.