Children's Books About Anger, Upset, and Finding Calm
Hospitals, procedures, doctors visits... they can be super upsetting. School, peers, parents, rules... these things can be upsetting too.
All of these books help adults talk to children about what they are feeling and explore ways to help. As always, each of these books is different and certain books will work better in different situations. So be sure to read the descriptions below to find the books that will be best for the kids in your life.
I have included links that can help you find the books. You can support the Hospital Book List by buying through the links without spending any more.
Keep following and get excited a big face lift is coming including a search bar that is going to help you all find the books you are looking for!
I am a Thundercloud by Leah Moser
This story is told by a child who gets upset. He/she is having a bad day. The book describes how it feels in her body and how it looks. It talks about finding a way to control actions and accidentally hurting people. It talks about trying different things and eventually finding other ways to show how they are feeling. The child finds focus and breath. This book can be appropriate for any child who struggles with anger, but I am adding it to the list as many patients struggle with big changes in the world and/or body. The anger at all of this can be uncontrollable and this book could help them feel seen. Appropriate for young children through middle elementary.
The Wave: When You Find Yourself Tumbling by Tyler Charlton
This book talks about a feeling a boy struggles with. He doesn’t explain it precisely, but rather uses the metaphor of a dark wave taking over. He shares that he can’t control it and that there is nothing that anyone can do to help, but as long as he keeps moving, eventually the wave will settle and his family will be there waiting for him when it does. This book could be helpful in a lot of different experiences such as depression, grief, overwhelming news, etc. It is a reminder to keep going. The people you love will be there waiting. Good for preschool through elementary.
When I Feel Angry by Dr. Sharie Coombes
This simple book talks about a girl who is speaking about how she feels when she is angry. She also explains things she tries to calm down like picturing putting her hands in cold water and hugging a trusted adult. The book also includes a note to parents about anger in children and what adults can do. I think this is a great book for every family. Anger is normal, but talking about it can be an important step in building coping skills. Good book for young kids through middle elementary.
My Calm Down Book by Rose Rossner
This is a beautiful board book and tool. Each page talks about different coping skills a young child could use to calm down AND an interactive aspect that helps the reader use that coping skill. For example, it talks about taking a breath and then has a scratch and sniff to breathe in. It also has its own tactile calm down jar, and flipping sequin rainbow. Highly recommend this book for EVERY toddler and also for preschool-elementary who would be open to trying some tactile calming activities.
Child life specialists- you NEED this for your distraction bag!
The Calm Down Jar: A Social Emotional, Rhyming, Early Reader Kid's Book to Help Calm Anger and Anxiety by Jennifer Jones
For caregivers who are trying to find some tools to help a child’s anger, many have heard of a calm down jar. This jar full of liquid and glitter gets all mixed up and then watching it settle can help the child find calm. Some adults may struggle to find the words to explain this tool and how it can help, and so this book can do just that. Make a jar together (the instructions are included) and read through the rhyming story to learn how the boy in the story uses his jar. I will say that I got a little lost in the rhyming text, so it could be helpful for an adult reader to clarify and emphasize important aspects of the book. Good for preschool through middle elementary.
