Books that help children manage emotions
play a powerful role in a child’s emotional development, especially during the early years when feelings can feel big, confusing, and overwhelming.
Children don’t yet have the words or understanding to explain what’s happening inside them. They may feel worry, anger, fear, or sadness without knowing why — and often those emotions come out through behaviour rather than conversation. This is where gentle, story-based learning becomes so important.
Stories offer children a safe way to explore emotions from a distance. When a child sees a character experiencing similar feelings, it reassures them that they are not alone — and that what they’re feeling is normal.
Why stories help children manage emotions.
Books create emotional space. They slow things down. Unlike direct instruction or correction, a story invites a child to reflect rather than react. When a child listens to a story, their nervous system is calmer, and their imagination opens the door to empathy, understanding, and emotional insight.
Through stories, children learn:
That feelings come and go
That emotions can be named and understood
That challenges can be faced with courage and kindness
That it’s okay to ask for help
This is especially helpful for children who are sensitive, shy, anxious, or prone to big emotional reactions.
Using stories as emotional tools, not lessons
One of the most effective ways to use books that help children manage emotions is to read without pressure. There’s no need to stop and explain every message. Often, the learning happens quietly and naturally.
After reading, you might gently ask:
“How do you think the character felt?”
“What helped them feel better?”
“Have you ever felt like that?”
These simple questions open the door to emotional awareness without forcing a child to talk before they’re ready.
Introducing Murphy’s gentle emotional journeys
The Murphy picture book series was created with this exact approach in mind — offering children emotional support through warmth, safety, and relatable experiences.
For children who struggle with fear or confidence, Murphy Finds His Brave Heart gently explores courage in a way that feels achievable and reassuring. Rather than eliminating fear, the story shows children how bravery can exist alongside it.
When worries take over — especially at bedtime or during new experiences — Murphy Helps With Worries helps children recognise anxious thoughts and learn that they don’t have to face them alone.
Big feelings like anger and frustration can be overwhelming for young children. Murphy Helps With Big Feelings supports emotional regulation by showing how strong emotions can be noticed, understood, and softened rather than suppressed.
And for developing empathy and compassion, Murphy Shows Kindness highlights how small acts of kindness can make a big difference — helping children understand how their actions affect others.
Each story stands alone, yet together they form a gentle emotional toolkit that children can return to again and again.
Emotional growth begins with feeling safe
Children learn best when they feel safe — emotionally and relationally. Books that help children manage emotions don’t rush solutions or demand change. Instead, they sit beside the child, offering understanding first.
Over time, these stories help children build emotional vocabulary, resilience, and self-compassion — skills that last far beyond childhood.
When a child learns early on that emotions are something to be understood rather than feared, they carry that wisdom into every stage of life
These stories also give parents and caregivers a shared language to talk about feelings in everyday moments. Reading together builds connection, trust, and emotional safety — reminding children that they are supported, heard, and never alone as they learn to navigate their inner world
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog about books that help children manage emotions. I hope it has offered gentle insight and encouragement as you support the emotional wellbeing of the children in your care.
Linda
