We all get angry. Anger is a totally normal and healthy emotion. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s easy to deal with. Often times, kids don’t know how to handle their anger, so they yell, hit, throw things, and call names. Here are 7 fantastic books to help kids deal with big, angry emotions.
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You can click on each book to check it out on Amazon.
Top 7 Books for Anger and Angry Feelings
Today I’m a Monster by Agnes Green & Trevor Judson
Today I’m a Monster is a cute and relatable story about a child who wakes up in a miserable mood. From the second they wake up, this child is angry and takes it out on their family and those around them my making messes, messing up Lego towers, and generally acting out any way possible. In the end, mom tells the child that she loves him no matter what, that we all have bad days, and gives him a cuddle and some comfort. In the end, the child takes a nap and decided that they won’t be a monster tomorrow. Instead, they’ll make everything right. The way the mom accepts the child’s emotions and validates their feelings is such a great message about letting children feel what they feel.
When Miles Got Mad by Abbie Schiller and Sam Kurtzman-Counter
Miles is having a fine Sunday morning playing. That is, until his little brother breaks the wing of his cool model airplane. Miles is furious and roars in anger, scaring his little brother. Miles looks in the mirror and sees a red monster. The red monster helps show Miles different ways to help manage his anger like hitting a pillow, taking deep breaths, and using his words. In the end, Miles calms down and fixes his plane with the help of his littler brother. Children get to walk through Miles’ anger with him, which is helpful in giving them the tools to process their own anger.
I Don’t Want To! (1&2) by Joseph Maxfield
Children often feel angry because they feel like they’re constantly told what to do and when to do it. I Don’t Want to! and I Don’t Want to Either! explore how we can turn things we don’t really want to do (like brushing our teeth, eating broccoli, going to bed, and cleaning up toys) into something more fun and creative. Children will giggle along with the funny scenarios. They will also totally relate to all of the things the children in the story don’t want to do. And finally, teachers and parents will learn some great, fun ways to make boring tasks more fun for kiddos!
How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad by Jane Yolen
How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad? is a fun book for the dino lover in your life. Just like the rest of the “How Do Dinosaurs” series, children are presented with angry dinosaurs causing all kinds of problems. Stopping their feet, growling, grumbling, and throwing things. Then, the dinosaurs demonstrate how to handle their anger in a much more productive manner by counting and breathing and tidying up and saying sorry.
Angry Cookie by Laura Dockrill
Angry Cookie is definitely bound to become a favorite book with the children in your life. Cookie wakes up, and he’s very angry. Nothing seems to be going his way, and he just wants to be left alone. Cookie breaks the fourth wall and speaks directly to the reader. First, asking to be left alone, then sharing why he’s so angry- his day has just not been going his way. Finally, he realizes that he has a friend who care (the reader) and begins to feel better since he was able to share his feelings. The emphasize on listening when someone is angry and talking through bad feelings is one children won’t soon forget.
Tiny Tantrum by Caroline Crowe
Tiny Tantrum is a sweet and fun book about a little girl named Tiny Tantrum. She’s sweet and kind when she’s getting what she wants, but when she’s not? Watch out! One day when she starts to throw a tantrum about putting on her coat, a big, purple monster shows up and explains (in fun rhyme, of course) why she needs to wear a coat- she’ll have a chilly bum, of course! Throughout the book, every time Tiny begins to get upset, the monster, and his monster friends, explain in a fun and silly way why she needs to do whatever the task at hand is. In the end, it’s bedtime and the monsters begin to throw a tantrum. However, Tiny nips it right in the bud by telling them why they need to go to bed. Overall, this is a great, cute book for younger children.
Angry Feelings: The Bottom Line
Angry feelings are hard for adults, but they’re even harder for kids. These books, along with discussions and practice can help students and children learn to cope with big, angry feelings.
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