Children’s Books About Big Emotions by Clara Harper
Not Sure Where to Start?
Every kid (and every parent) is different. Here’s a quick guide to finding the right book:
- My child struggles with big anger outbursts — Start with Anger Is My Monster
- My child worries constantly or has trouble sleeping — Start with Anxiety Is My Monster
- My child is dealing with shame or low self-worth — Start with Shame Is My Monster
- We’re navigating grief or a big loss — Start with I Can Overcome My Sadness
- My child is being bullied (or I want to prevent it) — Start with I Can Overcome Bullying
- I want to teach my kids about differences and teamwork — Start with Diversity Is Our Strength
- I need something for ME — Mom Interrupted is your book.
The My Inner Monster Series
Ages 4–8 | Social-Emotional Learning Picture Books
Kids don’t always have words for what they’re feeling. This series gives those big, scary emotions a face—literally. Each book turns a difficult feeling into a monster your child can name, understand, and learn to live with. Developed with social-emotional learning principles that therapists, teachers, and parents trust.
Anger Is My Monster
For the kid who flips tables, slams doors, or melts down at the drop of a sock. This book teaches children that anger isn’t bad—it’s what you do with it that matters. Includes calming strategies and self-regulation tools kids actually remember.
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Anxiety Is My Monster
For the kid whose brain won’t stop spinning worst-case scenarios at bedtime. This book normalizes anxiety without dismissing it, and gives children real tools to quiet the noise. A must-read for anxious kids and the parents who want to help them cope.
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Shame Is My Monster
For the kid who whispers “I’m bad” instead of “I did something bad.” Shame is the hardest emotion to talk about with children—this book cracks it open gently and helps kids separate who they are from what they’ve done. Illustrated by Sümeyye Demir.
Sadness Is My Monster
For the kid who can’t explain why everything feels heavy. This book gives sadness a shape and a name—turning an overwhelming feeling into something a child can face, understand, and eventually let go of.
The I Can Overcome Series
Ages 4–8 | Resilience & Life Skills for Kids
When life throws something big at a small person, these books help them find their footing. Each story meets children where they are and shows them—without preaching—that hard things don’t have to break them.
I Can Overcome My Sadness
🏆 Mom’s Choice Award Winner
For families navigating grief, loss, or deep sadness. This award-winning book gives children permission to feel sad while showing them that sadness doesn’t have to stay forever. Recommended by grief counselors and child therapists.
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I Can Overcome Bullying
For the kid who’s dreading recess. Practical, empowering, and honest about how hard it is to speak up when someone’s making you feel small. Gives children real strategies for dealing with bullies—not just “tell an adult.”
Diversity Is Our Strength
For every kid, in every classroom. Celebrates differences—skin color, language, ability, family structure—as the thing that makes a team unbeatable. A picture book about inclusion that kids ask to read again.
For Parents
Mom Interrupted
The laugh-out-loud, wine-rewarded survival guide for moms hanging on by a thread.
A 21-day mental cleanse your therapist would probably not approve of. For the mom who loves her kids fiercely and also needs five minutes of silence and a full glass of something. Part journal, part permission slip, entirely unhinged in the best way.
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