Sunday SEL reads: Feelings and Emotions

Emotions and Feelings in Picture Books

Picture Books are fantastic learning tools for all ages. While primary is where we see the most picture books and read alouds, there is power in using these types of books at all grade levels – yes even secondary! My middle schoolers always loved picture books and inferring and connecting through stories.

Here are a few recommendations for Social Emotional Learning Picture Books, specifically around the topic of emotions and feelings. Some of these books were suggested to me from teachers taking an SEL education course. Enjoy!

The boy with big, big feelings – by Britney Winn Lee

A little boy with big, big feelings that he expresses in big, big ways struggles at the start, worried about how others will treat him if they learn about his big, big feelings, but throughout the book he discovers he is not alone and others also have big, big feelings. This book helps kids understand the value in emotion and how they come and go and it is okay, they aren’t alone.

Interview with author: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhAyrVH3bBc

I’m Stretched – by Julia Cook

From homework to extra curricular activities, this character is stretched beyond their limits and feels overworked. This book includes tips and tricks for kids to self manage feeling overwhelmed. Strategies such as breathing, saying no and exercise / balance. It teaches them to find joy and slow down.

Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NukYtemrDZI

The Colour Monster: A Story about emotions – by Anna Llenas

This is the story of a color monster who is confused about his feelings. He goes through a journey of learning about different emotions and what they look like, feel like and the expected behaviours associated with the emotions.

read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ih0iu80u04Y

Grumpy Pants – by Claire Messer

This is a story about a penguin who feels grumpy, but doesn’t know why. He tries to cheer up by doing things that bring him joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSQakQ3BpbM

This is an alphabet book of feelings. It follows a child through a range of emotions; curiosity, strength, positive emotions, and hard emotions. The book reminds the reader that no matter the emotion, it is worth talking about them.

The Way I Feel by Janan Cain

The following emotions are discussed in this story: angry, happy, lonely, silly, scared, disappointed, sad, thankful, frustrated, shy, bored, excited, jealous, and proud. This book explores the importance of how having different feelings is ok. These feelings are a part of us and that is ok!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITPUxVQ6UIk