The Best Usborne Books to Help Kids Manage Big Feelings

Big feelings can show up out of nowhere. There could be tears over the “wrong” snack, a sudden burst of anger, worries at bedtime, or a quiet moment of sadness that’s hard to explain. For young children, emotions can feel huge and confusing.

One of the kindest things we can do is give kids simple language for what’s happening inside them, plus a few calm, repeatable ways to cope. The Usborne books below are especially helpful for building that emotional toolkit at home, in preschool, or in early elementary years.

Start by naming feelings

When children can name an emotion, it often becomes easier to talk about, and a little less overwhelming. All About Feelings is a warm, practical starting point for ages 3+, with everyday scenarios that invite conversation and help kids recognize emotions in themselves and others.

If your child loves asking “why?”, First Questions and Answers: What are Feelings? is ideal for gentle, bite-sized chats. The lift-the-flap format makes it easy to pause, wonder, and connect the pages to real life.

For older kids in early elementary who want more detail, and who enjoy exploring “big questions”, Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Feelings goes deeper with practical tips and relatable situations, while still keeping the tone reassuring.

And if your best conversations happen while little hands are busy, First Sticker Book Feelings is a low-pressure way to explore emotions through play, with lots of vocabulary naturally woven in.

Worries and fears

All About Worries and Fears supports kids in understanding why worries happen and offers simple strategies and activities families can try together. It’s especially useful for children who get stuck in “what if…?” thinking.

For preschoolers who benefit from quick, repeatable answers, Very First Questions and Answers: Why do I (sometimes) worry? is a gentle flap book you can revisit again and again, particularly before transitions like a new classroom, a party, or a tricky bedtime.

For night fears, it can help to “practice bravery” in daylight. I’m Not (Very) Afraid of the Dark is a comforting story that normalizes fear while slowly shifting the perspective, making it perfect for bedtime routines when you want something soothing but not intense.

Sadness and tough days

Very First Questions & Answers: Why do I (sometimes) feel sad? gives children a simple explanation of sadness and gentle ideas for coping, in a format that feels safe and familiar.

A small, repeatable routine after reading can help: name the feeling, notice where it is in the body (“tight throat,” “heavy tummy”), and choose one small comfort (a cuddle, a drink of water, a quiet corner, or a story together). Over time, children start borrowing that language for themselves.

Friendship feelings: sharing, kindness, and making friends

A lot of “big feelings” show up in relationships, especially when kids are learning to take turns, read social cues, and handle disagreements.

First Questions and Answers: Why should I share? helps children think about fairness and taking turns without shaming them for finding it hard. It’s a great one to read when you’re not in the middle of a conflict, so the ideas are ready when you need them.

For building a kinder mindset (toward others and themselves), First Questions and Answers: How Can I Be Kind explores what kindness looks like day to day, including kindness to nature and the world around us.

If your child feels nervous about joining in or worries about making friends, Miss Molly’s School of Making Friends offers a gentle, story-based way to talk through starting conversations, taking turns, and repairing after disagreements.

And for an extra boost of warmth and empathy, Miss Molly’s School of Kindness is a helpful read for talking about kind choices, including being kind to ourselves (which can be surprisingly hard for little kids).

“I’m bored!” is a feeling too (and it can lead to creativity)

Boredom often arrives as a complaint, but it’s also a doorway to independence and imagination.

I’m (Almost) Never Bored reframes boredom as the moment right before a good idea, and it’s especially handy before school breaks, long weekends, or screen-time conversations.

A simple way to use feelings books at home

You don’t need a perfect script. Try this instead: read when things are calm, revisit after tough moments, and keep your language simple and steady. The more often kids hear supportive words, the more likely they are to use them later.

If you’re choosing just one place to start, pick one “naming feelings” book (like All About Feelings or First Questions and Answers: What are Feelings?) and one that matches your child’s current challenge (worry, sharing, bedtime fears, or friendship nerves).