10+ Best Books About Emotions for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the emotional landscape of a 10-year-old can be quite the adventure, and what better way to explore this terrain than through reading? Our curated collection of books about emotions for 10-year-olds offers a treasure trove of stories that resonate with their feelings and experiences. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or young reader yourself, keep reading to discover our diverse picks that help shed light on the complex world of emotions.

Fun Books About Emotions for 10-Year-Olds

• The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book uses vibrant, colorful illustrations to depict a monster who learns to untangle his confused feelings with the help of a little girl, each color representing a different emotion.
  • Why we recommend this book: It visually and simply explains emotions, making it easy for children to understand and talk about their own feelings.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are learning to identify and express their emotions.

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Through playful heart-cutouts and expressive illustrations, this book explores a range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, bravery to fear, helping kids understand they can feel many ways and that's okay.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an engaging and interactive way for kids to explore their feelings and encourages them to express what's in their own hearts.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive reading and need a fun way to explore their emotional range.

• A Whole Bunch of Feelings: What Do They Mean? by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali
  • Genre(s): Non-fiction, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book provides explanations of different emotions, each accompanied by a scenario familiar to children, helping them to understand why they feel a certain way.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers clear explanations and relatable situations, helping kids to better manage and articulate their emotions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are curious about their feelings and those of others, fostering empathy and self-awareness.

• The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Todd Parr's colorful and bold illustrations accompany a simple yet profound text that encourages children to think about their feelings and assures them that all feelings are normal.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes emotional health and acceptance, showing kids that it's okay to have a wide range of emotions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need reassurance about their emotional experiences and enjoy colorful, engaging illustrations.

• Feelings: Inside my heart and in my head... by Libby Walden, illustrated by Richard Jones
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This poetic exploration of feelings delves into how emotions look, sound, and feel, offering a sensory approach to understanding one's inner world.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its beautiful prose and illustrations make complex feelings accessible and relatable to young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who respond to poetic language and vivid imagery, helping them to connect with their emotions on a deeper level.

Educational Books About Emotions for 10-Year-Olds

• The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book uses engaging illustrations and simple rhymes to describe a variety of emotions, from joy to sadness, helping children understand that feelings are a normal part of life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional vocabulary, reading comprehension, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great tool for helping children put names to their feelings and understand that all emotions are important.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just beginning to explore and articulate their emotions.

• Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book encourages children to treat their feelings like guests — acknowledging them, understanding them, and letting them go when ready.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mindfulness, emotional regulation, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a healthy way of dealing with emotions through mindfulness and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Kids who need help processing their emotions and those interested in mindfulness.

• How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Using creatively carved fruits and vegetables, this book offers a playful way to talk about emotions, each page featuring different "moods" based on the food's appearance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional recognition, creativity, healthy eating
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and unique approach to discussing feelings, making it accessible and engaging for children.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy playful and visually engaging books.

• Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis, illustrated by Laura Cornell
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book follows a child through a series of emotions, from silliness to anger to excitement, illustrating how changing feelings are part of everyone's day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and relatable book that helps children understand their shifting moods and how to express them positively.
  • Perfect for: Children who experience a wide range of emotions and those who enjoy stories that reflect their daily experiences.

• My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Poetry, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This Dr. Seuss book, unlike his others, uses a series of vivid color paintings and simple rhymes to describe different feelings associated with different colors.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Color recognition, emotional awareness, poetic expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the charm of Dr. Seuss's rhymes with a profound message about emotional diversity.
  • Perfect for: Dr. Seuss fans and young readers learning to connect their feelings with expressions and colors.

Challenging Books About Emotions for 10-Year-Olds

• The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee, illustrated by Jacob Souva
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This story centers around a boy who feels his emotions intensely, from the highs of joy to the lows of sadness, and learns to embrace them as part of who he is.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles the stigma around boys expressing vulnerability and strong emotions, which can be a complex topic for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches empathy and emotional acceptance, showing that it's okay for everyone, including boys, to openly express their feelings.
  • Perfect for: Boys who might feel societal pressure to hide their emotions and anyone interested in emotional growth.

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Social Themes, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: When something terrible happens to Taylor, all the animals come to help, each offering their own advice on how to cope, but it’s only when the rabbit arrives and simply listens that Taylor feels understood.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the concept of active listening and support without trying to fix someone’s problems, which is a sophisticated emotional concept.
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights the power of listening and being present, which are crucial skills for building strong, empathetic relationships.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning how to be supportive friends and those who are dealing with their own difficult emotions.

• When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book personifies sadness as a visitor, teaching children how to interact with their feelings of sadness, suggesting they listen to and learn from their emotions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces abstract concepts of managing and accepting sadness as a normal part of life, which can be a profound topic for children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gentle approach to understanding and accepting sadness, encouraging mindfulness in young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are dealing with sadness or loss and need guidance on how to cope with these feelings.

• The Color Thief by Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Peters, illustrated by Karin Littlewood
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning, Mental Health
  • Synopsis: A story about a young boy who feels that all the color has drained out of the world, which metaphorically represents his father’s depression.
  • Why this book is challenging: It addresses the complex issue of depression in a family member, which can be a difficult subject for young minds to grasp.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children understand mental health issues and empathize with those experiencing them, promoting a supportive family environment.
  • Perfect for: Children who are experiencing or know someone with mental health challenges.

• Cry, Heart, But Never Break by Glenn Ringtved, illustrated by Charlotte Pardi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Death and Bereavement, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Aware of their grandmother’s impending death, four siblings receive a visit from Death, who shares a comforting story that helps them understand the value and naturalness of life’s end.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with the theme of mortality, which is a complex and often taboo subject for children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sensitive and thoughtful approach to the topic of death, helping children to cope with loss and grief.
  • Perfect for: Children who are facing or have faced the loss of a loved one and need help processing their emotions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into books about emotions for 10-year-olds, you're on a fantastic journey to help them understand and express their feelings better. To make the most out of these readings, here are some exercises that can enhance their reading habits and emotional understanding.

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month.
  • How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal, then gradually increase as you get more comfortable.

• Discuss the Story
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who have read it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows for the exploration of different perspectives.
  • Tips: Try to discuss the book soon after reading it to keep details fresh.

• Character Connection
  • What it is: Choose a character from the book and write about how you relate to them.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding of the character and personal self-reflection.
  • Tips: Pick different characters from various books to compare and contrast emotions and reactions.

• Emotion Diary
  • What it is: Keep a diary to write down emotions felt during and after reading.
  • How it helps: Helps identify and connect personal feelings with those of the characters.
  • Tips: Use colorful pens or stickers to express different emotions creatively.

• Visualization Board
  • What it is: Create a board with images and words that represent themes and emotions from the book.
  • How it helps: Reinforces the emotional and visual elements of the story, enhancing memory and understanding.
  • Tips: Include quotes, characters, and scenes that made a significant impact.

• Book Club Participation
  • What it is: Join or start a book club focused on books about emotions.
  • How it helps: Provides a structured setting for discussing and understanding different emotional narratives.
  • Ips: Be an active participant and try leading a discussion to boost confidence and involvement.

• Creative Book Report
  • What it is: Create a book report using art, music, or drama to express the story’s themes and emotions.
  • How it helps: Encourages creative thinking and a deeper connection with the book’s messages.
  • Tips: Choose a format that you enjoy most, whether it's drawing, acting, or composing music.

Wrapping up, integrating these exercises into your reading routine can dramatically improve your understanding and empathy towards others' emotions. Not just that, it makes reading more fun and engaging! So, grab your next book about emotions, and let's put these exercises into practice. Happy reading!