10+ Best Books About Emotions for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Navigating the world of emotions can be a big task for little ones, and as a parent or caregiver, you might be on the lookout for resources to help. That's where books about emotions for 4-year-olds come into play. These books are tailored to help preschoolers understand and express their feelings in a healthy, manageable way. Keep reading to discover a variety of books about emotions for 4-year-olds that can offer valuable lessons and open up heartwarming discussions between you and your child.

Fun Books About Emotions for 4-Year-Olds

• The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book uses vivid illustrations and a simple, engaging story to help children understand different emotions, each represented by a color.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually engaging way to introduce the concept of emotions to young children, helping them to name and understand their own feelings.
  • Perfect for: Children who are beginning to explore their emotions and those who enjoy colorful illustrations.

• In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Through playful, engaging cut-outs and expressive illustrations, this book explores a wide range of emotions, from happiness to sadness, bravery to fear.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages children to express their feelings and helps them understand that emotions are a natural part of life.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who need help expressing their feelings and parents seeking tools to discuss emotions with their kids.

• The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: The book features colorful illustrations and simple rhymes that describe various emotions such as jealousy, excitement, and disappointment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's great for teaching kids the vocabulary they need to talk about their feelings and understand that all emotions are okay.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are just starting to navigate their emotional worlds.

• When Sophie Gets Angry — Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This story follows Sophie as she deals with her anger, showing what she feels and what she does when she gets really, really angry.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a realistic portrayal of anger and offers a constructive way to handle intense emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children who experience strong emotions and need guidance on how to cope with feelings like anger.

• My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss, illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Poetry, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Using expressive colors and engaging rhymes, this book describes different feelings associated with different colors, offering a poetic take on emotions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines the whimsical charm of Dr. Seuss with important lessons about emotional diversity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy rhythmic texts and learning through imaginative and artistic representations.

Educational Books About Emotions for 4-Year-Olds

• Today I Feel... by Madalena Moniz
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: An alphabet book that explores a spectrum of emotions, from Adorable to Zany, each represented by a different letter and illustrated with beautiful imagery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional literacy, alphabet recognition, vocabulary expansion
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively integrates the alphabet with emotional awareness, making it a unique educational tool for young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers learning both their ABCs and how to articulate their feelings.

• The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn until a quiet, gentle rabbit appears and simply listens to Taylor's woes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, listening skills, emotional processing
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the power of listening and offers a tender approach to dealing with difficult emotions.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning how to cope with difficult situations and the adults who support them.

• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Jim Panzee wakes up in a bad mood and, despite his friends' advice to smile and cheer up, learns that it's okay to feel grumpy sometimes.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding and acceptance of diverse emotions, social interactions
  • Why we recommend this book: It normalizes the feeling of having a bad day and teaches children that they don't always have to hide their true feelings.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning that it's okay to not always feel happy and that emotions are complex.

• The Feelings Book by Todd Parr
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This brightly illustrated book describes a range of emotions that children might experience in an accessible and reassuring way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional recognition, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: Todd Parr's signature colorful, bold illustrations and simple text make it easy for young children to engage with complex emotional concepts.
  • Perfect for: Young children beginning to explore and name their different feelings.

• 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 they're ready.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Mindfulness, emotional processing, self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a healthy way to interact with emotions, emphasizing mindfulness and acceptance.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning how to effectively manage and reflect on their emotions.

Challenging Books About Emotions for 4-Year-Olds

• The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by Renata Liwska
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book explores all the different kinds of quiet—from "first one awake quiet" to "thinking of a good reason you were drawing on the wall quiet."
  • Why this book is challenging: The concept of quietness is presented in various subtle contexts, which encourages children to think deeply about the different feelings associated with silence and quiet moments.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches sensitivity to one's environment and introspection, helping children to recognize and appreciate moments of quiet in their own lives.
  • Perfect for: Children who are sensitive or those who benefit from calm and quiet reflection.

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This story addresses feelings of loneliness and separation by introducing the concept of an "invisible string" that connects loved ones no matter where they are.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex emotions like separation anxiety and loss with a metaphorical concept that children can visualize but might find abstract.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides comfort and understanding about relationships and the enduring bonds of love, which can be reassuring for children dealing with separation or loss.
  • Perfect for: Children who experience separation anxiety or are dealing with the absence of a loved one.

• The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story of Mindfulness and Meditation by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: Emma teaches her overly energetic brother, Henry, how to sit still and use mindfulness to calm his inner storm.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces mindfulness and meditation practices in a way that requires children to focus and practice self-control, which are advanced concepts for this age group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical tool for helping children learn how to calm themselves and manage their energy through mindfulness.
  • Perfect for: Energetic children who could benefit from learning how to channel their energy positively and calmly.

• One by Kathryn Otoshi
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This book uses colors and numbers as characters to teach about bullying, courage, and friendship in a simple yet profound way.
  • Why this book is challenging: The abstract use of colors and numbers to represent complex social interactions and emotions requires children to think symbolically and empathetically.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes understanding and respect for others, teaching important lessons about standing up for what is right and the power of friendship.
  • Perfect for: Children learning about social dynamics and the importance of kindness and courage in friendships.

• The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
  • Genre(s): Picture Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: A girl, curious and full of wonder, puts her heart in a safe place to protect it from the sadness of losing someone she loves.
  • Why this book is challenging: The metaphorical depiction of dealing with loss and protecting one's emotions is a profound concept that challenges young readers to think about emotional health and recovery.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delicately handles the theme of loss and healing, encouraging children to remain open to wonder and love even after experiencing sadness.
  • Perfect for: Children who have experienced loss or are learning to cope with big changes in their lives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 4-year-old develop good reading habits while exploring books about emotions, here are some fun and effective exercises you can try together. These activities are designed to make reading a joyful and enriching experience for both you and your child.

• Picture Walk
  • What it is: A pre-reading exercise where you and your child look at the pictures in a book before reading the text.
  • How it helps: Encourages imagination and helps the child predict the story, enhancing comprehension.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the pictures, like "What do you think is happening here?"

• Emotion Charades
  • What it is: Act out different emotions from the book with your child.
  • How it helps: Helps children understand and express emotions, improving their emotional intelligence.
  • Tips: Keep it fun and light; praise all attempts to express emotions.

• Story Retelling
  • What it is: After reading, ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and understanding of the narrative structure.
  • Tips: Encourage the use of expressive facial expressions and emotions during retelling.

• Reading Aloud Together
  • What it is: Take turns reading pages or sentences from a book about emotions.
  • How it helps: Improves vocabulary and reading fluency; fosters bonding.
  • Tips: Use different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Create a Storybook
  • What it is: Create a homemade book about emotions with drawings and simple text.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps in understanding and labeling emotions.
  • Tips: Use materials around the house for illustrations; let your child lead the storytelling.

These exercises aren't just about reading; they're about building a deeper connection with your child and helping them navigate their emotions through stories. By integrating these simple activities into your reading routine, you're setting the stage for a lifetime love of books and a healthy understanding of emotions. So, grab a book and let the fun and learning begin!