Little Kids, Big Emotions: Frustrated
There are so many emotions and happy, sad, mad, shy, and enthusiasm that I’ve already covered, but today I’m looking at frustration. This list was interesting to build because it comes across as almost two different lists completely. The first, is the list of books that could be used just as equally as books for my “mad” book list. These books are for kids when they are upset, mad, and frustrated.
The other side of this book list includes titles that focus on perseverance and growth mindset. Books that encourage kids to try hard, but also understand that failure and frustration are often part of the journey. I like that a difficult emotion can include two different sides to show kids that frustration is a part of life, but how you react to frustration is just as important, if not more so.
So whether you’re focused on the understanding of frustration or how to move past it, this little book list has something for you!
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Little Kids, Big Emotions: Frustrated
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, illustrated by Ray Cruz
Alexander wakes up with gum in his hair and quickly realizes it’s going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. From missing out on the window seat in the car to getting in trouble at school, nothing seems to go his way. As the day unravels, Alexander’s mood gets worse, leaving him feeling cranky and convinced moving to Australia might be the only solution.
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul
Poor Allie! She’s in a rage, throwing a tantrum, and having a fit! Her emotions have built and built and now they just burst. Is there a sweet little girl hiding somewhere under all the angry layers? And can her big brother find a way to make things all right again? In the tradition of When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry and Sometimes I’m Bombaloo, Allie All Along explores simple ways kids can center themselves in the face of overwhelming emotions. The illustrations’ varying hues and vibrant colors capture the powerful feelings that young children can’t always express in words.
Babbity’s Big Bad Mood by M. Christina Butler, illustrated by Frank Endersby
Oh dear! What a bad mood Babbity is in! His friends try everything to cheer him up: cloud-gazing, silly tricks, even rolling down the hill. Until at last Babbity’s bad mood disappears. But where could it have gone?
Calm Down Time by Elizabeth Verdick, illustrated by Marieka Heinlen
Every parent, caregiver—and toddler—knows the misery that comes with meltdowns and temper tantrums. Through rhythmic text and warm illustrations, this gentle, reassuring book offers toddlers simple tools to release strong feelings, express them, and calm themselves down. Children learn to use their calm-down place—a quiet space where they can cry, ask for a hug, sing to themselves, be rocked in a grown-up’s arms, talk about feelings, and breathe: “One, two, three . . . I’m calm as can be. I’m taking care of me.” After a break, toddlers will feel like new—and adults will, too. Books include tips for parents and caregivers.
I Really Want to Shout! by Simon Philip, illustrated by Lucia Gagiotti
What do you do when you really, really want to shout?
Do you let it out? Or do you hold it in?
Or do you jump up and down and play the kazoo?
A little girl explores different ways to manage her anger in this laugh out loud story.
Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones, illustrated by Sara Ogilvie
Izzy Gizmo’s inventions are marvelous, magnificent…and often malfunction. Despite the fact that she loves to invent, it never seems to work out in her favor. But when she finds a crow with a broken wing, she has to help!
Izzy tries again and again to build the crow a new pair of wings, but nothing is working. Can Izzy overcome her failures? Or is her friend destined to live as a crow who can’t fly?
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Jabari is making a flying machine in his backyard! “It’ll be easy. I don’t need any help,” he declares. But it doesn’t work! Jabari is frustrated. Good thing Dad is there for a pep talk and his little sister, Nika, is there to assist, fairy wings and all. With the endearing father-child dynamic of Jabari Jumps and engaging mixed-media illustrations, Gaia Cornwall’s tale shows that through perseverance and flexibility, an inventive thought can become a brilliant reality.
Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl, illustrated by Oriol Vidal
Little Monkey is having a bad day. After a major meltdown, he goes to his room and uses some coping techniques to calm down. He sings a a quiet song, cuddles with his blankie, and learns how take deep breaths. A relatable book for toddlers that teaches self soothing in an effective way.
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
Each of us, from the day we’re born, is accompanied by a special companion—the Yet. Can’t tie your shoes? Yet! Can’t ride a bike? Yet! Can’t play the bassoon? Don’t worry, Yet is there to help you out.
The Magical Yet is the perfect tool for parents and educators to turn a negative into a positive when helping children cope with the inevitable difficult learning moments we all face. Whether a child or an adult, this encouraging and uplifting book reminds us that we all have things we haven’t learned … yet!
The Most Magnificient Thing by Ashley Spires
A little girl and her canine assistant set out to make the most magnificent thing. But after much hard work, the end result is not what the girl had in mind. Frustrated, she quits. Her assistant suggests a long walk, and as they walk, it slowly becomes clear what the girl needs to do to succeed. A charming story that will give kids the most magnificent thing: perspective!
The Stompysaurus by Rachel Bright, illustrated by Chris Chatterton
One morning, Stompysaurus wakes from a happy dream, feeling excited for the new day, until things start to go a bit wrong. His brother’s being a tease, his breakfast isn’t his usual favorite and NOTHING is going right. His STOMPS and ROARS start rising inside him until they EXPLODE! But a tricky start doesn’t have to mean a stompy finish. Can Stompysaurus find a new way of looking at things and turn his day around?
Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival
Tilda doesn’t like change. Why would she, when her life is great just the way it is? But one day, Tilda’s world turns completely UPSIDE DOWN. All of a sudden, nothing feels right. Things that were once easy now seem incredibly challenging. Everything is just so different and hard. Can Tilda discover a way to move forward and embrace all this change?
