Emotions are running high these days and children are certainly not immune. Picture books are a great way to explain big concepts to very young children, and give them a way to understand the feelings they can’t quite fully articulate. With continuing recognition of worry, grief and mood disorders in early childhood, parents may choose to turn to literature to help explain these concepts along with coping mechanisms.

Pilar’s Worries by Victoria M Sanchez follows a little girl who loves to dance. But when tryouts for her favorite ballet are held, Pilar is anxious. By using some of the coping techniques she’s learned and focusing on her love of the craft, she is able to persevere. Pilar’s Worries is a great choice for parents seeking a gentle story that will resonate children dealing with bouts of anxiety.

Scaredy Squirrel, a perennial favourite, is another great choice for anxious young ones. The amusing Scaredy Squirrel series follows an adorably neurotic flying squirrel named Scaredy as he grapples with all manner of "scary" predicaments, from the prospect of leaving his tree to celebrating a holiday, or even just deviating from his carefully planned routine. Kids will laugh out loud at Scaredy's antics as he discovers the benefits of stepping outside of his comfort zone.

 

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Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems is the first entry in a charming picture book series. The titular pigeon is plagued by dark moods that typically result in full-fledged temper tantrums. In this first book, when a bus driver goes on break, he asks the audience to keep an eye on his vehicle and the pigeon who desperately wants to drive it. Pigeon will attempt to negotiate with the reader, but when all fails he spirals out of control with frustration. Young readers will find satisfaction and recognition in his show of emotions.

Another contemporary classic picture book that’s all about grappling with emotions is The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli. Crocodile has devoured watermelon since babyhood and eats it every chance he gets. One day, however, he swallows a seed. This sends him into outright panic. The story is very funny first and foremost, but it also teaches children a great lesson about worry spirals.

 

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The sweet and colorful The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr may comfort children who have recently experienced loss. This picture book shows young readers that even when goodbyes bring sadness and unfamiliar emotions, those feelings will ease with the help of time and lots of support. It addresses the range of emotions one might feel after a loss, including anger, sadness, denial, as well as sleep disturbances. Its warm message lightens a tough topic.

Bear and Bird by James Skofield is another gentle read about grieving. When a young robin falls from his nest, old Bear helps out by lifting him into a tree, thus cementing their friendship. The unlikely pair meet in the meadow after Bear comes out of hibernation each spring…until one year Bear doesn’t return. While it’s a sad premise, the story is far from maudlin and the introduction of Bear’s granddaughter inspires hope and understanding in the circle of life.

All of these book are available for you to download from our digital library. Click any title above to access it in the catalogue. 

This article was originally published in the Napanee Beaver.