Anger is a tough emotion to manager — for kids and adults alike, but it’s so important to model to kids that it is a normal emotion. Feeling angry isn’t wrong in itself, but it’s what we do with the emotion that counts. That’s what these picture books about managing anger cover. We’ve gathered over 20 of our top choices in this category.
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29 Relatable Picture Books About Managing Anger
Here are 20+ picture books about managing anger:
Allie All Along
Published: August 7, 2018
“Allie’s crayon broke.
I blinked.
She was suddenly . . .
furious, fuming, frustrated . . .”
Have you ever felt mad enough to stomp, smash, and crash? Allie has! Meet one angry little girl and see how she calms down, bit by bit—with the help of her understanding big brother.
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.
Fergal and the Bad Temper
Published: April 30, 2019
Fergal the dragon does not like being told what to do. It’s not fair! And when things aren’t fair, Fergal loses his temper and snorts angry fire.
He feels sorry afterward, but Fergal just can’t control his outburts!
After one really fiery day, his family and friends offer him some advice to calm down. Can this dragon learn to cool it before a temper tantrum hits?
Ravi’s Roar
Published: February 4, 2020
Ravi never minded being the smallest in his family. Until one day, his short arms can’t reach the monkey bars, he can’t find anyone during hide-and-seek, AND he’s too little to ride the big slide. Ravi is so mad — so furious — that he can’t control his temper anymore . . . and he turns into a ferocious, roaring TIGER!
Tigers can do anything they want! But who wants to play with a growling, wild tiger who won’t share or behave? Ravi is about to discover something very important about voicing his feelings.
While we all get angry sometimes, Ravi’s Roar shows some good ways to channel those emotions to avoid hurting family and friends.
When I am Angry
Published: May 15, 2019
Did you know that anger isn’t all bad?
* Teach children to identify their anger signs
* Anger is a normal, healthy emotion
* Teaching your kids to deal with disappointment
* Solutions that help kids handle their hot feelings in healthier ways.
Mad, Mad Bear
Published: October 23, 2018
Bear had to leave the park early for his nap. Then he fell and got an owie on the way home. And then he had to leave his favorite boots and stick outside. Bear feels like nothing is fair, and that makes him VERY, VERY, VERY MAD! Can he find a way to move through his emotions and get back to feeling better? Maybe…but not before having a major meltdown!
Clovis Keeps His Cool
Published: August 17, 2021
Clovis used to struggle with his temper, but ever since he took over his late grandmother’s china shop, he’s been learning how to manage it. He pours tea, listens to soothing music, and always keeps Granny’s words in mind: “Grace, grace, nothing broken to replace.”
But when rivals from his football days come to heckle him at the shop, Clovis faces a big challenge that even Granny’s words and deep breaths might not be enough for.
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days
Published: September 6, 2016
When Superheroes don’t get their way,
when they’re sad, when they’re mad, when they’ve had a bad day . . .
. . . they COULD super-tantrum, they COULD but they DON’T,
because REAL Superheroes just WOULDN’T—they WON’T!
All kids have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes—even young superheroes! But what do they do when they’re having a bad day? Colorful action-packed illustrations and a dynamite rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes (and ordinary children, too) can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they’re sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid. From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book has plenty of fun ideas to help kids cope when they’re feeling overwhelmed.
The Bad Mood and the Stick
Published: October 3, 2017
Once there was a bad mood and a stick.
The stick appeared when a tree dropped it.
Where did the bad mood come from?
Who picked up the stick?
And where is the bad mood off to now?
You never know what is going to happen.
What’s the Matter, Marlo?
Published: January 26, 2021
Marlo and Coco are best friends. They do everything together―they read together, laugh together, and play games together. After all, they’re best friends. And that’s what best friends do.
But one day, when Coco asks Marlo to play, he doesn’t answer. Instead, Marlo turns away ignoring Coco, until he’s lost in his anger. Coco is worried about her friend, but then she remembers she can always find Marlo.
Big Feelings
Published: March 2, 2021
In their bestselling picture book All Are Welcome, Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman celebrate kindness, inclusivity, and diversity. Now with Big Feelings, they help children navigate the emotional challenges they face in their daily lives.
What should we do when things don’t go to plan? We may feel mad, frustrated, or overwhelmed, but by talking it through, compromising, and seeing another point of view, we can start fresh, begin anew.
Grumpy Monkey
Published: May 15, 2018
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They have lots of suggestions for how to make him feel better. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?
Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.
Crankenstein
Published: August 13, 2013
BEWARE OF CRANKENSTEIN! He’s a little monster of crankiness that no one can destroy! MEHHRRRR!!! He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein. When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic–or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! This hilarious and relatable tale of grumpiness gone awry will turn toddler tantrums to giggles in no time.
The Way I Feel
Published: January 1, 2000
Feelings are neither good nor bad, they simply are. Kids need words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name all things in their world. The Way I Feel uses strong, colorful, and expressive images which go along with simple verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what’s going on in her/his life. Recommended by parents, teachers and mental health professionals, The Way I Feel is a valuable addition to anyone’s library. This book is ideal for children with autism. (Ages 2-8)
A Little Spot of Anger
Published: May 8, 2020
It can be really hard to handle BIG Emotions, especially ANGER! Kids experience frustrating situations everyday, whether it’s someone taking their toy or they feel like they can’t do something. This story shows them that instead of yelling or stomping their feet, they can practice some fun ways to help them stay CALM. Hardcover book comes with SPOT stickers and a SPOT POSTER (Printed on the inside of the dust jacket)
Love, Sophia on the Moon
Published: March 31, 2020
Life on Earth isn’t always fair, so Sophia runs off to the moon, where there are no bedtimes, no time-outs, and no Mom.
But as Sophia and her mom send letters to each other, Mom has a clever comeback for all of Sophia’s angry notes. Home starts to sound not-quite-so-bad, especially when Mom reports that someone from the moon has moved in to Sophia’s old room, they’re having spaghetti for dinner, and they’re reading Sophia’s favorite story at bedtime.
A through line of unconditional love underscored with lots of humor and imagination makes this picture book a stellar pick for storytime.
Mouse Was Mad
Published: May 4, 2009
Who knows the best way to be mad? Bear stomps. Hare hops. Bobcat screams. Mouse? He just can’t get it right. But when he finds the way that works for him–still and quiet–he discovers that his own way might be the best of all.
Angry Me
Published: May 1, 2022
“I get angry,” says a little girl, looking fiercely in the mirror. Sometimes she gets angry when someone is mean and tries to take her toy away, when it feels unfair that there’s not enough time to go swimming, when she’s tired and just wants to go home, or when the kids at school leave her out, hurting her feelings.
When she’s angry, she tries to remember to use her words ― even though that doesn’t always work. Sometimes she can’t find the right words, or the words don’t come out the way she intends. But sometimes words do help, and when her anger melts away a new feeling can blossom.
I Choose to Calm My Anger
Published: June 10, 2021
This story told from Jackson’s point of view will help open your child’s mind to what it feels like to be angry and how to deal with it. Jackson will teach your child how we are empowered to change our mindset and how we deal with life’s setbacks.
With Jackson in real life examples, your child will learn to develop their understanding of their own emotions. Throughout the story, Jackson will show you how it feels to be angry and then how to cope.
Teacher and Therapist Toolbox: I Choose is an empowering series curated to empower young children to become aware of big emotions.
A new book series developed in tandem with teachers and therapists to help children cope with a range of emotions and teach them that they indeed hold the power to choose their actions and reactions.
So Jackson thanked his friend for his help.
He decided to be stronger than anger itself.
He breathed in and out deeply, then counted to ten,
And thought of a happy place to find his zen.
Rita and Ralph’s Rotten Day
Published: March 3, 2020
n two little houses, on two little hills, lived two best friends…So begins the story of Rita and Ralph. Every day they meet to play beneath the apple tree. It’s always fun and games — until one roundly rotten day when a new game means someone ends up crying. Who knew it could be so hard to say “I’m sorry”? Just when it seems nothing will ever be right again, a surprising thing happens. The old friends try something new, that isn’t new at all. Something they’ve done a hundred times…
Angry Ninja
Published: November 17, 2019
Angry Ninja gets upset a lot. He’s like a ticking time bomb. When his sister takes his things without asking, it makes Angry Ninja so frustrated. Until one day, a buddy shows him a simple strategy to control his hot emotions.
The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon
Published: March 12, 2019
What do you do with a curmudgeon that just won’t budge? Why, shake off the grumpy ‘tude and embrace the fun!
Have you ever seen a curmudgeon that looks like your brother, but is in such a bad mood you hardly recognize him? You can try all the peanut butter sandwiches and brownies you have, but he is not moving.
Nothing works, especially nudging, and he just makes you so grumpy that eventually you have no choice but to fight back–and then…
Have you ever become a curmudgeon that just won’t budge?
When Miles Got Mad
Published: April 11, 2013
When his little brother breaks his favorite toy, MILES GETS MAD. As his anger swells, he suddenly catches sight of himself in the mirror – but instead of his own reflection, a furry red monster with big round eyes and funny teeth stares back at him. By encouraging Miles to use his words to express his anger, the Mad Monster helps Miles move through this big emotion to calm himself. Through this fun story and adorable illustrations, this insightful and entertaining children’s book offers much-needed comfort to young children as they struggle to regulate their emotions.
The Color Monster
Published: September 1, 2015
We teach toddlers to identify colors, numbers, shapes, and letters—but what about their feelings? By illustrating such common emotions as happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and calm, this sensitive book gently encourages young children to open up with parents, teachers, and daycare providers. And kids will LOVE the bright illustrations and amazing 3-D pop-ups on every page!
No Fits, Nilson!
Published: June 13, 2013
Nilson and Amelia do everything together. But if one little thing goes wrong, Nilson throws the biggest, most house shaking-est fit ever! Amelia helps Nilson control his gorilla-sized temper by promising him banana ice cream and letting him play with her froggy coin purse. But, sometimes, Amelia needs to be calmed down, too.
Grumpy Pant
Published: May 1, 2016
Can Penguin find a way to turn his grumpy day into a good night?
Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can’t shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over. The simple text and lively illustrations are the perfect cure for even the grumpiest of days.
Holi Hai!
Published: January 1, 2022
Celebrate the Hindu festival of colors.
Gauri is excited to splash colors on everyone for Holi. But when she doesn’t get her favorite color, Gauri gets mad. Will she find a way to overcome her anger and join in the festivities?
Sam’s Pet Temper
Published: September 1, 2014
The hero of this picture book, Sam, has to wait for everything on the playground one day, and this makes him mad. “He got madder and madder until he was the maddest he had ever been in his whole life.” And then, suddenly, an unusual thing appears. It runs around, shoving and tripping and pinching and stomping, until all the other children have run away. “It was hanging upside down from the monkey bars, grinning at him. Sam had never seen anything like it before, but he knew what it was. It was a Temper.” At first, having a pet Temper is fun. But before long, the Temper starts causing trouble for Sam. And eventually, Sam comes to the realization that his Temper is something he needs to learn to control. This funny but poignant title by Sangeeta Bhadra offers a perfect representation of just how frustrated and angry small children can get when circumstances in their lives make them feel helpless. Though never heavy-handed, Bhadra also manages to convey what the consequences can be when that anger takes over a child’s behavior. The quirky yet stunning illustrations by Marion Arbona keep the emotional focus on the Temper, as a way to help children identify that their anger is not who they are. The emphasis on feelings makes this a terrific tie-in for character education lessons on self-discipline and taking responsibility for your actions, as well as on patience and perseverance when solving your own problems.
When I Feel Angry
Published: January 1, 2000
Anger is a scary emotion for young children, their parents, and caregivers. As this little bunny experiences the things that make her angry, she also learns ways to deal with her anger–ways that won’t hurt others.
The Cranky Ballerina
Published: August 9, 2016
Ada hates everything about ballet class, yet she still has to go! Arabesques? Grotesque! And then one Saturday, Ada pliés right out the door and into the hallway, smacking into someone who thinks her ungraceful moves are great!
There they are: 29 of the best picture books about managing anger! Which of these books have you read? Which ones did I miss?
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