There’s something magical about books, isn’t there? They have this incredible power to transport us to new worlds, to make us feel seen, and to teach us things we didn’t even know we needed to learn. For children, books can be even more powerful. They can be a safe space to explore big emotions, to understand feelings they can’t yet name, and to learn how to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of emotions.

As someone who’s passionate about mental health, emotional well-being, and the power of storytelling, I’ve always believed that books can be a lifeline for children. They can help them feel less alone, more understood, and more equipped to handle the ups and downs of life. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 incredible mental health books for children—books that teach emotional expression, self-regulation, and the beauty of feeling all the feels.

And because I know how important it is to have tools that resonate with your own family’s journey, so, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and let’s dive in.

1. ‘The Colour Monster’ by Anna Llenas

This beautiful book is a staple in any child’s emotional toolkit. It uses colours to represent different emotions, helping children identify and understand what they’re feeling. The story follows a little monster whose emotions are all mixed up, and through the book, he learns to sort them out.

- Why it’s special: It’s simple, visual, and perfect for younger children who are just starting to explore their emotions.

2. ‘Ruby’s Worry’ by Tom Percival

Ruby is a happy little girl until one day, she discovers a Worry. At first, it’s small, but the more she ignores it, the bigger it grows. This book is a gentle way to teach children about anxiety and the importance of talking about their worries.

- Why it’s special: It normalises anxiety and shows children that sharing their feelings can make a big difference.

3. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst

This heart-warming book is all about connection. It tells the story of an invisible string that links us to the people we love, no matter how far apart we are. It’s a beautiful way to help children feel secure and loved, even when they’re feeling anxious or lonely.

- Why it’s special: It’s a comforting reminder that we’re never truly alone.

4. When Sadness Is at Your Door by Eva Eland

Sadness can be a tricky emotion for children (and adults!) to understand. This book personifies sadness as a visitor, showing children that it’s okay to feel sad and that sadness won’t stay forever.

- Why it’s special: It’s a gentle, non-judgmental way to approach a heavy emotion.

5. A Little Spot of Emotion series by Diane Alber

This series includes books like ‘A Little Spot of Anxiety’, ‘A Little Spot of Anger’, and ‘A Little Spot of Confidence’. Each book uses a cute '“spot” character to teach children about different emotions and how to manage them.

- Why it’s special: The series is interactive and includes activities to help children practice emotional regulation.

6. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

This isn’t just a book; it’s a work of art. It’s a story about friendship, kindness, and the importance of asking for help when you need it. The illustrations are stunning, and the messages are profound.

- Why it’s special: It’s a book that both children and adults can treasure, with lessons that resonate at any age.

7. My Many Coloured Days by Dr. Seuss

This lesser-known Dr. Seuss book uses colours and animals to explore different emotions. It’s a poetic way to help children understand that it’s okay to feel different things on different days.

- Why it’s special: It’s playful, imaginative, and perfect for sparking conversations about feelings.

8. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

When something bad happens, Taylor doesn’t know what to do. Different animals offer advice, but it’s the rabbit who simply listens that helps the most. This book is a beautiful lesson in empathy and the power of being present.

- Why it’s special: It teaches children (and adults!) that sometimes, all we need is someone to listen.

9. Silly Billy by Anthony Browne

Billy is a worrier, and his worries keep him up at night. But then his grandma introduces him to worry dolls, and everything changes. This book is a lovely way to help children manage anxiety and find comfort in small rituals.

- Why it’s special: It offers a practical tool (worry dolls) that children can use in their own lives.

10. The Seasons of Me by Bonnie Cantarutti

Okay, I have to include my own book here! The Seasons of Me is a heartfelt exploration of emotions, using the metaphor of seasons to help children understand that feelings, like seasons, come and go. It’s a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel sad, angry, or scared—and that joy will always return.

- Why it’s special: It’s deeply personal, rooted in my own experiences as a mother and writer, and designed to help children feel seen and understood.

Why These Books Matter

Emotional expression isn’t just a skill; it’s a gift. When we teach children how to identify, understand, and manage their emotions, we’re giving them tools they’ll use for the rest of their lives. These books are more than just stories—they’re conversation starters, comfort blankets, and guides for navigating the messy, beautiful world of feelings.

And that’s exactly why I wrote The Seasons of Me. I wanted to create something that would help children (and their families) explore emotions in a way that felt safe, gentle, and hopeful. Because here’s the truth: big emotions can feel overwhelming, but they’re also what make us human. They’re what connect us, what shape us, and what make life so incredibly rich.

If this resonates with you—if you’ve ever wished for a way to help your child navigate their emotions with a little more ease and a lot more love—I’d love for you to join me.

- Grab a copy of The Seasons of Me: This book is my heart on paper, and I hope it becomes a cherished part of your family’s journey. You can find it here.

- Visit Wildly Rooted Families: My sister blog is a space for parents and caregivers who want to raise emotionally resilient, joy-filled children. Dive into more resources, stories, and tips here.

- Share Your Story: I’d love to hear how you’re helping your child navigate their emotions. Drop me a message or leave a comment—let’s build a community of support and understanding.

Books have this incredible ability to meet us exactly where we are. They can be a mirror, reflecting our own experiences, or a window, showing us new ways to see the world. For children, they can be both—a way to understand themselves and a way to connect with others.

So, whether you’re reading ‘The Colour Monster’ for the hundredth time or discovering ‘The Seasons of Me’ for the first time, know this: you’re giving your child a gift. You’re helping them learn that their emotions are valid, that they’re not alone, and that they have the strength to weather any storm.

With love and stories,

Bonnie Cantarutti