Children's books
Books for the very young, early readers and chapter books, middle-grade books, young-adult books, and books to enjoy as a family. These books opens up talks about emotions and frustration. For a comprehensive list we recommend the Neufeld Institute Children’s Book List
The Sorry Plane
by Deborah MacNamara
The Sorry Plane is a playful introduction for kids and their caregivers to the importance of understanding and respecting our feelings.
I Can Dance My Feelings
by Hannah Beach
This book supports children to express their feelings through play and movement. Includes a facilitator’s guide, a CD with original music and voice over facilitation option.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
The Sorry Plane is a playful introduction for kids and their caregivers to the importance of understanding and respecting our feelings.
ish
by Peter Reynolds
A creative spirit learns that thinking “ish-ly” is far more wonderful than getting it “right”.
In My Heart
by Jo Witek
This beautiful exploration of a child’s feelings stands out as unique, not just listing emotions, but portraying how they feel inside, too.
When Sadness is at Your Door
by Patrice Karst
Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! Eva Eland brilliantly approaches this feeling as if it is a visitor.
The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
Deepening attachment links between children and their parents. Helps to manage separation anxiety and other daily times of separation (daycare, school, travel, trips).
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
Sweet, elegant example of active listening, what to do when someone is upset, and how to go about recognizing and coping with emotions.
Mean Soup
by Betsy Everitt
A Child comes home from school frustrated. Parent finds creative way of providing space to express emotions and accompanies down the path of expression.
Lots of Feelings
by Judith Viorst
Alexander knew it was going to be a terrible day when he woke up with gum in his hair. And it got worse …
Angry Dragon
by Thierry Robberecht
When a little boy hears no” from his mother one time too many, he feels his anger rising. It burns and builds, finally turning him into a giant dragon that destroys everything in its path.
The Chocolate-Covered-Cookie Tantrum
by Deborah Blumenthal
How it feels on the inside of a tantrum. The parent stays to hold the child in futility.
Lots of Feelings
by Shelley Rotner
A face can tell you what someone is feeling. In this expressive photo-essay, simple text and photographs introduce basic emotions and how people show them.
How to be a Pirate
by Thierry Robberecht
A child with his own spirit, ideas and will. Wise grandparents reassure parents of the beauty of knowing one’s own mind and finding his own path.
Neufeld Institute Children’s Book List
Curated by The Neufeld Institute
The booklet includes an extensive index of authors, illustrators, and publishers. Picture books can be easily matched to your needs, thanks to categories that reflect Dr. Neufeld’s attachment-based developmental paradigm.