Best Books for Kids: Building Emotional Regulation & Resilience
When trauma touches a home—whether from divorce, abuse, or life’s unexpected challenges—healing can feel like an uphill journey. But stories can be a source of light, offering kids words for their feelings, tools for resilience, and hope for brighter days.
I’ve curated this guide from my specially selected list of titles handpicked for families navigating tough transitions, like divorce or trauma recovery—each chosen to encourage healing and growth.
Understanding and managing emotions is a foundational step in healing. These books help kids identify their feelings and find healthy ways to cope:
“A Little SPOT of Feelings” by Diane Alber
These colorful yet simple books help even young children gain the vocabulary to describe their emotions with accuracy. Perfect for children and parents who are struggling to articulate overwhelming feelings."What Do You Do With a Problem?" by Kobi Yamada
A story for anyone, at any age, who has ever had a problem that they wished would go away. The longer the problem is avoided, the bigger it seems to get. But when the child finally musters up the courage to face it, the problem turns out to be something quite different than it appeared."Breathe Like a Bear" by Kira Willey
This engaging collection of mindfulness exercises teaches kids how to calm their minds and focus their energy, making it a great tool for managing stress."When Sad, Scary Things Happen: Coping with Childhood Trauma” by Erika Arnold-McEwan
A gentle, interactive picture book that normalizes traumatic events, including displacement from one's home, physical/emotional abuse, natural disasters, neglect, and witnessing violence."Hinds' Feet on High Places: Delightfully Illustrated and Arranged for Children" by Hannah Hurnard
This beautifully illustrated adaptation of the classic allegory helps children deal with fear, anxiety, and understand their inherent worth and God’s care for their journey, with story-driven tools for self-respect and resilience.
Explore My Full List of Recommended Children's Books
Browse more carefully curated titles, on my full list of recommended children’s books on my Amazon list here.
Whether you’re helping your child process big emotions, navigate family changes, or learn about body safety and boundaries, these terrific titles can help you spark healing and connection.
(Want more handpicked reads? Click HERE to browse my top picks on betrayal trauma, healing from spiritual hurt, and building healthy relationships.)
Share this post with friends who want to raise empowered, emotionally-resilient kids! Together, we can create a world where every child feels safe, valued, and loved.
Which title is your fave? Let me know in the comments!
