Children feel deeply—often more than we realize—but they don’t always have the words (yet) to express their experiences. Whether they’re navigating grief, anxiety, divorce, sensory overload, or just the big feelings that come with being human, stories can be a gentle yet powerful way to help them understand what’s going on inside.

At Embody + Mind Collective, we believe that early support builds lifelong resilience. We use many of these books in sessions, and we recommend them to parents who are wondering, “How do I help my child process this?”

Here are some of our favorite children’s books that support emotional development, trauma awareness, and nervous system healing.

For Naming Feelings and Building Emotional Literacy:

1. The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
A sweet and visually engaging story that teaches kids to identify and sort their feelings using color metaphors.

Why we recommend it: It gives kids a tangible way to explore emotions like sadness, anger, and calm.

2. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
Beautifully illustrated and poetic, this book helps kids name a wide range of feelings and understand how they show up in their bodies.

Why we recommend it: It encourages body awareness and emotion identification—foundations for self-regulation.

3. How Are You Feeling Today? by Molly Potter
A feelings-focused guide with suggestions for managing big emotions.

Why we recommend it: Great for kids who need help knowing what to do with their feelings.

For Anxiety, Worry, and Overwhelm:

4. What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner
Part workbook, part story—ideal for school-age children dealing with chronic worry.

Why we recommend it: It provides cognitive-behavioral strategies in a format kids can understand and practice.

5. A Little Spot of Anxiety by Diane Alber
A colorful character-driven book that helps children recognize anxiety and learn how to shrink it down.

Why we recommend it: Empowering, concrete, and encourages emotional agency.

6. Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
A gentle story that shows how worries can grow when we keep them to ourselves.

Why we recommend it: Helps normalize talking about mental health with kids.

For Grief and Loss:

7. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A beloved classic that reassures children they’re always connected to loved ones, even when apart.

Why we recommend it: Especially helpful for children experiencing grief, separation, or deployment.

8. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland
Told through the eyes of a child, this story offers ways to hold onto memories and express emotions after a loss.

Why we recommend it: Encourages ritual, remembrance, and open dialogue around death.

For Trauma and Safety:

9. Once I Was Very Very Scared by Chandra Ghosh Ippen
A trauma-informed story that follows animals who have been scared and how they heal with help.

Why we recommend it: It introduces the idea of nervous system responses in a child-appropriate way.

10. A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes
Focuses on a young raccoon named Sherman who witnessed something scary and learns how to feel safe again.

Why we recommend it: It’s one of the few books that specifically speaks to trauma without being too explicit.

For Nervous System Regulation and Body Awareness:

11. Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
Teaches kids how to notice sensations, name feelings, and listen to their internal cues.

Why we recommend it: A fantastic introduction to somatic awareness for children.

12. Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey
Includes 30 short, simple mindfulness and breathing exercises for kids.

Why we recommend it: Great for bedtime, transitions, or calming down after big feelings.

For Big Life Transitions:

13. Two Homes by Claire Masurel
A gentle story for children navigating divorce or separation.

Why we recommend it: It affirms safety and belonging across two households.

14. When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland
A personification of sadness that allows kids to acknowledge their feelings instead of pushing them away.

Why we recommend it: Simple and soothing—especially helpful for sensitive or introverted children.

Final Thoughts

Stories help kids feel seen, heard, and safe. When language fails or when emotions are too big, books can bridge the gap. They invite curiosity, calm, and connection—all essential elements in trauma-informed care.

Whether you’re a parent, therapist, or educator, having a shelf full of emotionally supportive books is one of the simplest, most profound ways to nurture a child’s healing.

Looking for more ways to support your child?

• Explore Therapy for Children & Families
• Read about Somatic Therapy for Kids
• Get in touch to schedule a parent consult

We’re here to walk with you—one story at a time.