Book an Adventure in Emotion Management

In our third instalment for Book Week 2025, we're taking you on an a literary adventure in Emotion Management and showing you which books we love to share with children to support their ability to identify feelings and calm down.

Books that support Emotion Management: Grades K-2

Jabari Jumps

Author: Gaia Cornwall

Jabari thinks he’s totally ready to jump off the diving board—until he starts to climb the ladder. After some helpful talk from his dad, he does some stretches, takes some deep breaths, and surprises himself.

My Mouth is a Volcano

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrator: Carrie Hartman

Louis has a lot of important things to say, and the words just erupt out of his mouth.

Then, one day in school, he realizes that other people have volcanoes for mouths, too.

A Bad Case of Stripes

Author: David Shannon

When Camilla gives up something she loves to be like everyone else, she comes

down with a bizarre illness—a bad case of the stripes! How will Camilla get back to her true, unstriped self?

Books that support Emotion Management: Grades 3-5

El Deafo

Author: Cece Bell

Cece is self-conscious about her huge hearing aid. Then she discovers she can listen in on teachers’ conversations, and her deafness starts to feel like a superpower! Will it help her to conquer her loneliness and find a real friend?

Fish In A Tree

Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Ally can’t read, but none of her teachers have noticed. Until now, she’s fooled

everyone by changing schools and disrupting class. But her new teacher sees how bright she is, and helps her understand and cope with her dyslexia.

The Girl Who Drank The Moon

Author: Kelly Barnhill

This lyrical fantasy novel tells the story of a girl who, after being abandoned by her village, is being raised by the good witch who accidentally gave her some troublesome magical powers.

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Positive Pieces Education is the Australian and New Zealand publisher of the Second Step social-emotional learning program. Learn more