Sometimes big feelings like anger can feel overwhelming, like a storm inside us. Picture books about anger management gently help children identify difficult emotions, understand why they happen, and learn how to manage them. The books on this list offer comforting reminders that it’s okay to feel angry and that with practice, we can find a way to calm those fiery feelings.
*This post contains affiliate links.
That’s My Truck! A Good Inside Story About Hitting by Dr. Becky Kennedy, illustrated by Joanie Stone, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
When Charlie sees his little sister playing with his favorite toy, he’s flooded with anger and lashes out. As he wrestles with feelings of shame and regret, his mother gently reminds him, “You’re a good kid having a hard time.” Written by a parenting expert, this powerful story supports both children and adults. I love how the mom models empathy while guiding Charlie toward safer, more respectful ways to express big feelings. This is a must-have!
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul, 2018
(Ages 3 and up)
When a girl’s crayon breaks, she transforms into an angry monster. Her patient brother introduces several strategies to reduce his sister’s anger. With each coping tactic, including squeezing a stuffed animal and pretending to blow out birthday candles, Allie becomes calmer.
The stages of Allie’s anger are represented with different colors giving children a visual representation of her changing emotions. The text also appears big and bold providing children with a plethora of language to describe their own feelings. This book has tons of kid appeal and is a wonderful tool for social emotional learning.
When Miles Got Mad by Samantha Kurtzman-Counter and Abbie Schiller, 2013
(Ages 3 and up)
When Miles’ little brother accidentally breaks one of his favorite toys, he gets angry. His cheeks burn, his hands curl into fists, and he screams at his brother. After his little brother leaves the room crying, Miles catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He is no longer Miles, but a large red monster symbolizing what Miles feels like when he is mad. The Monster gives several suggestions to help him calm down. As Miles begins to talk about his anger, the monster becomes smaller and smaller and Miles feels better. He realizes that the broken toy was an accident and he invites his brother to help him fix it.
Arguing over a toy is a typical scenario that many children face and this book is sure to resonate with many. My own children really related to Miles and the story served as a way for us to talk about better ways to speak to each other when we are feeling hurt and angry.
Friends Are Not for Biting by Ryan Allen, illustrated by Zoe Persico
Liam thinks of himself as a lion and when he gets frustrated, overwhelmed, over-excited, or wants attention, he bites. This playful and engaging story explores the reasons behind biting and shows how meeting children’s underlying needs, along with teaching simple strategies, can help them manage big emotions and build healthier relationships.
Buffalo Fluffalo by Bess Kalb, illustrated by Erin Kraan, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
“I’m the Buffalo Fluffalo, I heave and I huffalo. Leave me alone because I’ve had enuffalo!” Oh my goodness, this story is so much fun to read aloud. Rolling rhymes and charming illustrations follow a very angry buffalo who rebukes his friendly prairie companions. When a rainstorm drenches his fluff, he finds the value in true friendship.
I Am a Thundercloud by Leah Moser, illustrated by Marie Hermansson, 2024
(Ages 3 and up)
Using a thunderstorm as a metaphor, a young boy describes how all-consuming his anger feels. He finally finds comfort through drawing, playing music, taking deep breaths, and talking through his feelings. The eye-catching artwork and clever use of onomatopoeia make this an excellent social emotional learning read aloud.
Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
Ravi is the youngest and smallest in his family. After a day of finishing last in every race, not being able to reach the monkey bars, and missing out on ice cream, he becomes furious and transforms into an angry tiger. His irate alter ego yells and stomps until Ravi flops on a bench feeling more sad than mad. Apologies are made and Ravi feels like himself once again.
Angry Me by Sandra V. Feder; illustrated by Jomepour Bell, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
Anger is one of our most raw emotions that children, especially, struggle with. Using eye-catching art, this relatable story follows a young girl as she wrestles with emotions ranging from annoyance to rage during a variety of common occurrences. As she reflects back on each scenario, she identifies ways to work through her anger while also realizing it is a feeling that won’t last forever.
Don’t Blow Your Top! by Ame Dyckman, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Volcanoes serve as an excellent metaphor in this adorable story about calming those big explosive emotions. When a bird drops a rock on Little Volcano, Big Volcano reminds him strategies for keeping calm. The eye-catching artwork and amusing story make this a fantastic social emotional learning read aloud.
I Am A Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
In this fantastic social emotional learning story, a tornado furiously spins across the land picking up everything in sight including a cow who provides a listening ear. Once the tornado feels heard, he starts calming down until he is nothing more than a gentle breeze.
A tornado is a great metaphor for anyone who has been so engulfed in their anger, they feel like they transform into a powerful force of nature that wants to throw everything around them. I love how the story demonstrates that needing a little space and someone to talk to can help ease those big feelings.
Cranky by Phuc Tran, illustrated by Pete Oswald, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
When a construction vehicle rolls out of bed feeling cranky, his grumpiness continues to grow throughout the day despite his friends’ attempts to lift his moodiness. Full of wordplay, this clever story is a great lesson in sympathy and working through tough feelings.
The Ugly Place by Laura Deal; illustrated by Emma Pedersen, 2022
(Ages 4 and up)
An angry boy walks the Arctic coastline immersing himself in the ugliest place he can find to reflect his dark mood. When he closes his eyes, however, he slows his breathing and takes in the sounds that surround him. He begins to feel calmer and notice gleams of beauty all around him.
He realizes that he is in control of his emotions and “even in the ugliest conditions we can make something beautiful together.”
Way Past Mad by Hallee Adelman, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
When Keya’s little brother annoys her one morning, she becomes so angry, she takes it out on her friend Hooper on their walk to school. Suddenly, her anger is replaced by remorse. A heartfelt apology sets things right and turns Keya’s day around. Buy It Here
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
