Big feelings are part of growing up. These picture books give children simple tools to slow down: taking deep breaths, noticing what they see and hear, and naming how they feel.
1. Breathe Like a Bear: 30 Mindful Moments for Kids to Feel Calm and Focused Anytime, Anywhere
by Kira Willey, illustrated by Anni Betts; Rodale Kids, 2017
This collection of 30 short, playful breathing and movement exercises helps kids calm down, focus, or shake out extra energy. Each one takes only a moment and works anywhere, from the car to the classroom, making it a practical toolkit for the whole family.
2. I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2017
A child who feels swept up in worries learns to slow down, breathe, and notice the world around them. Peter H. Reynolds’s gentle art and the simple, reassuring text make it a lovely first introduction to mindfulness, and it includes a guided meditation at the end.
3. The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions
by Anna Llenas; Little, Brown and Company, 2018
The Color Monster’s feelings are all mixed up, so a young friend helps him sort them into colors: yellow for happy, blue for sad, red for anger, black for fear, and green for calm. It gives little ones a simple, visual way to name what they feel, which is the first step toward calming down.
4. Ruby Finds a Worry
by Tom Percival; Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2019
Ruby’s small worry follows her everywhere and keeps growing until it crowds out the things she loves. When she finally talks about it, the worry starts to shrink, a reassuring message for anxious kids and a great way to open conversations about big feelings.
5. My Magic Breath: Finding Calm Through Mindful Breathing
by Nick Ortner and Alison Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Polizzi; Harper, 2018
This interactive picture book invites kids to breathe along with the pages, blowing away worries and breathing in good feelings. It’s an easy, hands-on way to practice calming breaths at bedtime or after a hard day.
6. When Sophie Gets Angry–Really, Really Angry…
by Molly Bang; Blue Sky Press (Scholastic), 1999
When her sister grabs her toy, Sophie boils over, so she runs outside until the wind, trees, and sea help her feel calm again. Molly Bang’s vivid colors show anger and peace in a way young children instantly understand.
7. The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld; Dial Books for Young Readers, 2018
After Taylor’s block tower crashes down, one animal after another rushes in with advice, but only the quiet rabbit simply stays close and listens. It’s a tender reminder for kids and grown-ups alike that sometimes the most calming thing we can offer is our presence.
8. The Little Book of Capybara Self-Care
written and illustrated by Helen H. Wu; Greenfinch (Quercus, Hachette UK), 2026
For the grown-ups: a cozy little gift book about slowing down and chilling like a capybara. A gentle reminder that calm grown-ups help raise calm kids.
Try reading one of these books at bedtime or after a busy day, then take three slow “capybara breaths” together.
More picture book lists
- 8 Children’s Picture Books About Patience
- 12 New Diverse Children’s Books on Growth Mindset
- Picture Books About Perseverance and Trying Again
- 16 Best Children’s Books About Nature
Browse all of Helen’s picture book lists, or see all of Helen’s books.
