Children: Understanding Coping Techniques

Infant–Toddler (0–3 years)

  • “Calm-Down Time” – Elizabeth Verdick
    Simple board book showing toddlers how to pause, breathe, and find calm.

  • “Breathe with Me: Using Breath to Feel Strong, Calm, and Happy” – Mariam Gates
    Gentle introduction to mindful breathing through short practices.

  • “How Do Dinosaurs Say I’m Mad?” – Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
    Playful story teaching toddlers healthy ways to manage anger.

  • “I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness” – Susan Verde & Peter H. Reynolds
    Beautiful illustrations introducing mindfulness and calm.

  • “Breathe” – Scott Magoon
    A sweet baby whale shows kids the power of slowing down and breathing.

Preschool (3–5 years)

  • “When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry” – Molly Bang
    Shows that strong feelings are normal and models coping strategies.

  • “Listening to My Body” – Gabi Garcia
    Helps kids connect physical sensations with emotions.

  • “The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings” – Anna Llenas
    Fun, interactive book sorting emotions into colors.

  • “Don’t Think About Purple Elephants” – Susan Whelan
    Addresses bedtime worries in a creative, playful way.

  • “Grumpy Monkey” – Suzanne Lang
    Funny and relatable story about bad moods and accepting emotions.

  • “Even Superheroes Have Bad Days” – Shelly Becker
    Shows superheroes choosing healthy ways to cope with big feelings.

  • “Layla’s Happiness” – Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie
    Celebrates noticing joy and small happy moments.

  • “The Good Egg” – Jory John & Pete Oswald
    Humorous tale about perfectionism, self-care, and learning to relax.

Older Child (6–12 years)

  • “The Coping Skills for Kids Workbook” – Janine Halloran
    Interactive workbook with 75+ coping strategies.

  • “A Little SPOT of Emotion Box Set” – Diane Alber
    Playful stories helping kids recognize and manage different emotions.

  • “Breathing Makes It Better” – Christopher Willard & Wendy O’Leary
    Teaches mindful breathing for handling stress, sadness, or anger.

  • “The Rabbit Listened” – Cori Doerrfeld
    Shows empathy, patience, and gentle coping with disappointment.

  • “What Do You Do With a Problem?” – Kobi Yamada
    Encourages resilience and finding growth in challenges.

  • “Wilma Jean the Worry Machine” – Julia Cook
    Lighthearted story offering coping tools for worry and anxiety.

  • “The Day You Begin” – Jacqueline Woodson
    Encourages courage and connection when feeling different or left out.

  • “Guts” – Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel)
    Funny, relatable story exploring anxiety, resilience, and coping.