Wunderland News

Children’s books aren’t just stories, they can often be seen as companions and mentors. Children’s literature can offer comfort and guidance to young readers, especially during challenging times. From tales of courage to narratives that celebrate kindness and acceptance, books have a unique power to support children and promote healthy well-being. We have gathered Wunderland Books’ favorite uplifting books that will not only captivate the minds of young readers but will also provide them with invaluable support for their mental health. ​​ 

Big Feelings (an All Are Welcome Board Book) 

This heartwarming and practical guide is for young children learning to understand and manage their emotions. From the beloved creators of the All Are Welcome series, this board book offers a gentle, supportive message: it’s okay to have big feelings, and we can work through them together. When plans fall apart or frustrations arise, this book encourages little ones to recognize their emotions, talk them through, and find a path toward compromise and understanding. With vibrant illustrations and simple, reassuring text, the authors show that kindness, empathy, and a fresh start are always possible. This story is a comforting resource for families and educators who want to nurture emotional resilience, communication, and connection in even the youngest readers.

Punch!: A Story about Kindness

This picture book is a powerful and funny read-aloud about handling big emotions with empathy, kindness, and forgiveness. When Badger lashes out at his friends after experiencing a personal loss, Frog, Moose, Elephant, and Bear choose not to punch back—instead, they respond with compassion. This heartfelt story from the creator of Red: A Crayon’s Story teaches kids that healing and friendship come from understanding, not retaliation.

Ruby Finds a Worry

Ruby Finds a Worry is a thoughtful and reassuring picture book from the Big Bright Feelings series, perfect for helping young children navigate stress and anxiety. Ruby is a bright, happy girl, until one day she discovers a worry that grows bigger and bigger the more she tries to ignore it. Through Ruby’s journey, readers learn that everyone has worries and that sharing feelings with others is the key to making them smaller. This warm, encouraging story offers a gentle way to start conversations with kids about emotions, resilience, and the importance of talking about what’s on their minds.

Invisible Things

Invisible Things is a whimsically creative picture book that invites readers to explore the unseen forces shaping our everyday lives. Through the idea of magical invisible glasses, young readers are encouraged to notice feelings, ideas, sounds, and sensations. For example, things like itches, hope, gratitude, and even the rainbow taste of a lollipop. With playful examples and imaginative insights, this book helps kids name and understand the invisible parts of their world. Invisible Things is a joyful celebration of emotional awareness, curiosity, and reflection, inspiring children to look beyond what they see and connect more deeply with themselves and others.

Other books we recommend:

• The Reflection in Me by Marc Colagiovanni

• The Rock in My Throat by Kao Kalia Yang

• Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri 

• Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt

Titles like these show just how powerful stories can be in helping children understand their emotions and build resilience. By introducing big concepts like empathy, forgiveness, anxiety, and invisible feelings in a way that is playful, relatable, and comforting, these stories open the door for important conversations about mental health. As we nurture emotional intelligence from an early age, we give kids the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges with compassion, confidence, and connection. Sharing these books isn’t just about reading, it’s about empowering children to recognize, express, and care for their mental and emotional well-being.