In My Heart (Jo Witek)

 

I predict that after I read this book to my class they will want to make a picture book with cut out hearts like this one. 

A good jumping point for talking about feelings.

Goodreads says:

Sometimes my heart feels like a big yellow star, shiny and bright.
I smile from ear to ear and twirl around so fast,
I feel as if I could take off into the sky.
This is when my heart is happy.

Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside. With language that is lyrical but also direct, toddlers will be empowered by this new vocabulary and able to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this unique feelings book is gorgeously packaged.

I'm Sad Today (Elisa Yagoe)

 

This would be a good book to read along with Zones of Regulation. 

Goodreads says:

What does being sad mean? What is sadness? How can you be deliberately sad? Our protagonist will begin a quest to find everything she needs in order to be sad. So sad.

Today I am sad. I am so sad that I’m going to draw a picture of my eternal sadness, but I end up drawing a huge giant having a good laugh. I am so sad I could form an entire new ocean with my tears, a vast sea that I would sail on with a boat. I could even become a pirate in my sea of tears — It would be so much fun! However, this is not enough. I am way more sad. I have to come across something that proves that I am very, extremely, deeply sad. Let the adventure begin!

A book about the wonders of imagination, self-discovery, and playing. The perfect family-read to stimulate self-awareness and boost the children's imagination.