Anger Management Books for Kids

After a few more angry outbursts than usual, I researched books to help manage anger for kids. Here are the books we read together, rated from best to worst:

Sometimes When I’m Mad:

This book was tied for first place and it talks about the fact that we get mad because we can’t control what’s happening (totally feel that one). For parents, it gives advice like offering 2 options when kids feel out of control – “do you want to do a puzzle or play a game” or read a book together or rest on the couch? We liked it because it shows there are things you can control by picking which option you like best in that angry moment. 5/5

Barbara Throws a Wobbler:

We liked this book because it showed Anger as a big red “wobbler.” Don’t ask me what the heck that is, I have no idea. It shows that you made the anger so you can be the one to make it smaller and go away. The more you yell and scream, the bigger the Wobbler becomes. And the more you talk it out calmly, the smaller the Wobbler becomes. Eventually, it will disappear completely. I like the visualization of your anger getting smaller as you calm down. 5/5

When Miles Got Mad:

This was pretty much exactly like Barbara Throws a Wobbler, we just didn’t like it as much. 4.8/5

Red Red Red:

This book basically said to just count to 10 and breathe (yeah thanks). But Coco liked this one. 3.5/5

Angry Cookie:

Everything is going wrong for the Angry Cookie – bad haircut, his favorite ice cream was sold out, etc. The turning point was when he realized he just wanted someone to listen to him. When his friend listened to him and stuck around even though he was angry, he felt better. Not a ton of tips in this book though. 3.5/5

Tiger has a Tantrum:

This book showed you can’t always get what you want and that Tiger scared everybody with his anger. All it took to calm him down was a deep breath. We all know sometimes that’s not good enough when you’re in a blind rage. Not helpful. 1/5

An extra one just for parents if you struggle to keep your cool like me :

Angry Parent, Angry Child:

Basically, children look up to their parents as role models so when we lose our temper, they think it’s ok for them also. A quote that stuck with me is, “the kids who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving ways.” – Russell Barkley. I also read that you can rewire your brain every time you fight the urge to act on your anger. I wouldn’t really recommend reading this one, but I’ll include the link just in case.