From managing big feelings to learning how to share and use kind words, the right read-aloud can spark meaningful conversations, classroom routines, and behavioral growth. Whether you’re a parent or preschool teacher, here’s a curated list of 35 amazing books about behavior for preschoolers, plus tips on how to use them in your classroom or at home.
Why Books About Behavior Matter in Preschool
These books aren’t just entertaining—they’re transformational tools. Here are the best picture books to support preschool behavior across different themes like emotions, sharing, friendship, and problem-solving.
Books That Explore Emotions and Self-Regulation
1. When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
A powerful story about managing anger and finding calm in the storm.
2. Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis
A colorful, fun book that introduces a wide range of emotions and the idea that it’s okay to feel different every day.
3. The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
Great for helping children identify emotions through relatable examples and expressive artwork.
4. The Way I Act by Steve Metzger
A follow-up to The Way I Feel, this book reinforces positive behavior choices and self-control.
5. Voices Are Not for Yelling by Elizabeth Verdick
Teaches children when and how to use their voices in appropriate ways.
Books About Behavior Expectations and Rules
A hilarious favorite that shows what not to do—with a loving reminder that kids are always loved, even when they make mistakes.
7. David Goes to School by David Shannon
Helps children understand basic classroom rules and why they’re important.
8. How Do Dinosaurs Go to School? by Jane Yolen
Compares silly behavior with good choices to help kids learn expectations through fun, exaggerated examples.
9. Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi
Reinforces the idea that hands can be used for helping and playing, not hurting.
10. Feet Are Not for Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick
Teaches that feet are for walking and running—not for hurting others.
11. Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick
Addresses biting in a gentle and constructive way, perfect for toddlers and young preschoolers.
12. Words Are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick
Promotes kindness and empathy through mindful language choices.
Books About Sharing and Kindness
Tackles the common preschool issue of sharing with warmth and humor.
14. “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud
This classic encourages kindness, empathy, and recognizing the effect our actions have on others. The “bucket filling” metaphor is easily understood by preschoolers and can be extended into classroom management tools.
15. Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney
Helps children recognize and work through frustration during everyday moments.
16. Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
Explores bedtime anxiety and emotional reassurance.
17. Llama Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney
Introduces bullying in a preschool-appropriate way and models peaceful solutions.
18. Sharing Time by Elizabeth Verdick
A gentle introduction to the concept of sharing, ideal for classroom circle time.
19. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A timeless classic that teaches generosity and the joy of giving.
20. The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill
Shows how kindness and inclusion can change even the toughest playground dynamics.
21. Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
Encourages kids to be confident in their uniqueness while showing kindness to others, even when they’re unkind.
Books About Making Friends and Working Together
This uplifting, rhyming story celebrates individuality, perseverance, and self-confidence. Gerald the giraffe struggles to dance like the other animals until he finds his own rhythm with the help of a kind friend. It’s perfect for encouraging preschoolers to embrace what makes them unique while also highlighting the importance of supporting others.
23. Duck & Goose by Tad Hills
A sweet and silly tale about cooperation and learning how to be friends despite differences.
24. Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf
A gentle book that shows the effort and joy in making new friends.
25. What Shall We Play? by Sue Heap
Explores the importance of taking turns and playing fairly.
26. The Block Mess Monster by Betsy Howie
A relatable classroom story about cleaning up and the power of teamwork.
Books About Empathy, Illness, and Caring
A tender book that models empathy and taking care of friends when they’re unwell.
28. Bear Wants More by Karma Wilson
Perfect for talking about needs, wants, and how friends can help meet them.
29. Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon
A funny take on pet behavior that mirrors common preschool behavior themes like listening and impulse control.
30. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
A story of self-confidence and kindness, great for teaching kids to be proud of who they are.
31. “My Mouth is a Volcano” by Julia Cook
This book addresses impulse control and interrupting—two common challenges in preschool classrooms. The story helps children understand how it feels to wait their turn to speak and offers strategies for managing that “volcano” feeling inside when they’re excited to talk.
32. “A Little Spot of Emotion” series by Diane Alber
These visually engaging books introduce kids to individual emotions—anger, happiness, sadness, anxiety, etc.—through colorful “emotion spots.” The series is ideal for emotional literacy and self-regulation, offering simple language and visuals preschoolers really connect with.
33. When I Was Little by Jamie Lee Curtis
A great reflective book for helping children understand how they grow and change.
Books from the Pout-Pout Fish Series
A wonderful story about choosing your attitude and how positivity is contagious.
35. The Pout-Pout Fish in the Big-Big Dark by Deborah Diesen
Encourages bravery and facing fears—especially good for separation anxiety or fear of new experiences.
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