The Emotion Monsters Series
Award-winning picture books that help children understand and express emotions — beautifully illustrated, honestly told, and gentle enough for the hardest days.
Every emotion deserves a name, a story, and a soft place to land.
Gentle Hearts Press publishes beautifully illustrated children's books that honor big emotions with warmth, honesty, and a touch of whimsy. We believe the feelings children hide in closets and under beds aren't problems to solve — they're parts of themselves that deserve to be seen.
Our books don't shy away from hard feelings. They sit down with them. Because a child who can name what they feel is a child who can begin to understand it.
Inside every child lives a whole world of feelings — some warm and cozy, some sharp and strange. This is the story of learning that the monsters inside us aren't something to fear. They're something to meet.
"For any child who has ever felt something too big to name — this book says: I see you. I know you. And you are not alone."
Each book celebrates one big feeling — honestly, gently, with just enough monster to make it interesting.
Ages 4–8
Inside every child lives a whole world of feelings — some warm and cozy, some sharp and strange. A brave story about meeting the monsters within.
Learn MoreAges 3–6
Sadness doesn't need to be fixed. Sometimes it just needs a little company. A quiet, honest book about the blues and sitting with them.
Learn MoreAges 4–7
Anger isn't bad. It's just loud. This monster has something important to say — if we slow down long enough to listen to it.
Learn MoreEvery choice — from illustration style to word count — is intentional. These books are tools for connection, not just bedtime filler.
Each book is designed to open doors, not close them. Discussion questions, emotional vocabulary, and natural pause points built right in.
Carefully calibrated for different developmental stages. The right words, the right complexity, for where your child actually is right now.
Art that invites children in. Whimsical monsters with expressive faces that make it easier to point and say: "That one. That's the feeling."
Supports social-emotional learning standards without ever feeling like a lesson. Children learn because the story draws them in first.
Characters, families, and feelings that reflect the full spectrum of childhood — every child should see themselves in these pages.
Every book comes with free downloadable discussion guides, activity sheets, and parent guides. No extra cost, no sign-up walls.
We hear from parents and teachers every week. These are a few of our favorites.
"This book helped my five-year-old finally put words to what was happening inside her. Now instead of a meltdown, she says 'Mom, I think my anger monster is really loud right now.' I nearly cried."
Sarah M.
Parent of a 5-year-old, Austin TX
"I've been a school librarian for 22 years. These are among the best SEL books I've encountered — the kind children ask for by name, over and over. The discussion guides are exceptional."
Diane R.
Elementary School Librarian, Portland OR
"We ordered a class set for our second grade and have used them every single week since. The monsters have become part of our classroom vocabulary. 'My sad monster needs a rest.' These books changed how my students talk to each other."
Ms. Torres
2nd Grade Teacher, Chicago IL
For Educators & Librarians
We built this press knowing teachers and librarians would be our most important partners. Everything we do — from free resources to bulk pricing — is designed to make your work easier.
Whether you're a parent looking for bedtime stories that do something, or a teacher building an emotionally literate classroom — we have something for you.