Emotions Books for Autistic Children and Children with SEND: What to Look For

Many autistic children and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) find it harder to recognise and talk about emotions, both their own and other people's. Books can help a lot, but not every feelings book is a good fit.

Here's what I've learned from SEND schools and families who use the That's Okay books, about what makes the difference.

1. One feeling, one clear picture

Busy illustrations with lots going on can be overwhelming. Look for books that give each emotion its own clear, consistent character. When the "nervous" creature always looks the same, a child can learn to recognise it and use it to communicate.

2. Short, direct sentences

Metaphors and long sentences can be confusing. Simple, literal language works best: "I'm angry. When you are angry you might want to shout." Children with speech, language and communication needs benefit most from this.

3. Repetition and predictability

A repeated structure on every page helps children know what's coming, which makes reading feel safe. In That's Okay, every feeling follows the same pattern and ends with the same reassuring line.

4. Something to point to

For children who find it hard to put feelings into words, pointing is powerful. A feelings chart with the same characters as the book lets a child show how they feel at any time of day, not just during story time.

5. Ways to keep practising

The best resources don't stop at the book. Colouring pages, check-in charts and audio versions let children return to the same characters again and again, in ways that suit them.

"Invaluable resources in helping our pupils understand and navigate their emotions… Our pupils have responded enthusiastically, often returning to them independently as a source of comfort."
Capella House SEND School (Trustpilot, 5 stars)

How schools use them

• Morning check-in: each child picks the creature that matches how they feel.
• Calm corner: the books and a chart sit in a quiet space children can go to.
• 1:1 sessions: a TA or ELSA uses a creature to start a conversation about a difficult moment.
• Circle time: the class reads one feeling and shares when they've felt it.

Schools and settings can order sets through our wholesale page, or download free previews to try with pupils first.

For families and settings: See The Complete Feelings Collection: 4 picture books, the colouring book, a Parent & Teacher Guide and instant digital extras, with free UK delivery.