Shyness, boredom, anger are all normal experiences but can be tricky for kids to navigate as they are still learning to recognize their feelings. Start the new year with books that celebrate those everyday emotions and remind us of what make us human.
Bored
By Felicita Sala
We can all remember that feeling when we were little: our parents too busy and no friends to play with, we were bored! In Felicita Sala’s “Bored,” her protagonist Rita is so bored, she doesn’t know what to do with herself. Eventually, her mind drifts off and her imagination takes over. By the time Rita’s mom call her to dinner, she’s too busy! Recommended for ages 4-8.
Sasha Feels Shy
By Natalia Shaloshvili
Author-illustrator Natalia Shaloshvili draws from her own experiences as a shy child in her book, “Sasha Feels Shy.” Shy Sasha wants to be friends with extroverted Leo, but she doesn’t know how to get past the hurdle of her own reticence. Together, through empathy and understanding, they lay the groundwork for the start of a beautiful friendship. Recommended for ages 2-5.
Gracie & Aero’s Wallet Business Venture
By Rachel Gregory
It’s never too early to introduce money lessons to your kids. “Gracie and Aero’s Wallet” is children’s author and accountant Rachel Gregory’s second book in her three-part series that introduces age-appropriate money skills. The two siblings use the lessons they learned in book one to start a small business in book two. Book three, “Gracie and Aero’s Wallet: Investment Time” will be released April 2026. Recommended for ages 4-12.
Hope’s Cape of Courage
By Heather McGlauflin; illustrated by Jenn Sawyer
Written by a Marine Corps veteran, Reiki master and former paramedic, “Hope’s Cape of Courage,” tells the story of love, loss and forgiveness through the eyes of a joyful little girl named Hope. Tutu-loving, dancing Hope builds a beautiful fairy village in the forest by her house. But when her magical creation is destroyed, Hope becomes angry and sad. The fairies come out of hiding to remind Hope how love, kindness and forgiveness can free her heart again.
For more book recommendations, check out our December 2025 Book Corner.
