Dubai’s Big Bad Wolf Sale: 6 children’s books that help kids understand heightened emotions

If the world feels overwhelming for adults, children feel it too. These thoughtful books available at the Big Bad Wolf Sale in Dubai Studio City (running until March 15) help kids navigate anxiety, confidence, and big emotions.

What Do YOU Think? by Matthew Syed

Age group: 9–12 years

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price: AED 35 (RRP 65 AED)

A practical guide to debating and expressing opinions kindly, What Do YOU Think? helps children build confidence in their own thoughts and listen with empathy.

Written by Olympian Matthew Syed, it shows kids how to handle disagreements without falling out. The book teaches readers to recognise influences on their ideas (peer pressure, media, etc.) and to form and change opinions thoughtfully. It encourages young readers to speak up kindly and respect others’ views. By showing that disagreements can spark new ideas and stronger friendships, it helps children feel safe to voice their feelings and know they will be heard. In uncertain times, this sense of agency and empathy can reduce anxiety. Kids learn that it is okay to have big opinions and that sharing them can be positive. Overall, the book fosters resilience by giving children tools to navigate “big feelings” like fear or embarrassment around speaking up, turning confusion into understanding.

Positively Me: A Child’s Guide to Feeling Good, by Poppy O’Neill

Age group: 7–11 years

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price: AED 32 (RRP 70 AED)

This lively interactive guide uses CBT and mindfulness to help kids improve mood and self-esteem. Through the friendly character “Chip,” children are led step-by-step through fun exercises and tips to feel happier. It asks kids to reflect on worries or low moods and then practice skills (e.g. breathing, positive thinking) to boost confidence and calm anxiety.

The book explicitly addresses feelings of low self-worth (“not good enough,” social fears) and offers practical coping strategies. By combining playful drawings with affirmations, it teaches youngsters to identify negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. This hands-on approach helps children feel more in control of their emotions. As they complete activities, kids gain tools to manage stress and anxiety, turning worry into actionable steps. In uncertain times, Positively Me empowers children to understand and regulate their feelings, which can reduce fear and build resilience.

Feelings: Inside My Heart and In My Head…, by Libby Walden (illus. Richard Jones)

Age group: 5–8 years (picture book with peek-through pages)

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price: AED 40 (RRP 88 AED)

A beautifully illustrated “peek-through” book that brings emotions to life, helping children identify and discuss feelings. Lyrical text and cutaway art allow each page to transform as different emotions appear, making learning about feelings a visual experience. According to Barnes & Noble, the book “explore[s] the world of emotions with this stunning peek-through book,” using “lyrical text and enchanting illustrations [to] bring each emotion to life.” As children turn pages, they see emotions like joy, anger, or sadness illuminated. This concrete portrayal helps kids understand that everyone has a mix of feelings inside them. Reading and talking about the scenarios in the story can help children recognise and name their own feelings. By normalising big emotions in a fun way, the book encourages kids not to fear or ignore these feelings. It promotes emotional literacy: kids learn that feelings are natural and can be shared with others. This can be calming for anxious children because naming a feeling often makes it feel less overwhelming. In effect, Feelings: Inside My Heart… gives young readers a gentle toolkit to navigate “big feelings” by seeing that their emotions are universal and manageable.

You Will Do Great Things, by Amerie (illus, by Raissa Figueroa)

Age group: 4–8 years

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price:: AED 32 (RRP 125 AED)

A lyrical, inspirational picture book celebrating imagination, heritage, and possibility. Singer/songwriter Amerie wrote this story based on her own childhood dreams. It follows a young boy whose imagination “takes off as he gazes at family photos,” whisking him into fantastical adventures. He tries exciting new things and feels connected to his multicultural ancestors, learning he has their strength and courage. The tone is deeply loving and empowering: it “celebrates everything our little ones have yet to do: the great, the amazing, the strange, and the new.” The message reassures children that they have big futures ahead and that the people who love them are always “right there beside us…and in our hearts—cheering us on.” For kids facing anxiety or self-doubt, this book reinforces confidence and optimism. By highlighting family support and inner courage, it gives young readers comfort and motivation during uncertain times. Children learn that challenges can lead to amazing things, and their loved ones’ faith in them can be a source of calm courage. In short, You Will Do Great Things nurtures self-belief and calm by reminding children that they are supported and full of potential.

Be Amazing! An Inspiring Guide to Being Your Own Champion, by Sir Chris Hoy (illus. Miguel Bustos)

Age group: 9–12 years (tween)

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price: AED 35 (RRP 65 AED)

An autobiographical motivational guide by six-time Olympic cycling champion Chris Hoy, aimed at boosting kids’ confidence and resilience. Hoy shares how he never imagined becoming an Olympic champion, then walks through the key lessons on his journey. Using his own “personal story with practical ideas”, he teaches that the right mindset makes “anything is possible with a positive attitude.”

The book includes Hoy’s struggles and successes, as well as concrete tips on confidence-building, overcoming failure, and staying positive. For example, he emphasises focusing on what you can control and learning from mistakes. This shows young readers that setbacks are normal parts of pursuing dreams. By reading about a real hero who felt fear and doubt but persevered, children are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset. In uncertain times, these messages help kids turn anxious “what ifs” into determination. Be Amazing! therefore helps children deal with worry and self-doubt by providing an inspirational role model and clear strategies for thinking positively and bouncing back.

Be Calm: A Child’s Guide to Feeling Relaxed and Happy, Poppy O’Neill

Age group: 7–11 years

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale price: AED 32 (RRP 71 AED)

An interactive CBT/mindfulness workbook that teaches children to manage anxiety and stress. The book blends practical cognitive-behavioural techniques with breathing and relaxation exercises in a playful program led by “Kip,” a friendly guide. According to its summary, it helps kids “understand and manage anxiety and stress,” using short chapters, simple prompts, and activities. Kids (and parents) follow step-by-step through breathing practices and emotion-labelling tasks, so that coping strategies feel like fun games.

Key concepts, like recognising negative thoughts or choosing calming strategies, are presented with kid-friendly language and illustrations. Completing the exercises empowers children to turn worry into manageable tasks. By the end, a child “gains practical tools to navigate feelings, reduce anxiety, and choose calming strategies in real life.” Sharing the book with a parent can also create comforting routines. Overall, Be Calm actively supports anxious kids by providing concrete steps and repeated practice in staying relaxed, which builds long-term emotional resilience.