Elmo’s Big Feelings is a free beautifully illustrated printable storybook from Sesame Workshop that helps young children recognise, name, and manage their emotions. Featuring beloved Sesame Street characters like Elmo and Cookie Monster, this gentle, relatable story explores big feelings such as excitement, sadness, disappointment, and worry, using simple language and warm visuals to support early emotional development.
The story follows Elmo as he gets ready for Cookie Monster’s birthday party—but learns that the party is cancelled because Cookie Monster is unwell. Through the support of his parents, Elmo learns that it is okay to feel sad and disappointed, and that there are ways to express and manage big emotions.
Children will learn about:
What it means to feel disappointed when things do not go as planned
How to recognise worry and where it shows up in the body
Simple coping strategies like talking to a trusted adult, deep breathing, and creative problem-solving
Positive ways to stay connected with friends when routines change
Includes:
A full-colour illustrated story with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Elmo’s family
Emotional vocabulary explained in a child-friendly way
Breathing exercises and comfort strategies
After-reading activities such as making up a dance and teaching it to someone else
Perfect for use in:
Early years classrooms, storytime, and SEL lessons
Nurseries, preschools, and calm corners
Foster care, therapy, and emotional support work with young children
Home use by parents and carers supporting emotional resilience
This free printable storybook about emotions helps children feel seen and understood while gently teaching emotional language and coping tools. A wonderful way to start important conversations about feelings and friendship with children aged 3 to 7.
