Life is full of ups and downs, no matter a person’s age, but these vicissitudes can feel especially big for little ones. Having less understanding of (and control over) the world means finding creative ways to process minor frustrations like sibling shenanigans, or larger events like the loss of a loved one.

One of those methods is imaginative play, which allows children to explore their feelings through a larger-than-life world that they are in control of, and books like The Toy Plane and The Great Escape are perfect examples of this. As the protagonists of these lovely picture books navigate fantastical journeys based on their big feelings, they also invite young readers to use their own powers of imagination; for fun, for understanding, and even for healing.

The Toy Plane by Cherise Harris

The Great Escape by Deborah Marcero

Big thanks to Denene Millner Books, SimonKIDS, Putnam BFYR, and Penguin Young Readers for copies of these books!