Families who loved What Are You Crying About? by Brian M Holmes often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Parents should reach for this book when their child is feeling overwhelmed by 'big feelings' or struggling with the idea that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. It is particularly effective for children who tend to bottle up their emotions or feel embarrassed by tears. Through a series of quirky and relatable scenarios, the story explores various reasons why people (and characters) cry, from frustration to sadness to pure joy. The book serves as a gentle tool to normalize crying as a healthy biological and emotional release. By highlighting that even the toughest or funniest characters have moments of vulnerability, it helps children build emotional literacy and empathy. It is ideal for the 3 to 7 age range, offering a balance of humor and heart that makes the topic of emotional regulation approachable rather than clinical. It provides a safe space for parents to start a conversation about what triggers their own child's tears.