Books for children aged 6 – 10
Ruby’s Worry – Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry. At first, it’s not such a big worry, and that’s all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again?
A perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children’s bookshelves. From Tom Percival’s bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be. Age 4-7
Perfectly Norman – Norman had always been perfectly normal . . . until the day he grew a pair of wings!
Norman loves his new wings, and has the most fun ever trying them out high in the sky. But then he has to go in for dinner. What will his parents think? What will everyone else think? Norman feels the safest plan is to cover his wings with a big coat. But hiding the thing that makes you different proves tricky and upsetting. Can Norman ever truly be himself? This poignant and uplifting story about individuality is filled with stunning artwork in a striking minimal palette. It is the perfect book about self-acceptance and being yourself. Age 4-7
Ravi’s Roar – Most of the time Ravi can control his temper but, one day, he lets out the tiger within . Being a tiger is great fun at first – tigers can do ANYTHING they want! But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won’t share or play nicely? Ravi is about to discover something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends.
A clever and engaging book about temper tantrums, dealing with emotions and learning to express and understand your feelings. This is the perfect book for helping with bad days and noisy outbursts. Age 4-7
Meesha makes friends – Meesha loves making things . . . but there’s one thing she finds difficult to make – friends. She doesn’t know quite what to do, what to say or when to say it. But one day she discovers that she has a special talent that might just help her navigate social situations – and maybe even make new friends.
A warm and affectionate look at the joys and difficulties of making and keeping friends, relating to others, and finding your place in the world. Empowering and emotionally resonant, Tom Percival’s Big Bright Feelings series is the perfect springboard for conversations about mental and emotional health, building self-confidence and managing feelings. Every child’s bookshelf should contain his books. Age 4-7
The way I feel – Feelings are neither good nor bad, they simply are. Kids need words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name all things in their world. The Way I Feel uses strong, colourful, and expressive images which go along with simple verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what’s going on in her/his life. Recommended by parents, teachers and mental health professionals, The Way I Feel is a valuable addition to anyone’s library. This book is ideal for children with autism. Ages 3-8
When Sophie gets angry – really really angry – Oh is Sophie ever angry now! Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. In this Caldecott-honor book, kids will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. What do you do?
Everybody gets angry sometimes. For children, anger can be very upsetting. Parents, teachers, and children can talk about it. People do lots of different things when they get angry. In this Caldecott Honor book, kids will see what Sophie does when she gets angry. What do you do? Age 4-8
Cooldown and work through anger – Praised by parents, embraced by educators, the “Free Spirit Learning to Get Along” series presents social stories that help young children learn to behave responsibly and respectfully toward themselves and others. Simple words and supporting illustrations model behaviour and promote competence and self-confidence.
Each book includes a special section for adults, with discussion questions, games, activities, and tips that reinforce the skills and ideas being taught. Everyone gets angry, so it’s never too early for children to learn to recognize feelings of anger, express them, and build skills for coping with anger in helpful, appropriate ways. Children learn that it is okay to feel angry – but not okay to hurt anyone with actions or words. They discover concrete skills for working through anger: self-calming, thinking, getting help from a trusted person, talking and listening, apologizing, being patient, and viewing others positively. Reassuring and supportive, the book helps preschool and primary-age children see that when they cool down and work through anger, they can feel peaceful again.
The series contains real-life situations and exemplifies diversity. It provides specific anger management skills to promote lifelong social and emotional health. It supports all 10 Domain Elements in the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework Domains of “Language Development,” “Social and Emotional Development,” and “Approaches to Learning”. Age 4-8
How to be a friend – Written and illustrated by the creators of the popular Dino Life Guides for Families, this book uses precise language and humorous illustrations to offer specific ways to be a friend and specific ways not to be one. A special section on how to deal with bosses and bullies has valuable information for young children going forth in the world and encountering these situations for the first time.
Age 4-8
Kindness is my superpower – teach your children the power of Kindness, one of the most important skills a child can learn.
Are you one of 90 per cent of parents, saying that their top priority for their kids is to be caring? This makes sense: kindness and concern for others are held as moral virtues in nearly every society and every major religion.
The best social-emotional learning (SEL) book for raising kind children. This charming story with peaceful rhymes and colourful illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and say I’m sorry. Lucas will teach your child good manners and positive behaviour at home, at school, in the store, and on the playground. Kids learn best by example. With the perfect examples, this book offers, your child will have more understanding for others, accept diversity, thrive in a multicultural and inclusive environment, and show more empathy. Throughout the story, little superhero Lucas will learn what kindness means and understand what it is like to be kind, sensitive, caring, and generous. Age 1-11
I am stronger than anger – Tired of telling your child not to shout or kick things when they are angry? Then this book is the perfect solution for you! When children are angry, they can manifest their anger through bad behavior. They might shout, cry, throw things and roll on the floor or all of these things combined. That’s why most parents need help managing their kids emotions and feelings.
This book about little Nick: -contains lovely illustrations and lightly rhyming storyline -helps children recognize and cope with their anger in a funny way through communication with zoo animals -offers a variety of calming techniques and is aimed to improve kids self-regulation skills -teaches children to admit their mistakes and say “I’m sorry” -includes a bonus colouring page. Age 0-10
Breathing is my superpower – Did you know that we all have Superpowers? One of them is our ability to control our breath. Breathing is My Superpower teaches children to regulate their emotions, especially if they are feeling upset, angry, or stressed. Sofia will show your little ones how to control their breathing in various situations, whether at school, at home, or on the playground. Five Breathing Technique presented in the book, will help calm your children and show them a fun way of managing their own body, breath, and emotions.
This mindfulness for kids will help them to control their feelings in many ways:
- To relax when they think adults do not understand them.
- To deal with fears and worries.
- To cope with rejection at school.
- To regain self-confidence.
- To give kids relief from anxiety and teach them yoga basics. Age 0-10
My body sends a signal – How to teach kids about emotions and feelings? Like teaching them everything else – using clear words, familiar situations, exciting pictures and a lot of hands-on activities (games, puzzles, colouring pages, etc.) One can, of course, spend time and find various resources online. Or one can get just one book. This book is an excellent educational source that has is all. The book includes a cute story that kids can relate to, beautiful illustrations that capture children’s attention, calming-down activities for kids, instructions to adults on the follow-up activities, emotions cards, feelings cards, colouring pages and related short stories to teach kids empathy. Age 3-9
Stars before bedtime- Create a calm bedtime ritual with this debut book in the Before Bedtime series, Stars Before Bedtime – a soothing journey through the glittering constellations of the night sky woven with tried-and-tested sleep exercises and mindfulness techniques from the bestselling author and clinical psychologist Dr Jessamy Hibberd.
In this fast-paced world, relaxing and preparing for sleep can be difficult for children. This beautiful, fact-filled book helps ease bedtime struggles with mindfulness, muscle relaxation, gentle yoga poses, visualisation and other exercises proven to help kids release stress and anxiety, clear their minds, get ready for bed and fall asleep faster while also boosting happiness and improving overall health. Age 3-6
It’s a no money day – Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the foodbank. Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days. A moving insight into the sad rise and necessity of foodbanks from the perspective of society’s most vulnerable, and an essential book to help develop empathy in younger readers. Age 3-6
My name is not refugee – A young boy discusses the journey he is about to make with his mother. They will leave their town, she explains, and it will be sad but also a little bit exciting. They will have to say goodbye to friends and loved ones, and that will be difficult. They will have to walk and walk and walk, and although they will see many new and interesting things, it will be difficult at times too. A powerful and moving exploration that draws the young reader into each stage of the journey, inviting the chance to imagine the decisions he or she would make. Age 3-6
The proudest blue – Asiya’s hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave.
It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong?
This is an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond shared by siblings and of being proud of who you are, from Olympic medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad. Age 4-8
When sadness comes to call – When Sadness arrives, try not to be afraid: give it a name, listen to it and spend some time together. Maybe all it wants is to know that it’s welcome. This beautiful debut by author-illustrator talent Eva Eland takes a poignant but uplifting look at dealing with sadness.
Aged 3-8
It’s ok to cry – Young children can find it really frustrating when they are unable to articulate what they are feeling and express their emotions. Cue: this book! Written with boys in mind because they are often encouraged to suppress their feelings, Molly Potter covers a whole range of emotions from those that are uncomfortable to happy feelings where you care about yourself and other people.
Perfect for starting those all-important conversations, It’s OK to Cry includes colourful illustrations, child-friendly strategies and vocabulary for managing feelings, and helpful notes for parents, carers and practitioners. Aged 3-8
Where happiness begins – Are you looking for happiness? Sometimes it can feel really far away, and sometimes you might have so much you can’t help but share. You can try to chase it, control it or capture it, but even if it seems like it’s gone for a while, you’ll know it’s never far away…
This is the second of Eva Eland’s picture books that helps little ones deal with big emotions. Start on your journey with happiness… who knows where it could take you? Aged 4-7
Don’t worry be happy – Does your child appear to worry a lot? Perhaps they have frequent tummy upsets, or are irritable, tearful, angry or withdrawn? Do they have problems concentrating or show a loss of enthusiasm for their usual interests? These could all be signs that your child is struggling with anxiety.
This practical guide combines proven cognitive-behavioural therapy methods used by child psychologists in schools with simple activities to help your child to overcome anxiety. It’s aimed at children aged 7–11 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child’s emotional well-being, not just now but for years to come.
Listening to my body – Big emotions can be overwhelming! Help your child build on their capacity to engage more mindfully, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience. Listening to my Body is an engaging and interactive book that guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the physical sensations that accompany them.
From wiggly and squirmy to rested and still, Listening to My Body helps children develop a sensations vocabulary so that they can express what they are experiencing. Includes kid-friendly mindfulness activities woven throughout the book to reinforce the teachings. Listening to My Body is a wonderful social-emotional tool for parents, counselors and teachers! FREE resources to accompany this book can be found at http://bit.ly/gabigarciabooks. Age 8-12
Me and my feelings – Sometimes, emotions like anger or jealousy or excitement can seem too big to keep inside. Me and My Feelings is here to tell you: It’s okay to have big feelings. And the good news is, you can calm down those strong emotions―so you won’t feel like you’re going to explode!
This book shows you how to stay in control―by breathing deeply, saying positive things to yourself, talking about your feelings, and more. You’ll learn to deal with all kind of feelings, including the hard ones like sadness, anxiety, or even fear.
Inside Me and My Feelings, you’ll find:
- Everyone has emotions―When you understand your own emotions and feelings, you can also be understanding of other people’s―like your family and friends.
- Ideas that help―This book is packed with ways to help you handle your feelings. Try out the exercises to see which tips and tricks work best for you!
- Quizzes and activities―Get to know yourself with quizzes like “Do My Emotions Rule Me?,” along with other fun exercises and activities especially for kids ages 7-10.
My little book of big questions – What will my life be like? Will I be happy? Will I ever be able to reach the stars? There are no answers to these questions, but in this eloquent picture book Britta Teckentrup lets children know that they are not alone in asking them and gives parents an opportunity to start a conversation with their children about the questions that come up in their lives. A young girl stands on a chair to see what it’s like to be tall. A boy stares towards the sky and wonders if birds enjoy flying. Friends argue, lovers embrace, the distant sun warms the earth, and people grow old. Using soft hues, bold outlines, and unusual textures, Teckentrup’s illustrations help evoke the feelings surrounding each question. As they flip through the pages children and their parents will find endless opportunities to think about life’s big questions and to have conversations that will be remembered for years. Age 6-9
Your mood journal – Have you ever felt…Sad… Happy… Angry… Lonely… Worried… Scared… Excited? Or several of these moods all at once?
Emotions might seem big and complex – but the more we understand them, the better we can become at managing them.
Say hello to all of these moods in YOUR MOOD JOURNAL, a customisable activity book divided into seven colourful and fully illustrated chapters and packed full of interactive exercises, practical tips and notes from Fearne herself that give children the tools to understand and articulate their emotions. The journal begins with an introduction from Fearne and includes stickers so that book can be personalised.
This is the perfect toolkit for children looking to explore their emotions and build confidence in communicating their feelings. This big book of activities will help children learn about their different moods and how they make their mind and body feel, with lots of space to write, draw, learn, create and have fun along the way! Aged 7-12
Perfectly imperfect stories – Meet 29 icons, from pop stars to sporting heroes, and discover how they overcame a range of mental health issues, from anorexia to depression, to live inspiring lives. At a time when kids’ mental health is under more pressure than ever, this book celebrates the message that it’s ok not to be ok. Aged 9+
The same inside – The Same Inside is a sweet and thoughtful collection of poems about friendship, empathy and respect by three of the nation’s best-loved poets, Liz Brownlee, Matt Goodfellow and Roger Stevens.
These fifty poems deal sensitively with feelings, empathy, respect, courtesy, bullying, disability and responsibility. They are the perfect springboard to start c
conversations. Aged 9-13