Books for children aged 0 – 5
My monster and me – “A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?
Having suffered from panic disorder herself for as long as she can remember, Nadiya wrote this heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety, to ensure that no child suffers in silence.” Age 3-5
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 worrysaurus – It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy . . .
What if he hasn’t brought enough to eat? What if he gets lost in the jungle? What if he trips and falls? What if it rains?!
Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun? The perfect book to help every anxious little dinosaur let go of their fears and feel happy in the moment. Age 1-5
The squirrels who squabbled – Two greedy squirrels learn to share, in this hilarious rhyming adventure from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.
Greedy squirrels Cyril and Bruce both have their sights on a very special prize: THE VERY LAST NUT OF THE SEASON! As the nut bounces crazily through the forest, the squirrels race after it, between the trees, over boulders, down the river and – ARGH! – right to the edge of a waterfall! Working together might be the only way to save themselves now … Age 1-4
The lion inside – A bestselling story about confidence, self-esteem, and a shy little mouse who sets out on a journey to find his roar.
In a dry dusty place where the sand sparkled gold, stood a mighty flat rock, all craggy and old. And under that rock in a tinyful house, lived the littlest, quietest, meekest brown mouse.
Fed up of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse wishes he could roar like Lion. But, as he discovers, even the biggest, bossiest people are scared sometimes … and even the smallest creatures can have the heart of a lion! Age 3-5
The koala who could – A funny rhyming story about dealing with change and overcoming worries, from the bestselling creators of The Lion Inside.
In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free … A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree.
Meet Kevin. A koala who likes to keep things the same. Exactly the same. But sometimes change comes along whether we like it or not… And, as Kevin discovers, if you step outside your comfort zone and try new things, you might just surprise yourself! Age 3-5
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
Cool Down 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
The problem with problems – Have you ever met a Problem? They come in all shapes and sizes, and can pop up at the most inconvenient times. But you should know some things about them that will help you make them disappear…
This one-of-a-kind picture book will help little ones and grown-ups alike deal with their pesky problems, from award-winning children’s poet Rachel Rooney and Macmillan Prize commended illustrator Zehra Hicks. For fans of Ed Vere and Kes Gray. Age 2-5
The worrying worries – What happens when you get a Worry? They can follow you around everywhere, and they are HUNGRY. They feed on your fears and put sad thoughts in your head until they’ve grown so big, it can be hard to get anything done! Luckily, the Worry Expert knows exactly what to do. Age 2-5
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
The huge bag of worries – A reassuring picture book encouraging children to open up about their fears and anxieties to help manage their feelings.
The perfect book to soothe worries during stressful times.
Wherever Jenny goes, her worries follow her – in a big blue bag. They are with her all the time – at school, at home, when she is watching TV and even in the bathroom! Jenny decides they have to go, but who will help her get rid of them?
A funny and reassuring look at dealing with worries and anxiety, to be used as a spring board into important conversations with your child. Age 2-5
The colour monster – One day, Colour Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows thim what each feeling means through colour.
What is the Colour Monster feeling? And can you help him feel a little less mixed up? A gentle exploration of feelings for young and old alike. Age 0-5
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
Blue – A beautiful story about sadness, depression and hope.
Blue lives in the darkest depths of the forest. He has long forgotten how to fly, sing and play. The other birds swoop and soar in the sky above him, the sun warming their feathers. But Blue never joins in.
Until, one day, Yellow arrives. Step by step, Yellow reaches out to Blue. With patience and kindness. And little by little, everything changes…
A thoughtful and uplifting story. Perfect for helping children learn how to deal with and understand sadness, and how to be there for people in their lives struggling with depression. Aged 3-5
Jeremy worried about the wind – A quirky, touching fully illustrated picture book that will open up important conversations about worries and anxiety from Blue Peter prize-winning author, Pamela Butchart.
Jeremy is a worrier. He worries about odd socks, spotty bananas, evil squirrels, burnt toast, dinosaurs and, most of all . . . the wind! His friend Maggie isn’t worried about anything – after all, what’s the worst that could happen? But when Maggie decides to go outside and play in the wind, Jeremy must act fast to keep her out of danger, and he is soon to discover that a bit of courage leads to the most exciting adventures. Aged 3-5
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