Is there such a thing as too many books? I’m asking about a friend. we love to read at home and finding new books to read with my kids is one of my favorite things to do. I love books because they are an effective and fun way to teach our children vital social and emotional skills.
As a school psychologist, I used bibliotherapy on a daily basis. Books are a great way to spark difficult conversations and teach our kids empathy.
You are reading: Social emotional books for kids
So today I want to share the best children’s books to teach these social skills.
Be sure to read to the end of this post. I share two secrets to create lasting change in your children’s behavior with books.
but first I want to share with you my 20 favorite books to introduce social and emotional skills to your children. Topics range from friendship to managing negative emotions to learning what anger feels like.
You don’t need to turn reading time into an intense learning experience. have fun with it. ask questions and let your children explore a whole new world through reading.
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the 20 best social-emotional books for children
#1: I feel silly today: and other moods that make my day:
one of my favorite books to teach children about emotions. It covers a variety of feelings and will help your children begin to identify situations or times when they may feel angry, sad, disappointed, and happy.
#2: When I’m scared:
This is a great series for kids about all kinds of emotions (worry, sadness, anger, etc.). the author addresses the emotion and provides gentle suggestions on how to deal with the specific emotion.
#3: my mouth is a volcano:
Children get excited and often want to share all about their day or their favorite toy. they can go on and on without realizing that their listener has lost interest. This book is excellent for teaching self-control and for a child who has difficulty waiting for their turn to speak.
#4: worried wemberly:
a great book for children who are worried about going to school. follow a mouse who cares about everything. by the end of the book, he realizes that school is fun and that he shouldn’t waste his time worrying. Everyone feels worried at different times in their lives, so it’s important to address this emotion with children who are struggling with it.
#5: Happy to be me!:
I loved using this book as a school psychologist. explains a child’s self-esteem in simple terms and encourages children to love who they are.
#6: stand firm, molly lou melon:
At one time or another, all children will face criticism or teasing. this book offers a wonderful example of how to deal with negative comments from peers and teaches children to accept their unique qualities.
See Also: Stephen King Books in order printable list (PDF)
#7: jabari jumps:
a story of courage and overcoming fears. This book is perfect for the child who is slow to adjust to new experiences or who is afraid to try something new.
#8: my way of acting:
a book detailing what it’s like to behave in a certain way. You can also use it as a discussion tool about the consequences of different behaviors. a great addition to the way I feel!
#9: angry octopus:
This isn’t a traditional children’s book, but it’s great for teaching the skill of deep breathing and relaxing your muscles. As a school psychologist, I have used progressive muscle relaxation and found it very effective. this book is a good tool for parents who want to share this skill with their children.
#10: the most magnificent:
a book that shares the message, it’s okay to make mistakes. a good read for a child who wants everything to be “perfect.”
top 20 children’s books to teach vital social-emotional skills
#11: how full is your bucket? for children:
a great book to teach children how their actions and words impact those around them. they can fill or empty other people’s buckets each day.
#12: chrysanthemum:
a classic children’s book that tells a story about teasing and acceptance. This book can teach children to love who they are, even if they are different. embrace the different!
#13: sheila rae, the brave one:
a great book to start a conversation about courage and how to overcome our fears.
#14: There may be locusts:
Overcome worries and fears with this adorable book. your kids will love reading about sukie’s experience at the beach.
#15: I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids:
Teach your children to listen to their inner voice and trust their instincts.
#16: listening to my body:
See Also: Audiobooks narrated by John Rubinstein | Audible.com
a book full of mindfulness activities for children. This book teaches children to listen to their body’s signals and helps them identify feelings.
#17: I am enough:
a beautiful book on how to learn to love yourself and be kind to others. I also love how the book features multicultural characters.
#18: what should danny do?
a fun series that demonstrates how our choices impact our days! we have all the books in the series, including what should give her do? It is one of our daughter’s favorite books. The stories have over 8 endings and it’s so much fun to see how each choice impacts Danny or Darla. Her children will love this interactive book.
#19: a chair for my mother:
This book doesn’t specifically teach social and emotional skills (like the other books listed), but it is a great story of family, hard work, and perseverance.
#20: the invisible child:
a wonderful book on how to make friends. the invisible child includes discussion questions at the end. the book is an excellent choice for children who may experience shyness.
and an additional book! I recently bought the sweet book, in my heart, and the kids love it. another great book to become aware of our feelings.
now the secret of success!
First, it’s not just about reading with your child. it’s about the conversation. use these books as tools to open the dialogue with your children.
That is one of the best ways to develop emotional intelligence in our children. talk about how they feel!
Not sure what emotional intelligence is? Check out this post on Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for Parents of Young Children.
After reading and during the book, ask questions like:
what took you most from the book? how do you think ____ feels? what would you do in that situation?
again, you don’t need to make this an intense experience for your kids. let the conversation flow naturally, but don’t be afraid to ask your children questions about their feelings or emotions.
Now we’d love to hear from you!
Do you talk to your children about emotions and coping skills? What are your favorite books to introduce topics like sharing or respecting others?
let us know in the comments below!
Looking for more inspiration? be sure to connect with inspired motherhood on facebook.
See Also: There’s new pressure to ban books at schools : NPR
read this next:
- 7 effective strategies to promote social and emotional development
- what is emotional intelligence? a guide for parents of preschoolers
- the secret to teaching your toddler patience