These books are great for social and emotional learning in an elementary setting. They are engaging picture books students will enjoy.
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Social & Emotional Learning Books
A Little Bit Brave by Nicola Kinnear
This book is so sweet! Logan the bunny is too scared to go outside, even though his friend Luna loves going on adventures and wants Logan to come too. But when they get into a disagreement because of Logan’s fear, Logan decides to overcome his fear to find Luna. He has to use his bravery in lots of ways during this story, including saving Luna’s life.
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall
Another book from Gaia Cornwall about Jabari! (Jabari Jumps is also a great social and emotional learning book.) We practiced taking deep breaths with Jabari!
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Kindness counts! This book is about a boy who goes unnoticed at school, until he chooses kindness and befriends a new student. It’s perfect for helping shy children feel seen and more outgoing children slow down and take notice of others.
The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, The Couch Potato – all by Jory John
The Bad Seed is about changing our bad attitudes! The Good Egg is about relieving anxiety and stress. The Cool Bean is about choosing kindness. The Couch Potato reminds us to put down the technology. They are all amazing, and kids LOVE them! I get cheers every time I re-read one or bring out a new one!
Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold
What can we do when things go wrong and we feel mad or sad? This sweet book offers simple text and age-appropriate solutions to dealing with tough emotions. It names feelings that kids may not have known the names for.
Where Happiness Begins by Eva Eland
The companion book to When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland, Where Happiness Begins is a short and simple book about happiness. We don’t always feel happy, but happiness is never far away.
In My Heart by Jo Witek
This book uses descriptive language to describe a multitude of human feelings. It uses imagery to describe some of the emotions we all feel. The book is perfect for Pre-K-3rd grade, but I had fifth graders listen to this one, and they loved it as well! You can pair it with a worksheet with different emoji faces showing different emotions that asks children to circle what they’re feeling that day. A worksheet like this is a great way to checkin with kids regularly!
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
All of his feelings and emotions are twisted up like a tornado until the Color Monster learns to identify his feelings and untangle them. This is a perfect book to pair with a coloring emotions activity. You could have your kids identify what they’re feeling today and color a picture using just that color/those colors. There’s also a pop-up version of the book.
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Jim is in a bad mood and he doesn’t know why. Readers can join Jim as learns that sometimes we don’t feel happy, and that’s okay.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
All about kindness and including others, Strictly No Elephants is a sweet and adorable book.
More books for your kids:
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Friendship Books
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Picture Books About Artists
These twelve picture books about artists are amazing resources for parents, teachers, and caregivers. When you read about these artists to your kids, not only will you be implementing literary growth, but you also will be introducing art techniques and qualities.
