Navigating life’s challenges can be difficult for children and families, but the right resources can help foster resilience, emotional intelligence, and healing. This collection of books covers topics ranging from grief and trauma to self-confidence and emotional regulation. Below are some essential reads categorized by theme:
Understanding Emotions & Emotional Intelligence
A Baby and Blue Book: Feelings – A simple introduction to emotions for young children.
Double-Dip Feelings – Helps kids understand that emotions can be mixed and complex.
Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings – Guides children through recognizing and expressing emotions.
Lots of Feelings – Encourages emotional awareness and expression.
How Are You Feeling? – A book to help children identify and communicate their emotions.
Coping with Trauma & Anxiety
A Terrible Thing Happened – A comforting story for children who have experienced trauma.
Brave Bart – A story about a cat learning to be brave after experiencing trauma.
Jenny is Scared – Helps children understand and manage anxiety after a traumatic event.
I’m Not Bad, I’m Just Mad – A guide for children dealing with anger and frustration.
Once I Was Very Scared – A book about different ways children experience and cope with fear.
Why Are You So Scared? – Explains PTSD in children and how to manage symptoms.
Dealing with Grief & Loss
After a Murder: A Workbook for Grieving Kids – Helps children process grief after a traumatic loss.
After a Suicide: A Workbook for Grieving Kids – A supportive resource for children dealing with suicide loss.
Finding Sunshine After the Storm – Offers hope and healing after loss or trauma.
The Invisible String – A comforting story about love and connection even after loss.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death – A gentle introduction to the concept of death and grief.
When Something Feels Wrong – A resource for children navigating grief and confusion.
Building Self-Confidence & Managing Stress
Be the Boss of Your Stress – Teaches kids strategies for handling stress.
Cool, Calm, and Confident – Encourages children to develop self-esteem and assertiveness.
How to Feel Good – A book promoting self-acceptance and emotional well-being.
Mind Over Basketball – Uses sports to teach kids how to manage emotions and stress.
Soda Pop Head – A story about anger management and learning to stay calm.
Navigating Family Changes & Challenges
A Family That Fights – Explores domestic conflict and its impact on children.
Divorce is Not the End of the World – Helps children adjust to their parents’ divorce.
Families Change – Explains adoption, divorce, and family transitions.
Maybe Days: A Book for Children in Foster Care – Helps foster children understand their situation.
Something is Wrong at My House – A guide for children dealing with domestic violence.
Personal Safety & Awareness
Amazing You! Getting Smart About Your Private Parts – A first guide to body awareness for preschoolers.
An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch – Teaches safe and appropriate touch.
Hands Are Not for Hitting – Helps children learn peaceful conflict resolution.
My Body is Private – A gentle introduction to body autonomy and safety.
The Right Touch – A child-friendly guide to understanding appropriate and inappropriate touch.
Mindfulness & Relaxation
Moody Cow Meditates – Teaches children mindfulness techniques.
Peaceful Piggy Yoga – Encourages relaxation through yoga and mindfulness.
Planting Seeds: Mindfulness with Children – Helps children and families practice mindfulness together.
Take the Time – Mindfulness for Kids – A guide to staying present and calm.
Yoga Pretzels – A fun way to introduce children to yoga.
Social Skills & Friendship
Let’s Be Friends – Encourages positive friendships and social skills.
Simon’s Hook – Teaches children how to handle teasing and bullying.
Social Success Workbook for Teens – Helps teenagers develop social confidence.
The Social Skills Picture Book – Uses visuals to teach kids about social interactions.
Don’t Pick on Me – A book addressing bullying and how to handle it.
These books provide essential support for children and families navigating life’s complexities. Whether dealing with grief, trauma, or emotional regulation, these resources can help children build resilience and develop lifelong coping skills.
