Self & Social Awareness

by Todd Parr

Bold, kid-friendly illustrations portray children expressing all different moods, from “I feel very mad” to “I feel like wearing funny underwear.” With candor and special attention to the changing emotions of a child, the book highlights familiar feelings. Kids and adults alike will appreciate.

by Diane Alber

A Little SPOT of Feelings is a story about a little Scribble SPOT that is an Emotion Detective. He teaches you all about different emotions and facial expressions so you know how to NAME your FEELINGS. He also shows specific examples of children describing how they are feeling. Targeted to young children, this book will inspire kids to discuss and NAME their multitude of feelings in a kid-friendly way.

by Alison Hughes

What can we do when that cold little voice inside our own head tells us that we aren’t good enough or smart enough to matter? Sometimes all it takes is a bit of self-acceptance and love to make that cold little voice warm right up so that we can become our own best friend.

by Liz Haske

One night just before the lights went out, Worry snuck into Maya’s mind. Worry grew bigger and bigger until there was no space left for anything else. Just darkness and fear. Join Maya as she finds Courage, through the form of a calming breath, and learns how to break free from Worry’s hold.

by Tom Percival

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?

by Matthew Burgess

Have you ever become a curmudgeon that just won’t budge? Matthew Burgess’s playful depiction of bad moods and sibling rivalry is matched perfectly by Fiona Woodcock’s unique childlike art style. 

by Lemony Snicket

Once there was a bad mood and a stick. The stick appeared when a tree dropped it. Where did the bad mood come from? Who picked up the stick? And where is the bad mood off to now? You never know what is going to happen.

by Suzanne Lang

Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it–how can he be in a bad mood when it’s SUCH a beautiful day? They encourage him not to hunch, to smile, and to do things that make THEM happy. But Jim can’t take all the advice…and has a BIT of a meltdown. Could it be that he just needs a day to feel grumpy?

by Trudy Ludwig

Most kids love hide-and-seek, but Camila just wants to hide. Hiding is what she does best when she worries, A class trip to the aquarium causes her worries to pile up like never before. But when an anxious classmate asks for help, Camila discovers that her heart is bigger than her fears. This tale of courage and compassion will embolden readers to face their own fears. and she worries a LOT. What if… I can’t… I’m scared!

by Sam Zuppardi

Jack loves playing the trumpet, and for weeks he’s been looking forward to taking part in his first concert. But on he has a Worry. And his Worry starts to grow. Even when Jack’s mother calls him for a special breakfast, even when he hides under the bed or runs around the yard, his Worry follows him. Suddenly, when it’s almost time to leave for the concert, Jack finds it’s all too much. For anyone who’s ever been afraid of failing at something new, this book offers just what’s needed to shrink a Worry down to size. the morning of the big day, Jack finds 

by Kellie Doyle Bailey

Follow third-grader Max as he develops self-awareness of his emotions by learning Mindfulness techniques. At school, on the playground, and at home, Max develops skills not to flip his lid when he is scared, worried, sad, or upset. A colourful and delightful story for the classroom, at bedtime or whenever your child needs a mindful reminder to be a calm, cool kid. Includes bonus material for educators, parents, and caregivers.

by Gabi Garcia

This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the  sensations that accompany them. Engages children in easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities. Helps kids build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience.

by Julia Cook

RJ s way of doing things isn t working out for him, especially in math class. His teacher is upset because so many of his assignments are missing or incomplete. RJ blames Norma the booger picker and Rodney the alphabet burper for distracting him during class. Follow RJ as he learns he can save himself a lot of grief if he stays on task and does things the right way!

by Julia Cook

All of Louis thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words erupt incomplete. RJ blames Norma the booger picker and Rodney the alphabet burper for distracting him during class. Follow RJ as he learns he can save himself a lot of grief if he stays on task and does things the right way!

by Karen Beaumont

High on energy and imagination, this ode to self-esteem encourages kids to appreciate everything about themselves–inside and out. Messy hair? Beaver breath? So what! Here’s a little girl who knows what really matters.
At once silly and serious, Karen Beaumont’s joyous rhyming text and David Catrow’s wild illustrations unite in a book that is sassy, soulful–and straight from the heart.s

by Grace Byers

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo.

We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

by Jacqueline Woodson

There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.

by Dev Petty

Frog wants to be anything but a slimy, wet frog. A cat, perhaps. Or a rabbit. An owl? But when a hungry wolf arrives—a wolf who HATES eating frogs —our hero decides that being himself isn’t so bad after all.

by Paige Britt

Presented as a thoughtful exchange between two characters – who don’t realize they are thinking and asking the very same questions – this beautiful celebration of our humanity and diversity invites readers of all ages to imagine a world where there is no you or me, only we.

by R.J. Palacio

We’re All Wonders may be Auggie’s story, but it taps into every child’s longing to belong, and to be seen for who they truly are. It’s the perfect way for educators to talk about empathy and kindness with children.

by Jory John

A funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us.

by Jory John

Meet the good egg. He’s a verrrrrry good egg indeed. But trying to be so good is hard when everyone else is plain ol’ rotten. As the other eggs in the dozen behave badly, the good egg starts to crack from all the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect. So, he decides enough is enough! It’s time for him to make a change…This story reminds us of the importance of balance, self-care, and accepting those who we love (even if they are sometimes a bit rotten).

by George Santat

This poignant tale follows Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? This story reminds readers of all ages that Life begins when you get back up.

by Kathryn Otoshi

Every day round Zero watches the other numbers line up to count “Those numbers have value,” she thinks. How could a number who’s worth nothing become something? Children are introduced to accepting different body types, developing social skills and character, and learning what it means to find value in yourself and in others.

by Calida Garcia Rawles

Same Difference addresses the sensitive and sometime divisive issues of beauty and identity. It has a lyrical, upbeat air that begs to be read aloud and offers an engaging rhyme pattern for young children. Vivid illustrations capture the spirit and innocence of Lida and Lisa, two first cousins who find themselves at odds with each other over their physical differences. With the help of their wise grandmother, the girls soon realize that their bond is deeper than what they see and our differences are what make us beautiful.

by Trudy Ludwig

Maisie thinks Kayla is perfect. But is Kayla happy? The more Maisie gets to know Kayla, the more she begins to question whether being perfect is really so wonderful. Trudy Ludwig explores the relentless and destructive drive for perfection, and the freedom that comes from accepting one’s self.

by Minh Lê

When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens.

by Trudy Ludwig

Monica never expected to be bullied by her best friend-but that’s exactly what happens when Katie starts name-calling, excluding, and talking about Monica behind her back. With help from a supportive adult, Monica learns to cope and thrive, by facing her fears and reclaiming her power.

by Trudy Ludwig

After Katie gets caught teasing Monica, she’s told to meet with the school counselor, so she can make right her wrong. Told from the unusual point of view of the bullier rather than the bullied, Confessions of a Former Bully provides kids with real life tools they can use to identify and stop relational aggression.

by Trudy Ludwig

Jake’s bragging is really starting to get to Tyler. With the help of his uncle, Tyler begins to understand that Jake’s bragging has nothing to do with Tyler’s own abilities and that puffing yourself up leaves little room for friends.

by Trudy Ludwig

A rare look at emotional bullying among boys. D.J.’s friend Vince has a habit of teasing D.J. and then saying, Just kidding!” as if it will make everything okay. It doesn’t, but D.J. is afraid that if he protests, his friends will think he can’t take a joke. With help, D.J. progresses from feeling helpless to taking positive action, undermining the power of two seemingly harmless words.

by Peggy Moss

At this school, there are children who push and tease and bully. Sometimes they hurt other kids by just ignoring them. The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn’t enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid?

by Kathryn Otoshi

Blue is a quiet color. Red’s a hothead who likes to pick on Blue. Yellow, Orange, Green, and Purple don’t like what they see, but what can they do? When no one speaks up, things get out of hand — until One comes along and shows all the colors how to stand up, stand together, and count.

by Trudy Ludwig

Jack’s friend Charlie seems to know how to get away with just about anything. Adults always back down when you say you’re sorry. But does an apology count if you don’t really mean it? Jack learns that the path to forgiveness isn’t always the easiest. Includes afterword by apology-expert Dr. Aaron Lazare, M.D., note from author, and discussion questions.

by Peter Reynolds

The world needs your voice. If you have a brilliant idea… say something! If you see an injustice… say something! In this empowering new picture book, beloved author Peter H. Reynolds explores the many ways that a single voice can make a difference. Each of us, each and every day, have the chance to say something: with our actions, our words, and our voices. 

by Steve Seskin

For anyone who’s ever been bullied-or been a bully themselves-it’s time to change your tune. This is not a book for whiners, but a new language that will give you the words you need to take charge and stop the cycle of teasing.

by Aaron Reynolds

Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd. One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle. When he’s at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky. And then another bird moves in….

by Aaron Reynolds

Nerdy Birdy loves video games, but Vulture finds them BORING. Vulture loves snacking on dead things, but Nerdy Birdy finds that GROSS. Luckily, you don’t have to agree on everything to still be friends. When Nerdy Birdy joins Tweetster and makes new friendships, it is not long before he realizes the importance of real friendship.