Self & Social Awareness Read Alouds & Resources

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 Janan Cain

This full color book is filled with vivid, expressive illustrations that help children ages 2 to 8 describe their emotions and understand that feelings are a normal part of life.

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 Eva Eland

Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who we are–an overwhelming, invisible, and scary sensation.
Eva Eland brilliantly approaches this feeling as if it is a visitor. She gives it a shape and a face, and encourages the reader to give it a name, all of which helps to demystify it and distinguish it from ourselves.

by Allison Edwards

The main character personifies her worry as an intruding monster setting up camp in her mind. Worry’s voice drowns out her own. Worry tells her she can’t do things, that people won’t like her, and that she shouldn’t even try. This story gives a glimpse into the ways worry whispers to young minds, and offers a powerful tool all children can use to silence those fears.

by Agnes Green

A cute story that explains that angry feelings come and go and that doing bad things doesn’t make you bad. A story is a good way to help children first recognize feelings.

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 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

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 and interrupt others. My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time.

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 Diane Alber

It can be really hard to handle BIG Emotions, especially ANGER! Kids experience frustrating situations every day, whether it’s someone taking their toy or they feel like they can’t do something. This story shows them that instead of yelling or stomping their feet, they can practice some fun ways to help them stay CALM.

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 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.

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 Matthew A. Cherry

Zuri’s hair has a mind of its own. It kinks, coils, and curls every which way. Zuri knows it’s beautiful. When mommy is away, it’s up to daddy to step in! And even though daddy has a lot to learn, he LOVES his Zuri. And he’ll do anything to make her—and her hair—happy.  Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair—and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.

by Karamo Brown

In this empowering ode to modern families, a boy and his father take a joyful walk through the city, discovering all the ways in which they are perfectly designed for each other. This story captures the magic of building strong childhood memories. The Browns and Syed celebrate the special bond between parent and child with a meaningful message of kindness and inclusion.

by Lupita Njong

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.
In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

by Natasha Tarpley

This whimsical, evocative story about a girl named Keyana encourages African-American children to feel good about their special hair and be proud of their heritage. 

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 Susan Verde

A hopeful meditation on all the great (and challenging) parts of being human, I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.” At its heart, this picture book is a celebration of empathy and compassion that lifts up the flawed fullness of humanity and encourages children to see themselves as part of one big imperfect family—millions strong.

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 Celina Kalluk

This beautiful bedtime poem, written by acclaimed Inuit throat singer Celina Kalluk, describes the gifts given to a newborn baby by all the animals of the Arctic.
Lyrically and tenderly told by a mother speaking to her own little Kulu; an Inuktitut term of endearment often bestowed upon babies and young children, this visually stunning book is infused with the traditional Inuit values of love and respect for the land and its animal inhabitants.

by Margot Landahl and Celestine Alec

Eagle perches himself in a grove of cedar trees high above a school playground. He explores the characteristics of 6 different Pacific Northwest animals and connects them with strengths we grow in ourselves.

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 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 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

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 Peter Reynolds

he 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.

by Doreen Rappaport

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life.

by Peter Holwitz

Living in a world filled with scribbles and squiggly lines, the residence fall into a state of chaos when a stick-straight newcomer arrives and builds a perfectly square house in their community, yet the intriguing nature of one young boy helps to ease their fears after he meets the new neighbor and reveals to them all a very special secret!

by Christine Baldacchino

Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. But most of all, Morris loves wearing the tangerine dress in his classroom’s dress-up center. The children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses, they say, are for girls.

by Michael Genhart

When a boy confides in his friend about bullies saying he doesn’t have a real family, he discovers that his friend’s parents―a mom and a dad―and his two dads are actually very much alike.
Dr. Michael Genhart’s debut story is the perfect resource to gently discuss discrimination with kids.

by J.J. Austrian

When a worm meets a special worm and they fall in love, you know what happens next: They get married! But their friends want to know—who will wear the dress? And who will wear the tux?
The answer is: It doesn’t matter. Because worm loves worm.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of a worm…and a worm.

by Jazz Jennings

The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere
This is an essential tool for parents and teachers to share with children whether those kids identify as trans or not. I wish I had had a book like this when I was a kid struggling with gender identity questions.

by Robb Pearlman

Pink is for boys . . . and girls . . . and everyone! This timely and beautiful picture book rethinks and reframes the stereotypical blue/pink gender binary and empowers kids-and their grown-ups-to express themselves in every color of the rainbow. 

by Dr. Seuss

The story of the Sneetches is a great story for young and old demonstrating that regardless of our differences, we have more in common than not.

Link to video relating to theme of materialism that may come out of class discussion after reading “The Sneetches”. Other themes could be discrimination, labels, racism, inner wealth, and consumerism.

by Shane Evans

On August 28, 1963, a remarkable event took place–more than 250,000 people gathered in our nation’s capital to participate in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The march began at the Washington Monument and ended with a rally at the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, advocating racial harmony. Many words have been written about that day, but few so delicate and powerful as those presented here by award-winning author and illustrator Shane W. Evans. When combined with his simple yet compelling illustrations, the thrill of the day is brought to life for even the youngest reader to experience.