Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
Lauren Alderfer
A playful Monkey with a wandering mind learns the joy of mindfulness and living in the present moment from his friend Happy Panda. Join Monkey's crazy mind as he jumps from task to task. Happy Panda comes along and teaches Monkey how to slow down and focus on one task at a time.
Anh's Anger
Gail Silver
A five-year-old boy learns to deal with anger through the power of his breath, meditation and self-awareness, with guidance from his grandfather.
Alphabreaths
Christopher Willard & Daniel Rechtschaffen
In Alphabreaths, children learn their ABCs along with the basics of mindfulness through fun exercises and illustrations they’ll want to come back to again and again. Each letter of the alphabet teaches a simple mindfulness or compassion-based practice to help kids focus their thoughts, hold positive feelings for others, express gratitude, and more. It’s as easy as ABC!
Kids will open their arms wide like jaws on Alligator Breath, take a big breath and sing “Laaa” on Voice Breath, and imagine blowing out birthday candles on Cake Breath. With Heart Breath and Wish Breath, they will remember to fill their heart with gratitude and send good wishes to others.
There’s an Elephant on my Chest
Caris Snider
Allie wakes up with a BIG problem. There's an elephant sitting on her chest. And there's no way she can make it to school on time ... unless she finds a way to shrink it. With the help of family, friends, and trusted adults, Allie may just find a way to fix her problem.
With anxiety becoming a more prevalent problem in children, this book offers practical solutions to shrink those "elephants" and give kids coping mechanisms, deep breathing skills, and ways to talk through anxiety with trusted adults.
The Recess Queen
Alexis O’Neill
A fresh & original twist on the common issue of bullying. Kids will relate, & parents & teachers will appreciate the story's deft handling of conflict resolution (which happens w/o adult intervention)
Mean Jean was Recess Queenand nobody said any different. Nobody swung until Mean Jean swung. Nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked. Nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced. If kids ever crossed her, she'd push 'em and smoosh 'emlollapaloosh 'em, hammer 'em, slammer 'emkitz and kajammer 'em. Until a new kid came to school! With her irrepressible spirit, the new girl dethrones the reigning recess bully by becoming her friend in this infectious playground romp.
Don’t Blow your Top
Amy Dyckman
Little Volcano and Big Volcano try to deal with their anger and go with the flow. The book features some tips for kids and volcanoes of all ages to help them navigate their fiery emotions and learn to be cool when things get a little out of control.
Where is Bina Bear?
Mike Curato
Tiny is having a party, but Bina Bear is nowhere to be found.
Searching for Bina, Tiny realizes something is wrong―and sets out to make it right. This is a humorous yet sincere picture book about friendship, understanding, and embracing our loved ones just as they are.
Clovis Keeps his Cool
Katelyn Aronson
Clovis used to struggle with his temper, but ever since he took over his late grandmother’s china shop, he’s been learning how to manage it. He pours tea, listens to soothing music, and always keeps Granny’s words in mind: “Grace, grace, nothing broken to replace.”
But when rivals from his football days come to heckle him at the shop, Clovis faces a big challenge that even Granny’s words and deep breaths might not be enough for.
Readers will fall in love with Clovis’s gentle soul in this heartwarming and entertaining story about finding inner peace and second chances.
Maddi’s Fridge
Lois Brandt
Best friends Sofia and Maddi live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the same park, but while Sofia’s fridge at home is full of nutritious food, the fridge at Maddi’s house is empty. Sofia learns that Maddi’s family doesn’t have enough money to fill their fridge and promises Maddi she’ll keep this discovery a secret. But because Sofia wants to help her friend, she’s faced with a difficult decision: to keep her promise or tell her parents about Maddi’s empty fridge.
Filled with colorful artwork, this storybook addresses issues of poverty with honesty and sensitivity while instilling important lessons in friendship, empathy, trust, and helping others.
Maybe Tomorrow
Charlotte Agell
Elba has a big block. She's been dragging it around for a long time.
Norris dances everywhere he goes, even uphill. He is always surrounded by a happy cloud of butterflies.
Can Norris and his butterflies help ease Elba's sadness and convince her to join them on a trip to the ocean?
This tender exploration of loss illuminates how kindness, empathy, and friendship can lift our spirits and see us through many tomorrows. It will resonate with anyone who has experienced hardship or grief, from the death of a loved one or a pet, to a friend moving away, or the transition to a new home or family situation.
Red: A Crayon’s Story
Michael Hall
Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let's draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a playdate with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can't be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He's blue! This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone!
B is for Breathe: The ABCs of Coping with Fussy and Frustrating Feelings
Melissa Munro Boyd
From the letter A to the letter Z, B is for Breathe celebrates the many ways children can express their feelings and develop coping skills at an early age. Fun, cute, and exciting illustrations, this colorful book teaches kids simple ways to cope with fussy and frustrating emotions. This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.
Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Rebecca Gardyn Levington
We might not know what the future holds, but the lyrical rhyming text in this beautiful book reassures readers that they have the resilience and strength to face whatever comes their way. Whimsical illustrations make for a captivating read-aloud or bedtime story. Inspired by the author’s own experience with anxiety, this book offers gentle wisdom applicable to both children and adults. End matter includes a discussion guide and activity ideas for managing worries.
The ABCs of Mindfulness
Jill Guerra
A simple, yet profound guide for children, parents, caretakers, teachers, and learners who are just starting out on their mindfulness journeys, and a beautiful refresher of how to return to the present moment. The ABCs of Mindfulness follows Dominique, as they use their mindfulness tools to navigate the ups and downs of daily life. The illustrations and the words dance together on the pages making this a joyful book to read over and over again.
Those Shoes
Maribeth Boelts
But all the kids are wearing them! Any child who has ever craved something out of reach will relate to this warm, refreshingly realistic story.
"I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes."
All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the ones everyone at school seems to be wearing. But Jeremy’s grandma tells him they don’t have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy’s shoes fall apart at school, and the guidance counselor gives him a hand-me-down pair, the boy is more determined than ever to have those shoes, even a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. But sore feet aren’t much fun, and Jeremy comes to realize that the things he has — warm boots, a loving grandma, and the chance to help a friend — are worth more than the things he wants.
The Rabbit Listened
Cori Doerrfeld
When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs.
Whether read in the wake of tragedy or as a primer for comforting others, this is a deeply moving and unforgettable story sure to soothe heartache of all sizes.
Each Kindness
Jacqueline Woodson
Chloe doesn't really know why she turns away from the new girl, Maya, when Maya tries to befriend her. And every time Maya asks if she can play with Chloe and the other girls, the answer is always no. So Maya ends up playing alone. And then one day she's gone.
When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the opportunity that's been lost. How much better could it have been if she'd just shown Maya a little kindness and opened her heart to friendship?
The Unconditional Love series
Michael Wong
The Unconditional Love Series embraces the unconditional love parents have for their children—empowering them to be the best they can be.
The beautiful, inspiring picture books include the award-winning I Wish You Happiness, I Will Always Be Proud of You, I Will Always Love You, I Wish You A Happy Birthday, Never Give Up On Your Dreams, Share The Kindness In Your Heart, Be The Best You Can Be, and I Love You With All My Heart.
These beautifully illustrated picture books are a great gift whatever the occasion: baby shower, new baby, baptism, adoption, birthday, graduation, or just to say, "I love you."
Join thousands of teachers, grandparents, and parents, and discover why so many love and recommend Michael Wong’s "Unconditional Love Series" of empowering children's picture books.
Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker
Christianne C. Jones
Lacey Walker loves to talk. She talks all day, and sometimes all night. But when she loses her voice, Lacey learns the importance of listening.
Stop and Smell the Cookies
Gibson Frazier
Sometimes Dash gets so excited that his chest feels warm and fuzzy, his toes dance, and his fingertips tickle the air. When that starts, he can’t seem to control what he does next, and often, trouble follows.
Luckily, with a little help, Dash finds a way to slow himself down when big feelings threaten to take over.
This joyous book introduces a clever technique to engage the imagination and relax the mind, perfect for those who are impulsive like Dash, those who hold in their feelings, and everyone in between.
The Magical Yet
Angela DiTerlizza
Each of us, from the day we're born, is accompanied by a special companion--the Yet. Can't tie your shoes? Yet! Can't ride a bike? Yet! Can't play the bassoon? Don't worry, Yet is there to help you out.
Told in tight rhyme reminiscent of the great Dr. Seuss himself, this rollicking, inspirational picture book is perfect for every kid who is frustrated by what they can't do . . . YET!
The Color Monster: A Story about Emotions
Anna Llenas
One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through color. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result. Everyone will enjoy sharing this concept book that taps into both socio-emotional growth and color concepts in a simple, friendly way.
Creepy Carrots
Aaron Reynolds
Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field carrots.
He eats them on the way to school.
He eats them going to Little League.
He eats them walking home.
Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they?
Celebrated artist Peter Brown’s stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold’s text in this hilarious book that shows it’s all fun and games…until you get too greedy.
The Day you Begin
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. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.
Jacqueline Woodson's lyrical text and Rafael Lopez'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.
All are Welcome
Alexandra Penfold
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yamulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school.
Jelly Donut Difference: Sharing Kindness with the World
Maria Dismondy
Leah and Dexter are brother and sister. They don’t always get along. In fact, there are times they can be downright mean to each other. The ooey, gooey jelly donuts in this story are a testament to the power of kindness, caring and generosity. Find out if Leah and Dexter will ever learn to get along! Bite into the power of paying it forward by adding The Jelly Donut Difference to your family’s home collection or classroom library.
The Friend I Need
Gabi Garcia
It’s tough being a kid sometimes.The pressures they feel are real. Unfortunately, so is the negative self-talk that can sometimes follow when they make mistakes or when emotions are strong. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
Most children have probably spent time in school or at home learning how to be good friends to others, but what about learning to be good friends to themselves?
The Friend I Need helps children understand that the same qualities they look for in a friend— kindness, support, understanding, they can offer to themselves when they’re having a hard time.Learning to be a friend to themselves helps children build emotional resilience, growth mindset, and well-being.
Kindness is my Superpower: A Children’s Book about Empathy, Kindness, and Compassion
Alicia Ortego
This charming story with peaceful rhymes and colorful illustrations will explain to your child that it is okay to make a mistake and say I’m sorry. Lucas will teach your child good manners and positive behaviour at home, at school, in the store, and on the playground.
Kids learn best by example.
With the perfect examples this book offers, your child will have more understanding for others, accept diversity, thrive in a multicultural and inclusive environment, and show more empathy. Throughout the story, little superhero Lucas will learn what kindness means and understand what it is like to be kind, sensitive, caring, and generous.
Just Ask: Be Different! Be Brave! Be You!
Sonia Sotomayor
Feeling different, especially as a kid, can be tough. But in the same way that different types of plants and flowers make a garden more beautiful and enjoyable, different types of people make our world more vibrant and wonderful.
In Just Ask, United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor celebrates the different abilities kids (and people of all ages) have. Using her own experience as a child who was diagnosed with diabetes, Justice Sotomayor writes about children with all sorts of challenges—and looks at the special powers those kids have as well. As the kids work together to build a community garden, asking questions of each other along the way, this book encourages readers to do the same: When we come across someone who is different from us but we're not sure why, all we have to do is Just Ask.
A Little Spot of Kindness
Diane Alber
From saying please to sharing toys, your child will learn how to spread kindness in everyday situations at school and at home! Join a little SPOT on a journey as he SPOTS kindness and shows children a fun way to remember to be kind too!
We’re All Wonders
By: RJ Palacio
The unforgettable bestseller Wonder, soon to be a major motion picture, has inspired a nationwide movement to Choose Kind. Now parents and educators can introduce the importance of choosing kind to younger readers with this gorgeous picture book, featuring Auggie and Daisy on an original adventure, written and illustrated by R. J. Palacio.
Speak Up
By: Miranda Paul
When something really matters, one voice can make a difference. This spirited, picture book celebrates diversity and encourages kids to speak up, unite with others, and take action when they see something that needs to be fixed.
Join a diverse group of kids on a busy school day as they discover so many different ways to speak up and make their voices heard! From shouting out gratitude for a special treat to challenging a rule that isn’t fair, these young students show that simple, everyday actions can help people and make the world a better place.
Same, Same but Different
By: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Elliot lives in America, and Kailash lives in India. They are pen pals. By exchanging letters and pictures, they learn that they both love to climb trees, have pets, and go to school. Their worlds might look different, but they are actually similar. Same, same. But different!
Through an inviting point-of-view and colorful, vivid illustrations, this story shows how two boys living oceans apart can be the best of friends.