November is Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month! As kids grow and develop their emotional and mental health, they need support to understand the feelings they experience. Sometimes, a good book is just the right tool for starting those conversations and helping them begin to learn about and express their needs.
Check out what’s on our bookshelf!
The Rabbit Listened
By Cori Doerrfeld
Ages 2+
When something terrible happens, Taylor feels sad, and all the animals come to offer their advice. But what does Taylor truly need?
This little tale is a great way to introduce the importance of empathy and support.
Favorite Line: The chicken was the first to notice
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
Written by Jo Witek
Illustrated by Christine Roussey
Ages 2-5
The die-cut heart is the star of this book! Each emotion has a unique color and description that children can relate to. As you read along, the die-cut hearts get smaller and immerse the reader in the feelings they represent. The book helps normalize emotions, and children learn that feeling a range of emotions is natural. It’s a good tool for helping young readers understand feelings are valid and important.
Tough Guys Have Feelings Too
By Keith Negley
Ages 3-5
Tough guys, from cowboys to ninjas, have feelings, too. This action hero take on vulnerability is a kind and simple way to show kids that strength is more than muscle and bravery.
Favorite Line: You might not think it, but tough guys have feelings too
Beautiful Oops
By Barnie Saltzberg
Ages 2-6
Mistakes can help us understand how to deal with disappointment and frustration. The book’s creator takes “mistakes” and turns them into extraordinary, creative characters and adventures.
Favorite line/moment: Holes in your paper are worth exploring!
Whoever Heard of a Flying Bird
Written by David Cunliffe
Illustrated by Ivan Barrera
Ages 2-7
Pip lives on a beautiful island far away, where she and the other birds don’t fly. But Pip’s imagination and determination set her on a path to the top of the highest trees. The book explores imagination, resilience and making the impossible possible.
Favorite line: A feeling then came over her. She had to try once more.
Who Pooped on Me?
Written by David Cunliffe
Illustrated by Ivan Barrera
Ages 3-5
When a lizard gets “pooped” on, they are out for answers! But they soon realize that things are not always what they seem. It is a funny book with a lesson about jumping to conclusions, and you will love to read with your child.
Favorite line: Who pooped on me?
Be Kind
By Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrated by Jen Hill
Ages 3-6
Thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness are at the heart of this book about kindness. It shows how even small acts of kindness can make a difference and help a friend.
Favorite passage:
Maybe I can only do small things.
But my small things may join small things other people do.
And together, they can grow into something BIG.
Whatever Comes Tomorrow
Written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington
Illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
Ages 4-10
Anxiety is a powerful emotion. Whatever Comes Tomorrow explores the uncertainty of things and how we can approach it with optimism and determination, even when it feels scary.
Favorite Line: Tomorrow may bring words that wound or ones that heal and mend
The Bad Seed
Written by Jory John
Illustrated by Pete Oswald
Ages 3-7
The Bad Seed is bad — very, very bad — but he eventually tries to do better. This award-winning New York Times bestseller shows how anyone can change for the better. While it’s written for kids, its message speaks to people of all ages.
Favorite Line:
Cape
Written by Kevin Johnson
Illustrated by Kitt Thomas
Ages 4-8
Cape is the story of a little boy coping with loss and grief. It is a moving exploration of loss and resilience, brought to life by Kevin Johnson’s lovely and empathetic words and Kitt Thomas’ beautiful illustrations.
Favorite line: I remember the way to my smile
The Very Last Leaf
Written by Stef Wade
Illustrated by Jennifer Davison
Ages 5-7
Moving on, letting go, and taking the next step are hard. In this fun and insightful book, Lance Cottonwood, the last leaf on the tree, deals with many emotions as the time comes to fall off the tree. The Very Last Leaf is a thoughtful book that tackles the topics of anxiety, worry, wanting to be perfect and more.
Favorite line: It’s okay to be scared Lance. I am here to help you through this.
What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking
Written by Tina Oziewicz
Illustrated by Aleksandra Zaj
Translated from Jennifer Croft
Ages 3-7
When no one is looking, what do feelings do? They work on being themselves!
This sweet and beautifully illustrated book’s main characters are emotions represented as sweet monsters doing what makes them happiest. Snuggle up and introduce the family to this delightful and insightful book.
Favorite lines: Hospitality builds a cake. Freedom sails
Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health
By Cara Bean
Ages 12 and up
This graphic novel explains emotional and mental health for adolescents using easy-to-understand language and lessons. Especially created for an the late tween, teen child, the book explores a range of topics, including stigma, the brain, anxiety, depression, suicide, and how to get help, so you it is a good one to read ahead and along with your child.
