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Social Emotional Learning Books: Discover Top SEL Books for Kids
Social and emotional learning (SEL) plays a crucial role in the development of children, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate their emotions and build healthy relationships. SEL encompasses a range of skills, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication.
The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning
Understanding social and emotional development are key to grasping their significance in a child’s life. SEL goes beyond academic achievements and focuses on fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and positive mental health. It helps children develop essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being and success in many areas of life.
Understanding Social Emotional Learning
Social-emotional learning entails acquiring and applying knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to understanding and managing emotions, forming and maintaining positive relationships, and making responsible decisions. It emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, responsible decision-making, and relationship skills.
The Benefits of SEL for Children
Implementing SEL programs has numerous benefits for children. It promotes positive emotional development, leading to improved mental health and better academic performance. Children with social and emotional skills also tend to have better relationships with peers and adults, exhibit less aggressive behavior, and experience higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.
Three Favorite Social Emotional Learning Books for Children
SEL books for kids are powerful tools that help children understand their emotions, learn strategies for self-management, develop empathy, and enhance their social skills.
These books often incorporate relatable stories, engaging illustrations, and interactive activities to teach children about emotions, conflict resolution, empathy, and mindfulness.
If you are just starting your collection of books that promote social-emotional skills, start here.
Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett is a charming children’s book that captures the hearts of both young and old readers alike. This inspiring story follows the adventures of Annabelle, a young girl with a magical box of yarn that never seems to run out.
As she skillfully knits colorful sweaters for everyone and everything she encounters, she transforms her dreary town into a vibrant and cheerful place. Barnett’s delightful storytelling is complemented by the beautiful illustrations of Jon Klassen, which bring the story to life with their warmth and simplicity.
Extra Yarn is a captivating tale that teaches valuable lessons about community, kindness, believing in one’s self, and the enduring power of love. With its engaging plot and memorable characters, this book is a must-have addition to elementary classrooms and childrens’ home collections.
Dylan loves robots and is delighted when his mother brings a robot named Maddox home from work. Dylan can hardly contain his excitement, but things start to go wrong when Maddox starts to act impulsively.
Will their friendship be over before it even begins?
In this lighthearted and engaging story about feelings, children learn about the benefits of self-awareness, and how noticing the clues our bodies send helps us regulate our emotions and respond to our needs.
As a child therapist I have read countless books on emotions for kids. Unfortunately they all felt more like a lecture than a story kids would enjoy. Most of them also skip ahead to teaching calming (regulation) strategies and would miss the critical step of self-awareness.
When kids are having big emotional reactions, calming strategies are not nearly as effective. When a child becomes a feelings detective, they learn skills to improve the critical skill of self-awareness and build a foundation for emotional well-being.
As a bonus, this book also offers companion activities (video and printable activity sheets) to help continue the fun and reinforce what children learn about feelings.
Last Stop on Market Street is a heartwarming children’s book written by Matt de la Peña. It tells the story of a young boy named CJ and his wise and caring grandmother as they embark on a bus journey through the city.
As they travel, CJ’s curiosity leads him to ask questions about the disparities he sees around him. From graffiti to homelessness, CJ’s grandmother responds with compassion and wisdom, teaching him important life lessons along the way.
De la Peña’s beautifully written prose brings the urban landscape to life, vividly describing the sights, sounds, and smells of the city. The story is also accompanied by Christian Robinson’s stunning and vibrant illustrations that perfectly capture the diverse and colorful characters CJ encounters on his journey.
Last Stop on Market Street is a book that celebrates the beauty of diversity, the power of gratitude, and the importance of finding joy in the simple things. It is a must-read for children and adults alike, encouraging empathy, kindness, and a sense of gratitude for the beautiful world we live in.
SEL Books for Your Classroom: Building Emotional Literacy
Building emotional literacy is an important aspect of social-emotional learning (SEL) for students. It involves equipping students with the knowledge and skills to understand, express, and manage their emotions effectively. Utilizing SEL books in the classroom is a powerful way to promote emotional literacy and help students develop the necessary skills for self-regulation.
SEL books for teaching emotional regulation provide students with strategies and techniques to identify and manage their feelings. These books often feature relatable characters and situations that allow students to connect with the emotional experiences portrayed.
Developing Emotional Regulation Skills through SEL Books: Starting with Self-Awareness
SEL books for nurturing self-awareness help students develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions. These books focus on noticing and acknowledging our feelings as a way of building a foundation for emotional wellness.
Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia is a helpful book that invites children to explore the connection between their feelings and physical sensations. Through simple and accessible language, this book is a great tool for introducing body signals and empowers kids to take care of their emotional well-being. With interactive activities and engaging exercises, Listening to My Body guides children through activities that promote self-awareness and self-regulation. Whether used at home or in a classroom setting, this book is an invaluable resource for teaching children the importance of honoring and attending to their own needs.
When Grandma and Grandpa come to visit, it’s a time of exciting emotions for a young boy! The book contains scenes over the course of a day and includes the feelings experienced by the main character. Follow along with him as he shows off his unique body sensations, actions, and expressions — it’s like taking a journey through the different feelings that come alive in his heart.
Books to Help Build Emotional Vocabulary
A great option for preschoolers, The Color Monster by Anna Llenas, is an engaging picture book that introduces several basic emotions and connects them to colors. It helps students identify their feelings and helps them build a basic emotional vocabulary so they can name their feelings.
Being able to talk about your feelings begins with having an emotional vocabulary. This book showcases one feeling for every letter of the alphabet, with by a brief explanation for each term. A delightful and diverse ensemble of children and animals are utilized to illustrate each emotion, helping little ones develop a foundation to better understand and communicate feelings.
Books for Teaching Emotional Regulation Activities
Books for teaching emotional regulation offer practical strategies and techniques that students can use to manage their emotions effectively.
Breathe Like a Bear is a beautifully illustrated book designed to teach children regulation skills in a fun and engaging manner. This delightful children’s book features a collection of mindful exercises and breathing techniques that will help little ones calm their mind, relax their bodies, and navigate through tough emotions. Each exercise is designed to encourage children to be present in the moment and develop a sense of self-awareness. By practicing these techniques, children will learn to manage stress, improve focus, and find inner peace. Breathe Like a Bear is a perfect tool for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals seeking to teach children self-regulation skills.
Using SEL Books to Promote Friendship and Inclusion
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is a critical aspect of a child’s development, helping them acquire the necessary skills to build healthy relationships. Kids’ books can be powerful tools in teaching children about friendship and inclusion.
Books About Friendship
Chrysanthemum has a unique name—one that soon draws the attention of her classmates. Instead of valuing Chrysanthemum’s distinctive name, they treat her unkindly. This special story teaches us about the power of words, how important it is to be respectful of others who are different, and why we should always show kindness and compassion to those around us.
Another example of a book that promotes friendship is The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. This book tells the story of Brian, a young boy who often feels unnoticed by his classmates. Through the power of friendship and empathy, his classmates learn to include him and appreciate his unique qualities. Reading this book can spark conversations about the importance of inclusion and kindness, helping children understand the value of being inclusive.
Discover the delightful tales of Frog and Toad, two best friends who embark on a series of adventures. Follow them as they navigate the highs and lows of friendship, navigating obstacles and disagreements and demonstrating that friendship is always stronger than any challenge. Enjoy this timeless classic and explore the power of true friendship!
The Sandwich Swap a great book about overcoming differences and embracing diversity. It tells the story of Lily and Salma, two best friends who realize that their conflicting food preferences do not define their friendship. This book encourages discussions around respecting and accepting differences.
Books Promoting Empathy and Kindness
Empathy and kindness are foundational social and emotional skills. Books that promote these values can teach children how to understand and care for others.
When Taylor was feeling down, none of his animal friends could make him feel better—until the rabbit came along. Unlike all the others, the rabbit didn’t try to fix Taylor’s problem with a quick solution. The rabbit just listened and gave Taylor the time and space to express himself. That made all the difference! With its heartwarming message and delightful illustrations, The Rabbit Listened is a beloved children’s book that has earned a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud is a popular book that introduces the concept of the “bucket-filling” metaphor. The book explains how we all have an invisible bucket that can be filled by acts of kindness and emptied by unkind behavior. This metaphor helps children understand the impact of their words and actions on others, encouraging kindness and empathy.
Are you ready to be a superhero? Meet Emmanuel and Emma as they reveal the secret of their superpower – Empathy! Through short vignettes, they teach young readers how to respond with kindness in everyday life scenarios. It’s a great option to help kids learn to look through other people’s eyes and become true heroes of understanding. Plus, teachers can use the provided questions and discussion topics at the end of the book to enhance the learning experience.
You, Me and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders is another book that emphasizes the importance of empathy in friendships. It explores various scenarios where children can show empathy towards their friends, teaching them how to support and understand others’ feelings. This book can help children develop the social and emotional skills needed for successful and empathetic friendships.
Books About Diversity
Kids books about diversity foster an understanding and appreciation for different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. By reading these books, elementary students can enhance their social awareness and develop empathy.
Experience a world of acceptance and inclusion in this cheerful and inspiring picture book! All are Welcome readers to explore an inclusive community, where everyone feels welcome regardless of where they come from or how they look. Join the characters on a journey of learning, discovery, and a celebration of differences. Spread kindness and cultivate connection through open arms.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is a thought-provoking book that explores themes of identity and embracing diversity. The story follows a young Korean girl, Unhei, who moves to the United States and wants to fit in with other children. Through friendship and acceptance, Unhei learns to appreciate her unique cultural heritage. This book encourages discussions about cultural diversity and promotes empathy towards individuals from different backgrounds.
Join two brave and inspiring sisters on a special day! Not only it is the first day of school, it is also the older sister’s first day of hijab. Written by the first Muslim American Olympian woman in hijab, this story celebrates courage and determination in the face of adversity. Along the way, they tackle misunderstood stereotypes and stand together for equality and a world that respects their beliefs and traditions.
Sulwe is an inspiring story of a young girl on a mission to discover the true power of beauty. Despite struggling with the challenges of feeling different from everyone around her, Sulwe knows that there’s something special about her. Throughout the book she learns the importance of belief in yourself and loving who you are. She discovers that no matter what color your skin is, each person is uniquely beautiful and powerful in their own way.
Books About Sharing
Learning to share is an essential social skill for elementary students. Books about sharing can teach children about taking turns, compromising, and considering the needs of others.
In Mo Willems’s delightful tale, Gerald the Elephant finds himself in a conundrum—should he share his tasty ice cream with his best pal, Piggie? Little readers can relate to this common quandary, and they’ll love the lighthearted humor that underscores the importance of being generous. Written in simple language and featuring an adorable duo, this story provides a fun way for kids to learn the invaluable lesson that sharing brings happiness.
Welcome to Too Many Carrots, an entertaining tale about a selfish rabbit who can’t get enough of collecting carrots! But when his house becomes completely overtaken by the crunchy veggies, he finds himself in a tricky situation. Fortunately, a few of his friends come to the rescue, working together to save the day! Follow along as our hero learns the importance of cooperation and sharing. With vibrant illustrations and a captivating writing style, this delightful story is sure to delight little readers.
Dive into the dazzling world of The Rainbow Fish, a beautiful story about a colorful fish with glistening scales. Follow along as this scintillating swimmer embarks on a journey to discover the rewards of sharing with friends. With captivating illustrations and a delightful narrative, children learn the benefits of generosity and selflessness.
This funny story stars Pig, who loves his toys so much that he won’t let anyone else play with them. When Trevor, a friendly dachshund neighbor, shows up, Pig is not too sure about sharing—not one bit! But after an unexpected twist, Pig and the readers learn important lessons in friendship. Rhyming text and colorful illustrations make it an engaging read for kids.
Overcoming Challenges and Differences with SEL
One of the main goals of social and emotional learning is to help children develop the skills they need to overcome challenges and embrace differences.
SEL books can play a crucial role in teaching these important lessons.
These books can help children understand and navigate difficult situations, fostering empathy, resilience, and acceptance.
Picture Books About Perseverance
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall is a heartwarming children’s book that teaches the importance of perseverance. With a bit of support from his caring father, Jabari learns the value of patience and determination. Filled with beautiful illustrations and relatable characters, this book is perfect for young readers and teachers looking to impart important life lessons. Jabari Tries encourages children to embrace new experiences and reminds them that it’s okay to make mistakes along the way.
Dive into a tale of inspiration and self-discovery with Vashti! She loves art, but doubts her abilities. With the help of her teacher, she learns how a simple dot can open up endless possibilities—showing her the beauty of embracinig the creative process. This uplifting story encourages young readers to overcome their self-doubt and find the courage to pursue their passions.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes is a book about Beatrice, an amazing young girl who doesn’t make any errors. Or at least she didn’t until one day during her school’s talent show—that’s when things got a little bumpy! Through this experience, Beatrice learns that it’s ok to make mistakes and take risks; it helps us grow and learn from our experiences. This special book will help kids address their fear of failure, encouraging them to keep pushing forward no matter how difficult the challenge may seem.
The heartwarming story of A Chair for my Mother is one of family unity and boundless determination. Follow Vera B Williams’ young heroine as she, her mama, and grandma set out on an inspirational mission: to save up enough coins to purchase a cozy chair that Mama can finally call her own after a hard day’s work! Through sacrifice and resilience, they eventually realize their goal—a delightful tale that will captivate readers with its powerful message of hope and love!
Children's Books About Differences and Disability
In Just Ask, Sotomayor shows us how everyone is special in their own way! She reminds us to be curious and ask questions so we can gain understanding about people’s experiences. Inside the pages of this colorful book are inspiring messages and beautiful illustrations that teach everyone, big or small, about kindness, compassion and how connections help us understand our differences. Let Just Ask show you how each of us has unique abilities that make the world even more amazing.
Discover the inspiring story of Auggie–a brave and courageous young boy who has a facial difference that makes him unique. With this captivating picture book, kids will learn the importance of acceptance, kindness, and compassion. Stemming from the bestselling novel Wonder, this book helps spark meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion, reminding children to appreciate everything that makes them special and celebrate the beauty in everyone around them. It’s the perfect tool for parents, teachers, and caregivers to inspire positivity and show kids how powerful kindness can be!
A Day With No Words by Tiffany Hammond is a captivating and thought-provoking book that takes readers on a journey through a boy’s world without words. Through thoughtful prose and vivid imagery, Hammond depicts the frustrations and struggles faced by individuals who are unable to convey their thoughts and feelings verbally. This sweet story is sure to spark curiosity in young readers and is a great option for social-emotional learning in the classroom.
Follow the incredible journey of Cece, a brave and spirited girl with an extraordinary superpower: her Phonic Ear! No matter where she is in school, Cece can always hear her teacher’s voice, giving her a unique advantage. But being different isn’t always easy—sometimes Cece feels alone and isolated with her deafness. Join Cece as she embarks on a journey to fit in and develop true friendship.
Implementing a SEL Curriculum: Insights and Recommendations
Integrating SEL books into your curriculum is a valuable way to enhance the social and emotional learning experience for your students. These books can be incorporated into various subjects and help reinforce SEL skills throughout the school day.
Incorporating SEL Books in Your Curriculum
When incorporating SEL books into your curriculum, consider the content and themes that align with your learning objectives. Choose books that address specific skills or topics that you want to focus on in your classroom. For example, if you are teaching about empathy, you may select books that highlight characters who demonstrate empathy towards others.
Choosing the Right SEL Books for Your Classroom
When selecting SEL books for your classroom, consider the age appropriateness and relevance to your students’ experiences. Look for books that reflect the diversity of your classroom and address a range of emotions, social skills, and cultural perspectives. You can also involve your students in the book selection process to ensure they feel engaged and represented. We hope this list of books will help you get started!
About the Author
In addition to being a bestselling children’s book author, Dane Furfaro is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has worked with children and families for over 10 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia College and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology with a specialization in counseling from the University of Minnesota. He has been fortunate to empower many children and adults in their journeys to create better futures for themselves.
