Help your child develop important lifelong skills and behaviours with this list of 101 fabulous picture books about friendship, communication and other social skills.
Social skills are the skills we need to interact and communicate effectively with others. These include skills and behaviours important to the development of friendships and interpersonal relationships, communication skills and an understanding of the societal ‘rules’ of behaviour across a range of social settings. Having good social skills helps you to develop healthy relationships with other people, which (at least, for most of us) is vital to emotional health and well being.
Whatever their age or stage, our children are honing their social skills. When they are little, we watch them as they learn to share and take turns, actively supporting their development of social skills whenever they run into difficulty. As they grow, so does the outer boundary of their social world, and with it the skills and behaviours necessary for them to navigate social situations successful, often without us as close (at least physically) offering the same level of practical support.
Related: Unlocking the Keys to Social Success! 13 Social Skills Activities for Kids
And, whatever their age, story can act as a powerful tool for learning more about the social world. There is both magic and wisdom to be found in a good quality picture book. As fiction is born of life experience, stories invite children to make connections between their own experiences of the world and the characters and adventures to be discovered within the pages of the book. Through books, their worldview may be challenged and they may be introduced to ideas they had never previously considered – in fact, research has shown that both human behaviour and perspective can be influenced by books.
Which is why I love picture books for exploring social issues with kids. This collection of 101 books about friendship, effective communication and a range of positive social skills is broken down into categories and includes books exploring all different facets of social behaviour – everything from kindness and empathy to teamwork and co-operation. There are books about making friends and books about keeping friends. There are anti-bullying titles, and books about peer pressure. Add in sportsmanship, manners and optimism, and I still haven’t named them all!
I really hope you find this collection a useful resource, both as a parent and/or teacher. Each book has been carefully selected for inclusion because in my experience (as a parent and a teacher) it adds something special to any discussion about developing as a fully functioning person in our very social world.
101 Books About Friendship, Communication and Social Skills
As always, each title includes links to an Amazon or Book Depository page (these are affiliate links) where you can find reviews and age recommendations for those you might not be personally familiar with.
BOOKS ABOUT ACCEPTING DIFFERENCE
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1. Be Who You Are by Todd Parr Todd Parr reminds us that it is the things that make us unique that make us special. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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2. Red: A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall A wonderful story about acceptance and being yourself no matter what others say. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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3. Being Agatha by Anna Pignataro Agatha never really feels like she fits in but with the help of her classmates she learns to accept that being different isn’t so bad. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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4. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes A lovely story about learning to love what you have. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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5. Same Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw Shares the stories of two boys who, despite living on different sides of the world, have so much in common. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click Here: More Books That Celebrate Individuality |
BOOKS ABOUT KINDNESS
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6. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller A wonderful story about the power of one small act of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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7. What Does It Mean To Be Kind? by Rana DiOrio A wonderful exploration of kindness in all its forms. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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8. The Smartest Giant In Town by Julia Donaldson A beautiful story about giving selflessly to others in need. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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9. Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell This simple story includes a powerful message about the importance of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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10. Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson How Mary’s one small act of kindness changed the world. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: More Great Books About Kindness |
BOOKS ABOUT EMPATHY
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11. We’re All Wonders by RJ Palacio A very special insight into a view of the world through the eyes of someone who is different. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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12. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig A great conversation starter for all children, those who feel left out and those who choose the teams. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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13. Tough Guys Have Feelings Too by Keith Negley A fabulous reminder that we all have feelings (yes, even tough guys) and that it is okay to share how we feel. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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14. Something Else by Kathryn Cave A wonderful story about a creature who is different but just wants to fit in. Available: The Book Depository |
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15. Zen Ties by Jon J Muth A beautiful story of compassion and empathy. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT SHARING
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16. That’s (Not) Mine by Anna Kang Two furry creatures want to both sit in the same chair – but they just cannot agree on who it belongs too! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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17. We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen When two turtles discover one hat, who will wear it? Fabulous for discussing sharing, jealousy, honesty and more. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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18. Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson A story exploring the role of sharing to friendship. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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19. Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright When Love Monster discovers the gift of a box of chocolates he is faced with a dilemma – should he share it with his friends? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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20. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Willems Mo Willem’s hilarious Pigeon has found a hot dog. It’s his – Finders Keepers – or will he share it with his friend, Duckling? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
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21. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish The perfect story for exploring the importance of effective communication. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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22. Archie and the Bear by Zanni Louise No one listens to Archie at home when he says he is really a bear, so he wanders into the woods where he makes friends with another feeling misunderstood. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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23. Telephone by Mac Barnett It’s time for tea but will Peter get the message? A fun play on the classic children’s game of Telephone or Chinese Whispers. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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24. Don’t Forget the Bacon by Pat Hutchins A young boy sets out to do some shopping, thinking he can remember the small list of items he must buy but the distractions he sees along his journey cause an awful muddle. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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25. Howard B Wigglebottom Learns to Listen by Howard Binkow Howard doesn’t listen very well, which always seems to get him into trouble. Can he change his listening ways? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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26. Lacey Walker, Non Stop Talker by Christianne C Jones Lacey talks and talks and talks but when she loses her voice she learns a very valuable lesson. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT TEAMWORK & CO-OPERATION
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27. Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle A lovely story reinforcing the power of friendship and the importance of working together. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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28. Swimmy by Leo Leonni A beautiful classic, Swimmy shows his friends that by working as a team they can overcome any danger in the sea. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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29. The Enormous Potato Retold by Aubrey Davis This classic tale shows just what can be achieved when everyone lends a hand. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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30. The Giant Jam Sandwich by John Vernon Lord The villagers of Itching Down must work together to rid their town of a plague of wasps. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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31. Farmer Duck by Martin Waddell When a hardworking duck is tired and exhausted, his friends make a plan and come to his aid. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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32. What the Ladybird Heard by Julia Donaldson Can the very quiet ladybird stop two tricky robbers? She can when she hatches a plan with her farmyard friends. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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33. Yes We Can! by Sam McBratney A fabulous book for inviting discussion about working together and valuing each team member’s unique contribution. Available: The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT MAKING FRIENDS
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34. Jessica’s Box by Peter Carnavas A lovely story about a young girl’s attempts to make friends when she starts school. Available: The Book Depository |
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35. Louise and Andie: The Art of Friendship by Kelly Light Louise is so excited to meet her new neighbour – she hopes her she shares her love for art and is sure they will become the best of friends. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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36. Those Pesky Rabbits by Ciara Flood A lovely story about learning to be kind and welcoming, and enjoying the company of others. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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37. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson Sometimes our first impressions of someone are not quite right and we need time together to get to know them as a friend. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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38. My Two Blankets by Irena Kobald A picture book for older children about making friends despite language and cultural barriers. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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39. Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers When a boy discovers a penguin on his doorstep he assumes he is lost and tries to take him home but along the way the boy discovers the penguin is actually lonely, not lost. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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40. Twig by Aura Parker A beautiful story about finding friends when you don’t stand out. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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41. Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten by Bob Graham A lovely story of kindness and friendship Available: The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT BEING A GOOD FRIEND
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42. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry A simple story of friendship and looking out for your friends. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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43. The Sandwich Swap by Rania Al Abdullah Will these two best friends ever make up after their epic falling out? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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44. The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield A touching story about following your dreams and the importance of friends who celebrate your achievements. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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45. Millie, Jack and the Dancing Cat by Stephen Michael King One of our favourite stories about friends who support you to be brave in showing your true self to the world. Available: The Book Depository |
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46. My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems An entertaining story about a beautiful friendship – how far would your friends go to cheery you when you’re feeling sad? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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47. Pig the Fibber Pig the Pug has a lot to learn about being a good friend – whenever he is in trouble he always blames his long-suffering friend, Trevor. Will Pig finally learn an important lesson about friendship? Available: The Book Depository |
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48. The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland A cautionary tale about online friends versus those you know in real life. Definitely one for today’s digital natives growing up in a modern day world. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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49. Hooray for Hat! by Brian Wan A colourful story about the powerful impact of cheering a friend who is feeling grumpy. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: More Great Friendship Books |
BOOKS ABOUT HELPING OTHERS IN NEED
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50. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney A beautiful, wordless adaptation of Aesop’s fable demonstrates that no act of kindness is ever wasted. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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51. Horton Hears a Who! by Dr Seuss With classic Seuss style, Horton the Elephant, sets out to save a town of tiny Whos. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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52. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson Thoughtful friends comfort and care for Bear while he is ill. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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53. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C Stead Amos is always there for his friends until one day he falls ill. How will his friends ever manage? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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54. The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland Four friends each try to find a way help a very cranky bear. Whose idea will help the most? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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55. Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox A delightful story about an inter-generational friendship where a young boy sets out to help his elderly friend recover her memory. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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56. Stone Soup by Marcia Brown A great story for talking with children about the gifts of giving and helping others. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT OPTIMISM
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57. I Think, I Am: Teaching Kids The Power of Positive Affirmations by Louise L Hay A helpful introduction to self-talk and the power of our thoughts. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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58. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena When CJ expresses disappointment and dissatisfaction with elements of their life, his grandmother patiently helps him to see (and hear) the beauty all around them. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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59. Ishi: Simple Tips From a Solid Friend by Akiko Yakubi A series of simple wise statements shared by Ishi, an optimistic pet rock who invites readers to be and to share happiness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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60. The Thankful Book by Todd Parr In typical Parr style, this book explores a myriad of things that a child might be thankful for. Great for inviting discussion about the positive association between gratitude and happiness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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61. Some Dogs Do by Jez Alborough Sid the Dog sets off for school feeling so happy that he starts to fly. But no one at school believes him. Could it possibly be true? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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62. Square Cat by Elizabeth Schoonmaker When a square cat feels sad about her shape, her two round cat friends help her to re-discover happiness and self-acceptance. Available: Amazon |
BOOKS ABOUT BEING A GOOD SPORT
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63. Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli Sam always wins until one day he learns that being number one isn’t everything. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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64. Winners Never Quit by Mia Hamm Mia learns an important lesson about being a graceful loser. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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65. I Want to Win by Tony Ross The Little Princess learns that winning is more fun when you truly deserve it. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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66. Pig the Winner Pig the Pug is greedy, a cheat and quite the sore loser. WIll he ever learn that cheating doesn’t pay? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT FOLLOWING RULES
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67. Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher. But when she fails to follow Mr Slinger’s rules, Lilly learns an important lesson in making amends. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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68. David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon David is always getting into trouble, and always makes excuses for his actions. Will David learn the importance of telling the truth? Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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69. What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick What would happen to our world if everybody broke the rules? A great conversation starter. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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70. My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook Louis is constantly interrupting others when they speak and it is not until he himself faces the same treatment that he realises he needs to change. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT MANNERS
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71. Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller Useful information about manners woven into a cute story about a Rabbit and his new neighbours – who happen to be otters! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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72. Rude Cakes by Rowboat Watkins A fun twist on teaching kids about manners – with a rude cake and a cyclops as the main characters! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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73. The Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems The beloved Pigeon and Duckling are back, and this time the Pigeon has a lesson to learn about using good manners. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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74. Manners by Aliki Wonderful, comic style illustrations are engaging and act as wonderful prompts for further discussion about manners. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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75. Please, Mr Panda by Steve Antony A simple reminder about the power of please, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: More Books About Manners |
BOOKS ABOUT FACING FEARS
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76. Brave as Can Be: A Book of Courage by Jo Witek An older sister explains to her younger sibling how she outgrew her (common childhood) fears. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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77. Courage by Bernard Waber A lovely exploration of all the different kinds of courage, that we exhibit in our everyday lives. Available: Amazon |
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78. When I’m Feeling Scared by Trace Maroney Explores the physical reaction of the body to fear, as well as common childhood fears and potential solutions. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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79. The I’m Not Scared Book by Todd Parr A lovely book exploring common childhood fears paired with potential, helpful solutions. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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80. The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright A beautiful story of courage, determination and friendship. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: More Books About Childhood Fears |
ANTI-BULLYING BOOKS
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81. One by Kathryn Otoshi A simple story that provides a fabulous base for talking with children about bullying, being an upstander and an includer. Love it! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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82. The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson I love this book for talking with older children about standing up for others and to bullies. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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83. Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon A lovely story about having the confidence to believe in yourself, even when another tries to tear you down. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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84. The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts A beautiful reminder that often even the smallest slights and unkind words make a difference to our lives, and that kindness is the answer. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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85. The Playground Is Like the Jungle Good advice for making positive friendship choices. Available: The Book Depository |
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86. The Sneetches-in The Sneetches and Other Stories by Dr Seuss A great story for generating discussion with older children about discrimination and the need to treat people fairly and equally. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT PEER PRESSURE & FITTING IN
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87. The Hueys in The New Sweater by Oliver Jeffers Each of the Hueys looks the same, thinks the same and does the same things. Until one doesn’t! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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88. Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts A wonderful story for exploring the power of peer pressure, needs versus wants, and the joys of giving to others. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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89. Hello, My Name is Octicorn by Kevin Diller An octicorn is pretty unusual, unique even, and as so can have a hard time fitting in or being accepted by others. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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90. A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon A great book to use with school aged children, the story explores the theme of worrying less about what others think of you, and staying true to yourself. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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91. Purplicious by Elizabeth & Victoria Kann When pink is out and black is in, Pinkalicious struggles to feel good about herself until a new friend helps her find a fresh persepective. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
BOOKS ABOUT FEELINGS
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92. The Feelings Book by Todd Parr Introduces young children to a wide range of emotions in Parr’s signature style. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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93. Theo’s Mood by MaryAnne Cocca-Leffler How can Theo possibly feel happy and sad and jealous and proud all at the same time? Great for discussing the complexity of emotions we feel. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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94. The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas A kind little girl helps a friendly monster to identify and sort his mixed up emotions, that are all represented by different colours. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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95. In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek Describes a range of emotions and how they make you feel physically, in simple language that children will relate to. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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96. My Many Colored Days by Dr Seuss Fabulous illustrations and simple rhyming couplets bring any discussion about emotions with young children to life. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: More Books About Feelings & Emotions |
BOOKS PROMOTING GROWTH MINDSET
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97. The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett A great story for children who have very high expectations of themselves, teaching it’s okay to make mistakes. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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98. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr A fun book reinforcing the importance of taking chances, trying new things, and embracing life, mistakes and all. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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99. What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada What do you do with a problem? Especially on that just won’t go away! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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100. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires A story about not giving up and getting a fresh perspective to solve a problem. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
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101. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds Sometimes life doesn’t have to be about getting things 100% right. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository |
Click here: Books for Kids Who Worry |
Christie Burnett is an early childhood teacher, presenter, writer and the editor of Childhood 101. More importantly, she is a Mum who believes wholeheartedly in the value of children learning through play, the importance of quality early education, and the togetherness of family.
