101 Books That Build Social Skills

Help your child develop important lifelong behaviours with this great big list of fabulous social skills books for kids.

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 skills with kids. This collection of 101 social skills books for kids includes books about friendship, effective communication and many 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 of social skills books 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 Social Skills Books for Kids

As always, each title included on our list of social skills books is linked to an Amazon and/or Book Depository page (these are affiliate links) where you can find further information and reviews for those you might not be personally familiar with.

BOOKS ABOUT ACCEPTING DIFFERENCE

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

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

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

4. Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes A lovely story about learning to love what you have. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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 through for More Books That Celebrate Individuality

BOOKS ABOUT KINDNESS

6. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller A wonderful story about the power of one small act of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

8. The Smartest Giant In Town by Julia Donaldson A beautiful story about giving selflessly to others in need. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

9. Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell This simple story includes a powerful message about the importance of kindness. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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 through for more great Books About Kindness

BOOKS ABOUT EMPATHY

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

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

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

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

15. Zen Ties by Jon J Muth A beautiful story of compassion and empathy. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

BOOKS ABOUT SHARING

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

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

18. Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson A story exploring the role of sharing to friendship. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

21. Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish The perfect story for exploring the importance of effective communication. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

40. Twig by Aura Parker A beautiful story about finding friends when you don’t stand out. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

42. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry A simple story of friendship and looking out for your friends. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 through for more great Friendship Books

BOOKS ABOUT HELPING OTHERS IN NEED

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

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

52. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson Thoughtful friends comfort and care for Bear while he is ill. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

64. Winners Never Quit by Mia Hamm Mia learns an important lesson about being a graceful loser. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

65. I Really Want to Win Today is Sports Day and our heroine is determined to win ALL of the events . But winning isn’t as easy as it looks…but maybe winning isn’t really the point! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 through to see more great Books About Manners

BOOKS ABOUT FACING FEARS

76. A Little Bit Brave Logan is a stay-at-home bunny who is about to discover how brave he really is! Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

77. 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

78. Courage by Bernard Waber A lovely exploration of all the different kinds of courage, that we exhibit in our everyday lives. Available: Amazon

79. 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

80. 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

81. The Lion Inside by Rachel Bright A beautiful story of courage, determination and friendship. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Click through for More Books About Childhood Fears

ANTI-BULLYING BOOKS

82. 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

83. 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

84. 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

85. 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

86. The Playground Is Like the Jungle Good advice for making positive friendship choices. Available: The Book Depository

BOOKS ABOUT PEER PRESSURE & FITTING IN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 through for more great Books About Feelings & Emotions

BOOKS PROMOTING GROWTH MINDSET

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

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

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

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

101. Ish by Peter H. Reynolds Sometimes life doesn’t have to be about getting things 100% right. Available: Amazon | The Book Depository

Click through for more helpful Books for Kids Who Worry