Back-to-school season is the perfect time to introduce picture books that support social-emotional learning. These stories help children navigate big feelings, build friendships, and develop empathy as they adjust to new routines and classroom communities. Whether it’s learning to manage anxiety, celebrate differences, or practice kindness, these books offer valuable lessons wrapped in heartwarming, relatable storytelling.
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The Marvelous Now by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
We’ve all had days that feel overwhelming, and this book offers a gentle, kid-friendly way to reset. A personified “Now” guides readers to focus on the present moment by using their senses, taking deep breaths, and noticing the world around them. With vibrant illustrations and practical examples of calming hobbies, it’s a beautiful introduction to mindfulness and a great conversation starter for managing big feelings.
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi; illustrated by Lorena Alvarez, 2020
(Ages 4 and up)
This story is perfect for empowering children to take risks, work hard, and embrace mistakes. Rhyming text and colorful illustrations follow a young girl who struggles to learn to ride a bike. Just as she is determined to walk forever, she meets the Magical Yet. Presented as a glowing pink flower-like object, the Magical Yet teaches the girl that with determination, practice, and grit, she can tackle any problem.
The engaging illustrations feature a diverse group of children learning to accomplish a variety of tasks giving this charming book wide appeal.
Scarecited on the First Day of School by Alliah L. Agostini, illustrated by Lala Watkins, 2025
This fabulous book follows a young girl’s shifting emotions throughout her first day. Each two-page spread introduces a playful new word combining two feelings she’s experiencing at once. This story would make an excellent read aloud on the first day and a complimentary activity could be to invite students to create their emotional mash-ups to represent how they are feeling during the first week of school. This book is absolutely “clelatable.” Both clever and relatable, I know it’s ones both kids and adults will appreciate.
The Invisible String Backpack by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
(Ages 5 and up)
When Mila is nervous on her first day of school, her big brother tells her about an invisible backpack she always has with her that is filled with tools to comfort and give her confidence. This reassuring story is perfect for reminding children that with the power of their imagination, they have the ability to do anything.
Joan in the Cone by Billy Sharff, illustrated by Hala Tahboub, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
I absolutely adore this heartwarming story of resilience. Joan, a loveable pup, recalls her happiest days of running and playing until an accident leaves her in a dreaded cone. At first, she feels embarrassed and unsure of herself, but slowly discovers new ways to find joy and connection. With humor and tenderness, this clever tale reminds us that life’s ups and downs can lead to unexpected growth.
Tiny T. Rex and the First-Day Oopsies by Jonathan Stutzman, illustrated y Jay Fleck, 2025
(Ages 3 and up)
Tiny is excited to start school, but after a few slip-ups, his confidence starts to waver. Luckily, his teacher reminds him, “We all make mistakes. That’s what school is for! We make an oopsie, we learn from it, and then we grow!” Tiny couldn’t be more lovable, and this reassuring story is a perfect reminder that school is a place to learn, make mistakes, and grow. A must-read for little ones heading into their first day!
I highly recommend all the books in the Tiny T. Rex series.
Weird and Wonderful You by Zaila Avant-garde, illustrated by Kah Yangni, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
Using bright, vivid artwork, affirming lyrical language, and inspirational quotes from celebrities, this book encourages children to celebrate their uniqueness and pursue their passions with confidence. I love the joyful message of this book about embracing one’s individuality.
Falling Star by Linda Liu, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
This touching story features a star who shines brightly until the pressure of being the best causes their light to fade and fall through the sky. Eventually, the star finds a new home in a lighthouse, where its glow can shine again. With simple yet powerful text, this tale beautifully reminds us that everyone has their own way to shine.
The Big Squeeze by Molly Harris, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
The beginning of the school year is a busy time and it is easy to get overwhelmed. This adorable story follows a little sponge who excitedly tackles the mess found in the kitchen, but quickly becomes overwhelmed by the constant cleaning. This comical story is a great conversation starter in asking for help and avoiding burnout.
Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tacos by Eliza Kinkz, 2025
(Ages 5 and up)
Izzy is having one of those days where everything goes wrong. Frustrated by her mistakes, she melts down while making tortillas with her uncle. He shows her how to make “mistacos” to help her ease her embarrassment from earlier in the day. Soon the entire family is joining in reminding Izzy that everyone makes mistakes. This hilarious, feel-good story is a great tool for helping readers find the freedom in embracing slip-ups.
Great Big Feelings series by Hallee Adelman, illustrated by Karen Wall and Sandra de la Prada
This fantastic series features children experiencing difficult emotions in very realistic and relatable situations. Many readers will identify with the girl who grows envious of her friend’s drawing or the boy anxious about attending a birthday party. Most importantly, they will learn that while these feelings may initially seem scary, through talking with others, drawing, or learning breathing exercises, there are ways to manage them.
Way Past Embarrassed by Hallee Adelman, illustrated by Josep Maria Juli, 2023
This all-too relatable book follows a young boy struggling with a math assignment. When he is called up to the board to show his work, he acts silly to avoid revealing how challenging math is for him. Once he realizes others may struggle as well, though, he is able to admit school is hard and learns that trying one’s best can bring a sense of pride. Buy It Here
Way Past Mean by Hallee Adelman, illustrated by Karen Wall, 2024
(Ages 5 and up)
When two popular girls, Yaz and Keya, ask another young girl to exclude Nelly the new girl, she falls victim to the temptation of popularity. Before she knows it, she is saying mean things and excluding Nelly. When she sees the effect it has on Nelly, however, she apologizes and makes amends for her actions. This scenario is all too relatable and is an excellent lesson in choosing kindness over peer pressure.
Way Past Shame by Hallee Adelman, illustrated by Karen Wall, 2025
(Ages
When Hooper faces an ethical dilemma, his choice leaves him feeling ashamed. He ultimately finds the bravery to confesses making amends with his friend and discovering the pride that comes with honesty. Each book in this fantastic series takes a realistic scenario and makes it feel relatable and authentic, offering terrific conversation starters for kids and adults alike. I highly recommend the entire series. Buy It Here
Way Past Jealous, 2021
Jealous that her classmates and teacher like Debby’s drawing better than hers, Yaz allows this to ruin her day and strain her friendship with Debby. After sharing her frustration and regrets with her dad, Yaz feels better and finds a way to make amends. Buy It Here
Way Past Sad, 2021
When a boy discovers that his best friend, Sanj, is moving, he feels sad. After spending time alone, cuddling with his mom, playing with other friends, and drawing, he begins to feel better and he learns that sadness is not permanent. Buy It Here
Way Past Worried, 2020
As he gets ready for a birthday party, Brock grows anxious that no one will talk to him or worse, the other kids will laugh at him. He cautiously enters the party discovering a new girl who is worried too. As a new friendship blossoms, their confidence grows and they bravely face the party together. Buy It Here
Way Past Mad, 2020
When Keya’s little brother annoys her one morning, she becomes so angry, she takes it out on her friend Hooper on their walk to school. Suddenly, her anger is replaced by remorse. A heartfelt apology sets things right and turns Keya’s day around. Buy It Here
Touch the Sky by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, illustrated by Chris Park, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s difficult to recognize that some things may come easy for some people, but not others. Vern yearns to soar through the air on the swing, but doesn’t know how to pump his legs. When Gretchen takes the time to help him, he gets the extra push he needs to succeed. This is a terrific story in empathy and overcoming challenges.
Ruby’s Tools for Making Friends by Apryl Stott, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Oh my goodness, there is so much to love about this sweet story! Ruby is nervous to start a new school, but she uses her tools and positive self-talk to help calm her worries. When she is assigned a collaborative project to create an egg drop with classmates, she faces new challenges of speaking up in a group. I just love how Ruby’s confidence grows through the story and she learns how to work with others while making new friends in the process. The artwork featuring a group of animals and people could not be more charming while the lessons Ruby learns are sure to resonate with many.
No More Chairs by Dan Gill, illustrated by Susan Gal, 2025
(Ages 6 and up)
Based on true events, this powerful story delivers an unforgettable message of inclusion and acceptance. As a child, Mr. Gill witnessed an atrocious act of racism when his Black best friend was denied entry to a party under the excuse that there were no more chairs. Now, as a teacher, Mr. Gill honors that moment by placing an empty chair at the front of his classroom as a symbol of welcome and belonging. With gorgeous artwork and poignant text, this moving book is a must-read.
Silver Linings by Fiona Woodcock, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
This is a must for kids who need a little help to look more on the bright side of things. While Pip often gets disappointed when something doesn’t go as planned, her best friend Parker is always there to lift her spirits and help see things with a different perspective. When Parker spills milk on his drawing, however, it’s Pip who extends a gesture of empathy that gets him out of his funk. This is a sweet friendship story filled with charming illustrations and an excellent lesson in empathy and resilience.
Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold; illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman, 2021
(Ages 3 and up)
All Are Welcome is one of my favorite school-themed read alouds, so I was thrilled to see Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman team up for a companion book tackling emotions. Though the rhyming text is simple, this book presents a wide array of complex emotions and is the perfect conversation starter for working through collaborations and friendships. The inclusive illustrations feature a diverse group of children who are excited to play, but find a pile of junk standing in the way of a tree they want to climb. They initially argue over what to do with the garbage, but by talking, apologizing, and taking the time to see others’ point of view, they learn to work together and have fun.
With themes of conflict resolution, resilience, and navigating a variety of emotions this is a must-have for most classroom and home libraries.
It’s OK: Being Kind to Yourself When Things Feel Hard by Wendy O’Leary, illustrated by Sandra Eide, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
Readers are presented with a variety of relatable scenarios such as losing a sporting event, feeling left out, struggling in school, etc. and learn that everyone feels frustrated and upset sometimes, but by reassuring ourselves with affirming words and a gentle touch, we can feel better.
Learning self-compassion at an early age is an essential way to develop emotional resiliency and self-confidence. There are several strategies listed in the back of the book to help children (and adults!) build self-compassion and self-acceptance. This comforting book is a must-read for children and adults!
Great Big Feelings series by Tom Percival
(Ages 4 and up)
Examples of children coping with anger, anxiety, jealousy, and other big feelings are skillfully presented in relatable situations in this engaging and impactful series. Hues of black and white mixed with pops of color highlight how much these difficult emotions can influence our happiness while a note in the back reassures readers and provides tips for managing these tricky feelings.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival, 2019
Ruby Finds a Worry stars a young, self-confident girl who becomes shaken when she discovers a worry. She tries to ignore it, but the more time that passes, the larger the worry grows until it becomes all-consuming. Ruby feels scared and alone until she meets someone else with a worry. By sharing their fears with each other, they find that they feel better and their worries become smaller and smaller and ultimately disappear.
Bright colors mixed with hues of gray capture Ruby’s feelings of anxiety and fear and ultimately her joy in shedding her burdens.
Milo’s Monster by Tom Percival
When a new girl named Suzi moves to Milo’s neighborhood and starts hanging out with his best friend Jay, he grows jealous. His feelings manifest into a green monster who confirms that Jay and Suzi are having more fun without him leading Milo to avoid them. When Suzi talks with Milo about how much Jay misses him, he realizes he has let his jealousy get the best of him. He apologizes and the three become good friends. Changing friendships is extremely challenging and this story does a good job of showing how helpful it is to talk to our friends about our feelings instead of letting our insecurities overwhelm us.
Ravi’s Roar by Tom Percival, 2020
Ravi is the youngest and smallest in his family. After a day of finishing last in every race, not being able to reach the monkey bars, and missing out on ice cream, he becomes furious and transforms into an angry tiger. His irate alter ego yells and stomps until Ravi flops on a bench feeling more sad than mad. Apologies are made and Ravi feels like himself once again.
Meeka Makes Friends by Tom Percival
Meeka excels in many areas, but really struggles reading social cues and connecting with others. She finds solace in the friends she creates out of recycled materials until she is invited to a birthday party. Even though she initially finds it difficult to join in the festivities, she eventually bonds with the other children when she shows them how to make their own special creations.
Perfectly Norman by Tom Percival
Norman feels perfectly normal until the day he grows wings. Worried by what others may think, he keeps them hidden under a jacket. When he can’t bear wearing the jacket any longer, he finally reveals his wings only to learn that there is no such thing as perfectly normal and he is perfect just the way he is.
Tilda Tries Again by Tom Percival
When Tilda’s world is turned upside down, she suddenly finds even the easiest task difficult. She wants to give up, but is inspired by a ladybug’s tenacity to find her own resiliency. Even though she still finds things challenging, Tilda discovers that the more she tries, the more she succeeds.
Finn’s Little Fibs by Tom Percival
While Finn is visiting his grandmother, he accidentally breaks a clock and blames it on his sister. While the lie initially seems insignificant, Grandma’s questions about the incident lead to more and more lies until he is drowning in his own deception. Each fib is personified as a small bubble and hovers around him preventing him from enjoying his everyday activities.
It is only when Finn shares the truth that he breaks free from his web of lies and understands the power of forgiveness and accountability.
All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell; illustrated by Allison Coploys, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
Rhyming text and lively illustrations feature a variety of diverse children showcasing their own special talents. “Smart is not just being best at spelling bees, a tricky test. Or knowing all the answers ever…Other things are just as clever. Every hour of every day, we’re smart in our own special way. And nobody will ever do…the very same smart thing as you.”
I love the message of this book! In a society that puts a ton of pressure on children, I’m thrilled to discover a book that reassures them that there are a lot of ways to excel and that we each have our own unique gifts.
Collaboration Station by Shannon Olsen, illustrated by Sanie Sonke, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
This uplifting story reminds children of the many benefits of working as a team and gives them pointers on how to be a good collaborator based on their personality. Collaboration is such an important skill and I love how this helpful book introduces it. We also adore Shannon Olsen’s other books including Our Class is a Family, Our School is a Family, and A Letter From Your Teacher.
Bijan Always Wins by Adib Khorram, illustrated by Michelle Tran, 2024
(Ages 4 and up)
Bijan likes to brag that he wins at everything even noncompetitive events like eating lunch or drawing. When his competitive spirit causes him to lose friends, however, he realizes there is more to life than winning. When he apologizes for his behavior, his classmates welcome him back. This is a wonderful social emotional learning story about treating friends with respect.
Hattie Harmony Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett; illustrated by Marissa Valdez, 2022
(Ages 5 and up)
I have no doubt that this book will become a classic first-day-of-school read aloud. The cheerful story playfully reassures readers that they can overcome their fears by using a variety of strategies. Feline detective Hattie Harmony is ready to help any friend struggling with anxiety by teaching them how to use mindful movement, stress balls, breathing techniques, and affirmations. In a powerful scene, she even faces her own fear while climbing up a tall slide. The story is enhanced further by a helpful author’s note discussing each strategy used in the story.
Who I Am: Words I Tell Myself by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter Reynolds, 2023
(Ages 4 and up)
It’s so easy for kids to get down on themselves and I absolutely love how this book encourages children to participate in positive self-talk through affirmations. This reassuring book is one I expect my kids to revisit often over the years.
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde; illustrated by Peter Reynolds, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
The powerhouse team of Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds is back with another touching addition to their wellness series. I Am Love provides tender examples of compassion helping children better understand this abstract idea. Charming illustrations follow a girl who helps a friend through a difficult time by listening and offering support. Other examples include understanding when someone makes a mistake, trying to correct a wrong, and spreading random acts of kindness.
I love the message that we are all capable of love and making the world a better place by showing compassion.
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett, illustrated by Gary Rubinstein
With the constant pressure of being perfect, this is a must read for kids! Beatrice Bottomwell has never made a mistake in her life, so everyone is shocked when she makes an extremely embarrassing error in front of an audience. Luckily, Beatrice takes it in stride and demonstrates that making mistakes are part of life. This fantastic story is a great lesson in resilience and perspective.
I’m Stretched by Julia Cook; illustrated by Stephanie Dehennin, 2019
(Ages 5 and up)
Stress is a part of life and if we can teach children at an early age how to manage it, hopefully they will learn how to create a balanced and healthy routine.
I’m Stretched by Julia Cook features a girl who is feeling pulled in a million directions by homework, sports, family, and friends. The upbeat rhymes provide several tips for coping with stress making this a helpful resource for both children and adults!
We can’t stop children from feeling the pressures of a fast-paced society, but we can aid them with tools to better manage the stressful feelings they may face.
The Happy Book by Andy Rash, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
Our family just adores this comical book on feelings! Surrounded by sunshine and flowers, Camper and his best friend Clam could not be happier. Clam bakes a cake to celebrate their friendship, but becomes sad when Camper eats the entire thing. Soon the friends travel through a range of emotions represented by different “books”.
Rich colors, clever details, and humorous dialogue make this book an engaging read aloud that children will ask for again and again. While comical, there is also a valuable lesson of sharing one’s feelings with others in an honest and constructive manner.
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires, 2014
(Ages 5 and up)
With the help of her pet dog, a girl embarks on a special mission to create something truly spectacular. After several attempts, however, she grows frustrated by her failures and quits. Taking a break by playing with her dog, however, gives her clarity and inspiration. She perseveres and her hard work pays off when she invents something remarkable. This engaging tale entertains while teaching children to never give up!
New by Nina Mata, 2025
(Ages 4 and up)
This heartfelt story beautifully captures both the excitement and nervousness surrounding new experiences. On her first day of school, a young girl walks in with eager anticipation, only to feel out of place. As the day unfolds, she learns that being new is a journey that can lead to “a joy that knows no boundaries.” This moving story is a touching reminder of the wonderful beginnings that await when we approach others with openness and kindness.
Perfect by Max Amato, 2019
(Ages 4 and up)
In this comical new book, an eraser is determined to keep his page perfectly clean. When a mischievous pencil interferes with this plan, however, the eraser learns a valuable lesson that perfection does not always equal happiness.
The clever artwork featuring a combination of photographs and illustrations paired with the minimal text are in fact perfect. This entertaining story is a new favorite that my children ask for repeatedly.
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