Looking to find the right social-emotional learning books to help build your child’s skills and emotional intelligence? Look no further – here are our top picks for kids from toddlers to grade school.
Do you want to teach your kids social skills, emotional intelligence, and how to handle their big feelings?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become an increasingly popular educational tool that helps kids build the SEL skills they need for life.
As parents, teachers, and other caregivers of our kids, we understand the immense importance of social-emotional skills for our kids’ relationships and mental health.
We’re all tasked with raising kind, confident, and responsible children.
But how?
The many amazing books are a great place to start!
To help make finding the best social-emotional learning books easier for you, we’ve put together this list of 45 books that teach valuable lessons and character-building for young children.
From simple board books for toddlers to picture books addressing deeper subjects such as empathy, growth mindset, or anger management — you’ll find plenty of fun children’s books to choose from that both entertain AND promote positive relationships.
This post is all about the best social emotional learning books for kids.
- Social emotional learning books about perseverance
- Social emotional books about feelings & emotions
- Social emotional learning books about mindfulness
- Social emotional books to teach relationship skills
- Social emotional learning books about integrity
- Social emotional books about empathy, compassion, & kindness
- Other posts you might like:
45+ Social Emotional Learning Books for Kids
Social emotional learning books about perseverance
1) I Choose to Try Again
In “I Choose to Try Again,” Kiara learns the importance of perseverance and growth through her own mistakes.
Illustrated with gorgeous vibrant colors, this story helps children understand the value of learning from failures and trying again.
This book is one part of a broader book series, that was created in collaboration with educators and therapists as a valuable resource for social and emotional learning.
2) Giraffes Can’t Dance
“Giraffes Can’t Dance” is such a fun story about Gerald, a giraffe who dreams of dancing despite his challenges.
With its clever rhymes and captivating illustrations, this tale serves as an inspiring reminder for children to pursue their dreams no matter what adversity they might face.
In the end, Gerald finds encouragement from an unexpected friend, allowing him to dance to his own rhythm and overcome obstacles.
3) Jabari Tries
We were first introduced to this book at our local library and it has been a family favorite ever since.
In this book, Jabari’s backyard project of building a flying machine turns out to be tougher than he thought.
But, with a little help from his Dad and his sister, along with perseverance and adaptability, he’s able to overcome his frustrations and create something remarkable.
If you like this one, we also highly recommend checking out Jabari Jumps by the same author.
4) Narwhal, I Believe in You Snuggler and Board Book
You’ll see some more of these Slumberkins books throughout this post, and that’s because Slumberkins is one of our absolute favorite resources for social emotional learning books and teaching valuable life skills.
They offer a variety of resources and materials to support parents and teachers, and they’re all amazing!
This book, “Narwhal, I Believe in You”, specifically focuses on teaching kids a growth mindset.
Children are encouraged to understand that new things can be challenging initially, but with effort, they can acquire new skills and gain knowledge.
It’s a reminder that progress isn’t always easy and takes time and patience.
5) The Little Engine That Could
The beloved story of “The Little Engine That Could” has been inspiring people worldwide since its initial publication in 1930.
This timeless classic portrays the unwavering determination and kindness of a small train engine that successfully pulls a train loaded with marvelous treasures for the eager children on the opposite side of a mountain.
With its enduring popularity for over 90 years, this picture book offers parents and educators an opportunity to introduce the values of perseverance and compassion to young readers.
6) Ricky, The Rock That Couldn’t Roll
“Rick, The Rock That Couldn’t Roll” delivers a heartwarming message about friendship, positive thinking, embracing differences, and never giving up.
The author’s choice of words flows beautifully in the rhyming text and the vibrant and fun illustrations perfectly complement the story.
This is definitely a fun and unique one to buy as a gift or add to your child’s home library.
7) You Can Do It!
We love all the wonderful learning resources Sesame Street provides.
“You Can Do It!” follows Elmo and his friends as they support and help each other through challenging activities.
It inspires perseverance, and friendship, and encourages kids to keep trying, even if they can’t do something quite yet.
This is the perfect book for young children particularly if they are fans of Elmo and the rest of the Sesame Street gang.
8) I Can Do Hard Things
Encourage your child to develop a positive inner voice with “I Can Do Hard Things”.
This book teaches kids the power of mindful affirmations to boost their resilience and strength in the face of challenges.
Social emotional books about feelings & emotions
9) Grumpy Monkey
Jim the chimpanzee is inexplicably in a terrible mood, despite the beautiful day.
His friends try to cheer him up, but it only seems to make things worse.
In the end, Jim realized maybe he just needs to have a grumpy day.
This bestselling picture book teaches children about emotional intelligence, giving them permission to feel their feelings.
10) A Little Spot of Feelings Box Set
This box set of SEL books helps kids learn about all sorts of different emotions like frustration, worry, boredom, and more.
These books have helped so many young kids learn to identify and navigate emotions and they’re a great social-emotional learning resource for both parents and teachers.
11) Hammerhead, Mad’s Not Bad
Another book in the Slumberkins SEL series, Hammerhead teaches kids about conflict resolution and that it’s normal to get mad sometimes.
By sharing Hammerhead’s story, you remind your child that they’re always loved, even when they mess up.
As with all of the Slumberkins books in this series, you can purchase just the book or the board book and snuggler set which comes with an adorable lovey for kids.
Our daughter has the Slumberkins Lynx snuggler set and she is inseparable from it now.
12) Be Mindful of Monsters
“Be Mindful of Monsters” is a children’s book that helps kids understand and cope with different emotions.
The story follows Ezzy, a nine-year-old, as she encounters anger, sadness, and worry portrayed as monsters.
Through a diverse set of characters, the book emphasizes the significance of acknowledging and accepting all emotions … even the ones that might feel a little uncomfortable.
13) Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes
It’s important to remember that anger should be expressed in a healthy and controlled manner.
Introducing mindfulness early on can equip kids with the tools they need to prevent their anger from escalating into a full-blown tantrum.
“Everyone Feels Angry Sometimes” provides a great resource on managing anger and teaches emotional self-regulation.
Authored by Dr. Daniela Owen, a child psychologist with expertise in clinical psychology, this book offers practical coping mechanisms for kids to remain calm and positive when they feel their anger rising.
14) Daniel’s Little Songs for Big Feelings
If your child likes Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood, this collection of little songs and mantras is a fantastic resource for nurturing emotional health, fostering resilience, and reaching important developmental milestones.
And, if you haven’t seen Daniel Tiger yet, I highly recommend checking it out.
All of the episodes teach such valuable social-emotional skills to kids.
15) The Way I Feel
By providing children with the vocabulary to describe their feelings, we empower them to navigate their emotional world.
“The Way I Feel” is a wonderful book that does just that and combines vivid illustrations with simple text to help children make connections between words and emotions.
16) My First Book of Emotions for Toddlers
By teaching toddlers about their feelings, we can help them develop self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
This picture book is a fantastic way to introduce little ones to understanding and managing their many emotions.
It discusses common emotions and helps your littlest learners learn to manage them in a positive way.
17) My Body Sends Signals
This educational gem is a wonderful resource for caregivers.
“My Body Sends Signals” features a heartwarming story that kids can connect with, captivating illustrations that capture their attention, calming activities, guidance for follow-up activities with adults, and more.
With this comprehensive resource in hand, your little ones will have a fun and interactive way to learn about their emotions and develop vital life skills.
Social emotional learning books about mindfulness
18) Yeti Greets the World
Join Yeti on a delightful adventure in “Yeti Greets the World.”
Follow along with her as she discovers ways to incorporate mindfulness into her daily routine.
Kids will immediately be drawn to Yeti as she teaches them to be more present and connected with the world around them.
As with the other Slumberkins resources, you can opt to purchase just the book or the book & snuggler set which makes a fantastic gift!
19) Listening to My Body
Parents, counselors, and teachers will find “Listening to My Body” to be an invaluable social-emotional learning tool.
“Listening to My Body” guides children from restlessness to calmness, helping them find the right words to express their experiences and understand how their emotions make them feel.
20) Mindfulness for Little Ones
Does your toddler or preschooler sometimes feel overwhelmed?
“Mindfulness for Little Ones” can help!
This book is designed for children ages two through five and introduces playful and developmentally appropriate mindfulness activities for kids that promote healthy coping skills and behaviors.
Give your little one the tools they need to navigate and thrive in the present moment.
21) I am Peace
Do you ever feel like you, as an adult, learn a lot from your kids’ social-emotional books too?
This book is part of a broader “I am” series that includes the New York Times bestsellers “I Am Human” and “I Am Love”.
All of the books in the series are truly fantastic and I highly recommend checking the other ones out if you have the opportunity to do so.
Mindfulness teaches us to be present in the moment and to observe our experiences without judgment but with kindness and curiosity.
Something that can even be difficult for most adults, especially if you were not parented in that way.
This book is a gentle reminder to young children, encouraging them to engage their senses, breathe, and be fully present in the here and now.
It’s especially powerful in helping children to acknowledge their feelings and overcome worry and anxiety.
22) Find Your Calm
If you have a child that struggles with anxiety, “Find Your Calm” is such a helpful book.
Through simple mindfulness techniques, activities, and exercises, it shares advice and strategies for kids to regain control over their anxiety.
If you like this one, you may also like the rest of the books from the “Growing Hearts & Minds” picture book series!
Social emotional books to teach relationship skills
23) Slumberkins Otter Snuggler & Board Book
Otter’s Story is a sweet book that teaches children about the unbreakable bond with their loved ones, even when they are physically apart.
This delightful book reassures little ones and helps them cope with separation anxiety, providing them with a much-needed sense of security and stability during uncertain times.
The snuggler that comes with this set is absolutely adorable and can help your child interact with the story, however, if it’s not in your budget, the book can also be purchased on its own for a lower price.
24) Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger
“Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger”, from the “World of Kids’ Emotions” book series, teaches children about accepting themselves and others.
In this story, the main character, Nick, discovers the beauty of diversity and realizes its strength.
The book encourages children to respect differences, be kind to others, and boost self-confidence.
25) Don’t Hug Doug: (He Doesn’t Like It)
“Don’t Hug Doug” is one of the best books to introduce concepts like consent, bodily autonomy, and respecting others’ boundaries.
In the story, Doug explains why he doesn’t like hugs and that he prefers alternative greetings like high-fives or waving hello.
The story emphasizes that everyone has different boundaries, and the best way to know someone’s preference is to ask!
26) Just Ask!
It’s tough feeling different, especially as a kid.
But Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and artist Rafael Lopez want readers to know that being different is what makes the world more vibrant and wonderful.
Through the story of children working together to build a community garden, readers are encouraged to ask questions about those who seem different from themselves.
This book celebrates the diverse abilities of individuals and inspires readers of all ages to embrace differences by asking questions and learning from one another.
27) Manners Time!
It’s no secret that manners are the foundation of positive interactions with other people.
They come into play when playing with friends, meeting others, making requests, or even how to apologize when you’ve made a mistake.
It’s important to know how to gracefully say no as well as this is critical for your kids to feel confident in setting their own healthy boundaries with others.
This book will help your toddler learn about all of those things and more as it teaches manners and lifelong positive social skills.
Social emotional learning books about integrity
28) Integrity Ninja
As parents, we want to equip our children with tools & values that they can use throughout their entire lives.
Integrity is one such tool.
“Integrity Ninja” reminds us that being honest and having strong moral principles never goes out of style.
Integrity is a cornerstone of a person’s character and can guide them through life’s obstacles.
By teaching children to be truthful, respectful, and accountable, they will grow up to be responsible adults who prioritize this important life skill and do the right thing.
Check out all the books in the ninja life hacks series.
29) The “I” in Integrity
This book follows a little girl named Cora June as she learns about integrity and the importance of doing the right thing even when nobody is watching.
With her mom’s help, Cora June learns about this important skill and works to heal some relationships where she previously lacked some integrity.
This can be a tricky concept for kids of all ages so I love that the book also includes tips for parents on caregivers to make the conversation more approachable.
30) Honesty is My Superpower
“Honesty is My Superpower” aims to teach kids that honesty is not just about speaking the truth, but it also means acting truthfully too.
Teaching kids, to be honest, is a critical social-emotional skill as it will help build trust and positive relationships with others throughout their lives.
Of course, it’s always important that we, as parents, set a good example to encourage our children to be truthful in all situations.
We can do this by being honest ourselves (remember, they’re always watching) and by making sure our kids feel comfortable and safe sharing the truth with us.
31) Just Help!
“Just Help! How to Build a Better World” is about a young girl named Sonia who is dedicated to helping others.
Each day, Sonia makes it her mission to find ways to make a positive impact in her community.
Along her journey, she learns that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact on the world around us.
Social emotional books about empathy, compassion, & kindness
32) Heart’s Treasure Hunt
Generation Mindful is known for its popular calming corner kits and other social-emotional skill resources.
And trust me, they’re all amazing!
In “Heart’s Treasure Hunt”, Heart goes on a mission to discover where love lives and he learns some things along the way.
The book concludes with a beautiful message that encourages readers to recognize that they are full of love by showing their reflection in a mirror.
This hardcover book is visually stunning and a great addition to any calming corner.
[RELATED: Generation Mindful Calming Corner Review: Is The Time-In Toolkit Worth it?]
33) Kindness is my Superpower
Most parents will say one of their main goals is to raise kind children.
“Kindness is my Superpower” does a great job of setting the stage for what it means to be kind to others and giving concrete examples for your children to follow.
Teachers and parents alike will appreciate the thoughtful lessons contained in this delightful book as well as all of the lessons from the “My Superpower” series of social emotional learning books.
34) Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind
“Tomorrow I’ll Be Kind” by Jessica Hische is an inspiring book that encourages children to be their best selves by reminding them that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world.
This book teaches kids valuable social-emotional skills, personality traits, and positive behaviors through its lovely story and gorgeous illustrations.
I absolutely love the gentle and encouraging tone of this book, much like its sister book, “Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave”, which makes it an excellent choice for teaching children about essential life skills that will set them on a path to creating more meaningful and positive relationships with others.
35) I Am Love
Sometimes when we’re feeling overwhelmed by our emotions, it can be hard to see the light within us.
That’s where “I Am Love” comes in.
This book encourages readers to look inside themselves and find the love within.
It includes yoga poses and guided meditation to help your kids learn to navigate those big emotions.
36) Be Kind
“Be Kind” is a beautifully written an illustrated book about the different ways we can be kind to others.
It’s a wonderful way to teach young kids the importance of helping others and how they can help make the world a better place with even the smallest acts of kindness.
37) ABCs of Kindness
Teaching children about the importance of kindness is made easy with this charming board book that promotes social and emotional development.
Not only will kids learn their ABCs, but they’ll also learn how to treat everyone with kindness and compassion.
From being a friend to everyone to having a positive outlook, this book will quickly become a beloved tool for parents and educators alike.
If you’re looking for even more books that promote positivity and happiness, be sure to check out the rest of the series, including the “123s of Thankfulness” and “Happiness is a Rainbow”.
Social emotional books about self-confidence
38) The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be
“The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be” by Joanna Gaines is a captivating children’s book that highlights the beauty of acceptance and being true to yourself.
The story follows a group of kids as they come together to create their own hot-air balloons learning along the way that everyone has different skills, ideas, and ways of doing things.
The book emphasizes the importance of celebrating diversity in all aspects of life.
It’s an excellent read for both children and adults, reminding us all to embrace ourselves and others with open hearts and minds.
39) Be You
“Be You” is a New York Times bestseller and has received praise for its beautiful artwork and inspiring message.
It’s a must-read for anyone looking to encourage individuality and creativity in themselves, their kids, and others.
Ryan H. Reynolds’ talent for bringing stories to life with his whimsical illustrations and heartfelt messages shines through in this wonderful book.
40) Slumberkins Lynx Snuggler & Board Book
Kids need to know that their feelings are important and that it’s okay to listen to their inner voice, no matter how small it may seem.
The Lynx is another part of the Slumberkins social emotional learning series and it does just that.
With this sweet story, kids can learn to trust their instincts and gain confidence in their emotions.
Our 4 year old’s favorite part is repeating the affirmation at the end of the book!
41) All My Stripes: A Story for Children with Autism
We all have parts of ourselves that we may feel self-conscious about or wish we could change.
But what if we learned to love every part of us, just like the Zane in “All My Stripes”?
This heartwarming children’s book teaches us that our differences are what make us unique and special.
Through the story of a zebra with autism, we see how he learns to embrace and love all the different parts of himself – even the ones that may make him feel different from those around him.
It’s a lesson we can all learn from, regardless of whether or not we have autism.
Because at the end of the day, every part of us contributes to who we are as a person – and that’s pretty amazing!
42) It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
Has your child ever felt afraid to try something new because they’re scared of failing?
If so, the children’s book “It’s Okay to Make Mistakes”, part of the “Todd Parr Classics” book series, is a must-read.
This book reminds us that mistakes are often happy accidents that can lead to amazing discoveries and growth.
With playful and colorful illustrations, it encourages children (and adults) to explore the world around them without the fear of getting things wrong.
43) I Am Enough
As kids grow up, it can be hard to navigate the world and all the expectations that come with it.
That’s why books like “I Am Enough” are so important.
They remind us that each and every one of us has a purpose and that we are important and valuable just the way we are.
44) Red: A Crayon’s Story
If you’re like me and have felt many times in life that you just don’t fit in then you’ll love “Red: A Crayon’s Story”.
In this book, Red is mistakenly labeled as “red” when really he is blue.
The poor crayon just can’t seem to get it right and feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere.
But with a little self-discovery, Red finally figures out his true identity and is able to be his authentic self.
This touching story is relatable for many of us and teaches us the importance of staying true to ourselves and following our own path.
45) Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
“Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave” is more than just a children’s book.
It reminds kids of all the great things they can be, encouraging them to try new things, be kind, and always give their best.
But what I really love about this book is the recognition that some days, being brave and energetic might seem impossible. It’s okay to have those days – we all do.
With its engaging illustrations and uplifting messages, “Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave” is the perfect reminder for kids (and adults!) to just do the best we can.
46) What Do You Do With An Idea?
“What Do You Do With An Idea?” is a wonderful book to instill confidence in your kids.
It tells the story of a young boy who has a big idea and takes action to bring it to life.
This award-winning book teaches us not to be afraid of our unique ideas but instead, welcome them with open arms and see the magic they create.
It will motivate you to embrace your potential, give your ideas space to grow, and see where they take you.
We’re big fans of this book in our household as well as the entire “What Do You Do With?” series.