Social Emotional Learning

Updated May 23, 2025
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Sometimes I cry
Townes, Jess
Paper Book
From Jess Townes with illustrations by Daniel Miyares, this poignant picture book deftly tackles the wide array of emotions experienced in childhood, and especially reminding readers that there's nothing wrong with crying. Sometimes I cry . . . when I'm angry.<...
Ruby finds a Worry
Percival, Tom
Paper Book
What do you do when a worry won't leave you alone? This beloved picture book from the Big Bright Feelings series is perfect for reassuring young readers in times of stress. Meet Ruby-a happy, curious, imaginative girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's...
You go first
Bernstein, Ariel
Paper Book
In the spirit of Mo Willems and Ben Clanton, this "extremely funny and spot-on sensitive" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book shows how a good friend can become even better by trying new things and putting others first. Cat and Duck are very good friends and play...
Not enough lollipops
Maynor, Megan
Paper Book
Alice thinks it's her lucky day when she wins a wagon full of lollipops, but sharing them with her classmates is more complicated than it seems. Can she find a fair way to divvy up the sweets? When Alice wins an enormous basket of lollipops in the raffle she's happy to share her...
The day you begin
Woodson, Jacqueline
Paper Book
A #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! Featured in its own episode in the Netflix original show Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices! National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson and two-time Pura Belpré Illustrator Award winner Rafael López have teamed up to...
All are welcome
Penfold, Alexandra
Paper Book
Join the call for a better world with this New York Times bestselling picture book about a school where diversity and inclusion are celebrated. The perfect back-to-school read for every kid, family and classroom! In our classroom safe and sound. Fears are lost and...
The noise inside boys : a story about big feelings
Oswald, Pete
Paper Book
Pete Oswald, the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator and father of three sons unravels the confusing emotions inside boys today against the backdrop of a day at the beach. When two older brothers tease their younger brother, overwhelming feelings surface, along with...
What happened to you?
Catchpole, James
Paper Book
The first ever picture book addressing how a disabled child might want to be spoken to. What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar? A lion? Did it fall off? Every time Joe goes out the questions are the same . . . what...
Give
Arena, Jen
Paper Book
A gorgeous and powerful book about how simple acts of kindness can change the world. Pay It Forward. Random Acts of Kindness. The Golden Rule. Choose Kind. As parents, teachers, grandparents, aunts and uncles, we hope to teach children compassion, kindness, and selflessness...
The bad seed
John, Jory
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad Do you really want to know He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and...
Shy Willow
Min, Cat
Paper Book
A breathtakingly illustrated story about shyness, the power of empathy, and what it means to make a friend -- ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH! "Evokes a richly mysterious night; a night in which dreams could come true."  --The New York Times
A small kindness
McAnulty, Stacy
Paper Book
Teach the importance of goodwill with this impactful picture book with a solid pay-it-forward message to encourage kindness in young children--from the award-winning author of Excellent Ed and Sun! One In a Billion. It was like a game of tag, with...
Be kind
Miller, Pat Zietlow
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller! "These days, it seems more important than ever for books to show young people how to act with thoughtfulness, civility, and kindness." --The New York Times Book Review When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her...
Something, someday
Gorman, Amanda
Paper Book
The stunning new picture book by presidential inaugural poet Amanda Gorman and Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Christian Robinson. You're told that This won't work, But how will you know If you never try? Presidential...
Simon and the better bone
Tabor, Corey R.
Paper Book
Using the same innovative format as his Caldecott Honor winner, Mel Fell, Corey R. Tabor reimagines Aesop's "The Dog and His Reflection" in a clever, charming tale of empathy and generosity.  One day, down by the pond, Simon meets another dog just like him.  ...
Pass it on
Henn, Sophy
Paper Book
A joyful and uplifting picture book about finding happiness in the smallest of things, from picture book star Sophy Henn - World Book Day illustrator and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize.
The rabbit listened
Doerrfeld, Cori
Paper Book
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * A moving and universal picture book about the power of listening to show empathy and kindness, sure to soothe heartaches big and small. ONE OF THE BEST CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR: The New York Times Book Review, Time, The Wall...
The kindest red : a story of hijab and friendship
Muhammad, Ibtihaj
Paper Book
The sequel to the acclaimed New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue shows the power of friendship and kindness, from Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. It's picture day and Faizah can't wait to wear her special red dress with matching hair...
Out of a jar
Marcero, Deborah
Paper Book
This highly anticipated follow-up to the critically acclaimed and bestselling picture book In a Jar stars one little bunny dealing with some very big feelings. Llewellyn does not like to feel afraid or sad, angry, lonely, or embarrassed. And so he comes up with a brilliant...
When sadness is at your door
Eland, Eva
Paper Book
A comforting primer in emotional literacy and mindfulness that suggests we approach the feeling of sadness as if it is our guest. Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who...
The Colour Monster
Llenas, Anna.
Paper Book
A picture book follow-up to The Colour Monster, Anna Llenas's jaw-dropping pop-up book.
I need a hug = Necesito un abrazo
Blabey, Aaron
Paper Book
Everyone needs a hug in this bilingual, irresistibly funny picture book from Aaron Blabey, the bestselling creator of Pig the Pug! En I Need a Hug / Necesito un abrazo, un diminuto puercoespín solo quiere que lo acurruquen, pero los demás animales huyen de él a causa de sus...
Grumpy Bird
Tankard, Jeremy
Paper Book
The debut book of Jeremy Tankard's high-flying Bird series!Bird wakes up feeling grumpy. Too grumpy to eat or play -- too grumpy even to fly. "Looks like I'm walking today," says Bird. He walks past Sheep, who offers to keep him company. He walks past Rabbit, who also could use a walk. Raccoon,...
How do dinosaurs say I'm mad?
Yolen, Jane
Paper Book
R-O-A-R! What happens when little dinosaurs get mad? And how do they calm down?Brimming with humor, this sparkling new book handles a timeless children's topic with wit and wisdom. Romp and stomp! Roar and slam! Almost everyone gets angry. But how can young dinosaurs also learn to calm down, take a...

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