Social Emotional Learning

Updated May 23, 2025
Drag items up and down to your preferred order then select the "Save Order" button.
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...
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...
Nook
Garland, Sally Anne
Paper Book
Nook is small and shy, and she likes to sit in the cozy, comfy space of a hollow tree watching others play. When someone comes along to take Nook's space, she feels lost and afraid, until she discovers she has friends looking out for her in ways she never imagined! This gentle story explores shyness...
What happened to you?
Catchpole, James
Paper Book
A Schneider Family Book Award Honor book! This accessible, funny, and groundbreaking story addresses the questions children often ask, as well as a disabled child's choice not to answer. What happened to you? Was it a shark? A burglar?...
I feel! : a book of emotions
Medina, Juana
Paper Book
Pura Belpré Award-winning author-illustrator Juana Medina helps young readers to identify how they feel with bold, colorful illustrations and simple text in this paper-over-board picture book, the third book in the I WILL! series. Do you feel happy Sad Calm Shy Brave Proud<...
The bad seed
John, Jory
Paper Book
There is a bad seed. A baaaaaaaad seed. How bad Do you really want to know He lies about pointless stuff. He cuts in line. Every time. And he does LOTS of other bad things too. But what happens when a bad seed doesn't want to be bad anymore Can a...
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
If you plant a seed
Nelson, Kadir
Paper Book
If you plant a carrot seed . . . a carrot will grow. If you plant a lettuce seed . . . lettuce will grow. But what happens if you plant a seed of kindness . . . or selfishness Beloved award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson presents a resonant,...
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
Here's a fun idea: When you laugh or smile--pass it on! A story about giving, sharing, and joy. When you see something terrific, smile a smile and pass it on! If you chance upon a chuckle, hee hee hee and pass it on. Should you spot a thing of wonder, jump for joy and...
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...
Group hug
Reidy, Jean
Paper Book
There once was a slug, / needing someone to hug. When Slug happens upon a lonely beetle, he knows just what to do. He gives him a big hug--and then the two friends decide to pass it along. They meet Mouse, who's down in the dumps, Skunk, who's a bit smelly, and more and more...
Lunch every day
Otoshi, Kathryn
Paper Book
Every day Jimmy takes 'Skinny Kid's' lunch at school. No way will he be caught dead standing in that FREE LUNCH line. Even when he's called into the principal's office, Jimmy just shrugs. "Yeah. Whatever." Until a surprising act of kindness stops him in his tracks. For a split second a door cracks...
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...
Where happiness begins
Eland, Eva
Paper Book
Are you looking for happiness? Sometimes it can feel really far away, and sometimes you might have so much you can't help but share. You can try to chase it, control it or capture it, but even if it seems like it's gone for a while, you'll know it's never far away... This is the second of Eva Eland...
Letters to live by : an alphabet book with intention
Riddiough, Lisa Frenkel
Paper Book
Appreciate art, become brave, and choose compassion. Pairing big ideas like generosity, respect, and joy with the letters of the alphabet, Letters to Live By is a beautiful picture book that encourages children to make the most of each day and leave their mark on the world.
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 color monster : a story about emotions
Llenas, Anna
Paper Book
Unpack feelings using color with this bestselling character who helps young readers identify emotions and feel more in control.   One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad...
The frustrating book!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
From Mo Willems, creator of the revolutionary, award-winning, best-selling Elephant & Piggie books, comes this breakout beginning-reader series, Unlimited Squirrels. An ensemble cast of Squirrels, Acorns, and pop-in guests hosts a page-turning extravaganza. Each book features a...
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...

Library staff! You can create and contribute to lists. Contact your catalog administrator or log in here.