Mental Health Book List for kids 0-8

Mental Health Awareness Month The theme of this list is “it didn’t go my way”

Updated February 23, 2026
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Always sisters : a story of loss and love
Mir, Saira
Paper Book
This much-needed picture book about navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss meets young readers at their level to offer a tender look at grieving someone who never entered the world. Raya can't wait for her baby sister to arrive. She's already got a name--Nura--and...
Boyogi : how a wounded family learned to heal
Moore, David Barclay
Paper Book
When his daddy comes home from the service struggling with PTSD, a young boy discovers that learning yoga together can be a source of healing. Ever since Daddy returned from overseas, he's been different. At first, Butta Bean thinks it's his fault--that maybe his daddy doesn't...
Friends are not for biting
Allen, Ryan
Paper Book
Teeth are powerful, amazing tools for chewing and eating . . . but teeth are not for biting our friends and family! "A gentle parenting guide for curbing chewy childhood behavior." - Kirkus Reviews Liam loves pretending to be a lion. He roars. He...
It was supposed to be sunny
Cotterill, Samantha
Paper Book
A perfectly planned birthday party goes awry in this gentle story about adapting to the unexpected, written for kids on the autism spectrum and called "brilliant" and "engaging" by autism specialist Tony Attwood Laila feels like her sparkly sunshine birthday celebration is on the...
Only ants for Andy
Awan, Jashar
Paper Book
This funny, satisfying picture book from the author of What a Lucky Day! gives a fresh spin to a familiar childhood theme: trying new things. I'm Andy And I like what I like!  Andy is a very particular anteater. He has his favorite toys, his...
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...
Remembering
González, Xelena
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this "gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance" (...
Saturday
Mora, Oge
Paper Book
In this warm and tender story by the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Thank You, Omu!, join a mother and daughter on an up-and-down journey that reminds them of what's best about Saturdays: precious time together. Today would be special. Today would be splendid....
Sometimes we fall
De Sève, Randall
Paper Book
Sometimes you want to eat a juicy red plum at the top of a tree, but it seems so hard. What if you start the climb and a strong wind blows and the tree shakes? What if it rains and you slip and FALL? But those weet-smelling, juicy, ripe purple plums up there look so tasty, and best of all, Mama is...
Waiting is not easy!
Willems, Mo
Paper Book
Mo Willems, award-winning, New York Times best-selling creator of The Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, and Unlimited Squirrels, presents best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie.   Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald...

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