In classrooms all across the country, teachers are weaving social emotional learning (SEL) into their lessons. SEL isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a foundation for helping kids navigate the world with confidence and empathy. As parents and teachers, we have the privilege of guiding young children each and every day. We’re shaping not only their minds, but their hearts too.
We lead by example, but sometimes we need a little extra support. That’s where books with themes about social-emotional skills come in.
Books are a wonderful way to teach kids about the world around them and the social skills they’ll need along the way. These picture books open the door to conversations about empathy, kindness, self-control, resilience, mental health, and so much more. Stories help young readers see both themselves and others more clearly. They give kids the words to describe big feelings, and they create space for discussing tricky situations or tough topics.
Whether you’re reading at bedtime or during a morning meeting in the classroom, these books are more than just stories—they’re tools for emotional growth and building emotional intelligence.
Below you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 35 best books to support SEL at home and in the classroom. These titles gently introduce themes like empathy, perseverance, and kindness for kids in Pre-K through the elementary years.
Why Teach SEL?
Social Emotional Learning is impactful for so many reasons 1. It helps children:
- Increase self-awareness
- Develop self-management skills (like regulating difficult emotions and behaviors)
- Build social awareness and empathy
- Develop and maintain healthy relationships
- Make responsible decisions by considering the impact of their choices
- Learn how to foster positive relationships with those around them
What Makes A Great SEL Book?
When choosing social-emotional learning books for kids, I look for:
- Age-appropriate language and illustrations
- Relatable characters
- Important themes like friendship, inclusion, and kindness
- Practical lessons woven into meaningful stories
These books don’t just teach a lesson, they help kids connect and grow.
Top 35 SEL Books for Kids (Organized by Theme)
Themes include: self-awareness and emotions, communication and friendship, growth mindset and resilience, empathy and inclusion, and kindness and manners.
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Self-Awareness and Emotions
I Have Ants in My Pants
by Julia Cook
This book helps kids understand the importance of keeping their hands to themselves and staying still, even when they feel like they have ants in their pants. It normalizes a feeling every kid knows well and offers helpful strategies for managing it.
The Color Monster
by Anna Llenas
This interactive pop-up book introduces toddlers to their feelings in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Each page includes 3D pop-ups that kids love to explore while learning about emotions.
In My Heart: A Book of Feelings
by Jo Witek
This whimsical book explores how feelings can change from day to day. It uses playful comparisons—like stars and hot air balloons—to help kids relate to and better understand their emotions.
The Way I Feel
by Janan Cain
A classic choice for helping kids identify and name their emotions. It also encourages conversations about how to regulate those big feelings.
Grumpy Monkey
by Suzanne Lang
Jim the chimpanzee isn’t feeling like his usual self—he’s grumpy. His friends try to cheer him up, but nothing works… until one friend simply sits with him. This story gently reminds kids (and grown-ups) that it’s okay to feel what you feel.
Those Shoes
by Maribeth Boelts
Jeremy dreams of owning the same trendy shoes everyone at school is wearing, but his family can’t afford them. When he finds a too-small pair at a thrift shop, he realizes that sore feet aren’t worth it—and that what really matters can’t be bought.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
by Judith Viorst
From spilled cereal to bedtime drama, Alexander’s day just keeps going downhill. This relatable story shows kids that bad days happen, but they don’t last forever.
The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
Unhei is new to school and worried about fitting in, especially when her classmates can’t pronounce her Korean name. She considers picking a new name from a jar, but nothing feels quite right. With the help of a kind friend, Unhei learns to embrace her identity. A beautiful story about belonging and welcoming new classmates with open arms.
Communication and Friendship
The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig
This heartfelt story shows how a small act of kindness can change someone’s entire world. The quiet kid in class feels completely invisible—until a new student arrives and helps him feel seen and valued. This book includes a helpful discussion guide to make it easier for parents and teachers to talk with kids about the story’s message.
Chrysanthemum
by Kevin Henkes
A little girl named Chrysanthemum adores her name—until the first day of school, when classmates begin teasing her. This story gently teaches the importance of embracing our uniqueness and accepting others for who they are.
Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
It’s Pet Club Day, and while lots of animals are invited, elephants are not. When a young boy and his pet elephant are excluded, they show everyone what true friendship and inclusion really mean.
A Friend Like You
by Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon
This uplifting book celebrates the many ways to be a good friend. It encourages kids to appreciate the joy of both having friends and being one.
The Good Egg
by Jory John
Meet the very good egg. He is perfect. But it is tough to be a good egg when everyone around you is just plain rotten. The good egg starts to crack under the pressure of feeling like he has to be perfect and decides to make some changes.
My Mouth Is a Volcano
by Julia Cook
This relatable story is about a child who struggles with interrupting. It captures what many kids feel when they want to blurt something out and teaches helpful strategies for managing thoughts and words before they “erupt.”
The Recess Queen
by Alexis O’Neill
This story addresses bullying in a creative and empowering way, without relying on adult intervention. The school bully seems unstoppable until a brave new student chooses kindness and friendship instead. It’s a powerful reminder of how kids can help each other and make a big difference. This book is the perfect way to talk to kids about handling conflict on their own.
Growth Mindset and Resilience
The Most Magnificent Thing
by Ashley Spires
A young girl dreams up the most magnificent thing—she knows exactly how it will look and work. But building it turns out to be much harder than she expected. This story teaches kids the valuable lessons of perseverance and trial and error when working toward a goal.
Beautiful Oops!
by Barney Saltzberg
This interactive book shows that every mistake is an opportunity for something wonderful. With pop-ups, lift-the-flaps, and creative illustrations, it encourages young kids to see “oops” moments as part of the learning process, not reasons to give up.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
by Giles Andreae
Gerald the giraffe wants to dance, but he just doesn’t seem to have the rhythm or moves like the others. With a little encouragement from an unexpected friend, Gerald learns to dance to the beat of his own drum. A fun, uplifting story about confidence and self-expression.
The Magical Yet
by Angela DiTerlizzi
This inspiring story reminds kids that even when they can’t do something yet, it doesn’t mean they won’t. Whether it’s tying their shoes or being brave, the Magical Yet is always there to help them keep going.
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
There are times when we all feel like we don’t belong. This beautifully written book encourages kids to bravely step forward and share their stories, even when it’s hard.
The Bad Seed
by Jory John
This seed is really bad—bad attitude, bad manners, bad everything. But he decides he wants to change, and slowly, he does. A humorous, relatable story that shows positive change is always possible.
The Small, the Tall, and the Most Important of All
by Kyle Norton
A heartwarming story about self-worth, this book reminds kids that being exactly who they are is more than enough. It’s a celebration of uniqueness and knowing your own value.
Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall
A little boy named Jabari has passed his swim test and is ready to jump off the diving board—at least, he thinks he is. This sweet and encouraging story captures a moment of bravery and the quiet courage it takes to face your fears.
Empathy and Inclusion
All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold
At this school, every child is welcomed with open arms—no matter who they are or where they come from. This is a perfect first-day-of-school read to help kids feel included and comfortable in a new classroom.
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
Something sad happens to Taylor, and everyone has an idea of what he should do. The chicken wants to talk, the bear says get angry, but none of it feels right. Then the rabbit comes along and simply listens, which turns out to be exactly what Taylor needed. This touching story shows the quiet power of listening.
Our Class is a Family
by Shannon Olsen
This sweet story shows how a classroom can be more than just a place to learn—it can be a second home. It’s a wonderful book to read at the start of the school year to help kids feel safe, supported, and part of a community.
I’m NOT Just a Scribble
by Diane Alber
Scribble always thought he fit in—until he met the drawings, who don’t accept him because he looks different. But when they begin to work together, they create something more beautiful than they could have imagined. This is a colorful, creative story about inclusion and teamwork.
Last Stop on Market Street
by Matt de la Peña
Every Sunday, CJ rides the bus with his grandmother, but today, he feels frustrated and left out. Why don’t they have a car like everyone else? Through his grandmother’s gentle wisdom, CJ begins to see the beauty and richness of the world around him. A thoughtful story about gratitude, perspective, and noticing the good in everyday life.
Kindness and Manners
A Little Spot of Kindness
by Diane Alber
This book helps kids learn simple, everyday ways to spread kindness. A fun follow-up activity is to make your own “spots of kindness” as a visual reminder to practice kindness throughout the day.
Do Unto Otters
by Laurie Keller
Mr. Rabbit isn’t sure what to do when the new neighbors, the otters, move in. Thankfully, he gets some helpful advice: follow the Golden Rule. This fun and quirky book teaches kids important relationship skills, including how to make and keep friends.
Kindness Is My Superpower
by Alicia Ortego
With bright illustrations and a heartwarming story, this book shows kids that kindness, empathy, and compassion are true superpowers. It also reassures children that it’s okay to make mistakes—and that saying “I’m sorry” is part of being kind.
Kindness Makes Us Strong
by Sophie Beer
Perfect for younger kids, this book highlights different ways to be kind in everyday situations. From the playground to the neighborhood, it’s a sweet reminder that small acts of kindness can have a big impact.
ABCs of Kindness
by Samantha Berger
This alphabet-themed book encourages kids to be kind in creative, yet practical ways—like donating blankets, helping with chores, or standing up for others. It’s a great way to introduce the concept of kindness to toddlers and preschoolers.
The Kindness Quilt
by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Minna and her classmates each create quilt squares that show acts of kindness, turning their good deeds into a beautiful quilt. This book is a lovely classroom read and pairs well with a group project where everyone contributes their own “kindness square.”
Enemy Pie
by Derek Munson
Just when summer is going great, a new kid moves in and ruins everything. Thankfully, Dad has a secret recipe for “enemy pie.” But it includes a special ingredient: spending a whole day with your enemy. This book teaches kids that sometimes, a new best friend can be found where they least expect it.
How to Use These Books at Home or in the Classroom
All of these book recommendations make wonderful read-alouds in the classroom, morning meetings, small groups, or even at home.
- Pair them wth a simple SEL activity or role play.
- Read, then do a journaling activity.
- Revisit the books when a theme comes up in real life (friendship, kindness, bullying, etc.).
- Add them to a quiet reading corner.
These books can help introduce kids to tricky topics without pressure. They open the door to meaningful conversations.
Final Thoughts
Social Emotional Learning is not just a subject to be taught in school, it is a lifelong lesson. These children’s books help kids learn the skills to handle their emotions, build confidence, and interact well with others. They may even discover new favorite books along the way!
You don’t need the perfect words to teach your kids, you just need to start. Start with reading books and having good conversations with each other.
Keep this list handy, rotate books on your shelf, and let these resources help you raise kind and resilient kids.
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References
1Weissberg, R. P., Durlak, J. A., Domitrovich, C. E., & Gullotta, T. P. (2015, February 26). Why social and emotional learning is essential for students. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/why-sel-essential-for-students-weissberg-durlak-domitrovich-gullotta
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