Top 10 Social-Emotional Learning Children's books

Children are back to school and schools are experiencing an all time high in behavioral issues among elementary age students. (Education Week) Integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into the daily curriculum is a great way to start the conversation about appropriate behavior within and outside the school environment. Below are a few books that address SEL learning in a variety of ways. I suggest keeping them in a space in your home or classroom that is used to calm down and refocus. Building a small, cozy reading space to help children refocus their energy in a positive way is one way to alleviate tense moments as they occur.

Top 10 Children's Books that Support SEL Education

The Meanies by Veronica Stanly-Hooper
Available on Histria Books

Taking toys, pulling hair, pushing other children-- Do you know a child that has a hard time with impulse regulation? You need this book.
The main character is experiencing all of these BIG feelings, so he blames imaginary monsters called the Meanies.  The reader gets to hear the story of this boy and notice how others feel when he behaves poorly.
The greatest lesson learned in this book is how to regulate big emotions through a breathing technique that sends the Meanies away for good.  The story is told from a child's perspective through a fun rhyming narrative that NEVER sounds preachy and is perfect for 3-7 year old children.

Little Monster Needs a Nap by Harley Scroggins
Available on Barnes and Noble

Little Monster Needs a Nap tells the story of a little monster who has been acting out by terrorizing his fellow housemates in their spooky monster-filled mansion. With the help of a friendly ghost and characters such as The Vampire Queen, Mr. Mummy, and The Creature, Little Monster learns how others use napping as a tool to regulate their moods and better process big emotions-- while still having time to enjoy their day. This book is perfect for children ages 3-7 years old.

The Fibbing Rabbit by Vontavia J. Heard
Available on Amazon

Join Mr. Rabbit on an endearing tale of self-discovery in The Fibbing Rabbit. When Mr. Rabbit's lies alienate him from his friends, he soon realizes that honesty is the best policy. Through captivating illustrations and relatable storytelling, this heartwarming book gently teaches children the value of honesty, integrity, and the importance of owning up to their actions, inspiring them to always choose truthfulness.

PLAY! by Veronica Stanley-Hooper
Available on Amazon

This book is a favorite among children from 4-7 years old. The diverse cast of characters insures that every child sees a reflection of themselves among the pages of this fun story about the many ways that children can pretend play.
The theme of the book PLAY!  is focused on the idea that creative play allows children to experience positive emotions like feeling smart, brave, kind, and many others, which supports SEL learning in developmental TK, preK, and kindergarten classrooms. 
Because each character is role playing various careers, it becomes the perfect book to add to community helpers lessons too.

I Am Not A Scaredy-cat! by Paula D. Golden
Available on Amazon

I Am NOT A Scaredy-Cat is a playful look at the way in which children boldly confront common fears- darkness, creatures, or sounds - and an acknowledgement that no matter how brave we are - we each have fears to face. An Author's Note at the end provides thoughtful questions for opening conversations about fears. This book is great for children 4-8 years old.

Scary Halloween Costumes by Veronica Stanley-Hooper
Available on Amazon

With a focus on funny, Halloween entertainment, this book has all the charm of the classic 1966 film, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, by Charles Schultz while also discussing some common childhood fears like dogs, the dark, and others.
The two main characters are sister and brother. They explore the meaning of the word scary while deciding upon which costume to wear for Trick or Treat. This book is written for children 3-7 years old.

Emma's Eye-opening Experience by Carole Cliffe
Available on Amazon

​Social media, bullying, and peer pressure have contributed to an epidemic of low self-esteem among children. This book will help kids to be their own best friend and celebrate their unique gifts.

Our main character, Emma, takes young readers on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. This entertaining story encourages children to embrace their uniqueness. It is perfect for children 5-8 years old.

The Sour Grape by Jory John
Available on Harper Collins

The Sour Grape holds grudges for every reason under the sun. Lime never returned a scarf they borrowed? Grudge! Orange never called back? Grudge! But when a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape without listening to an explanation, the Sour Grape realizes how unfair grudges can be.  Perfect for children 4-8 years old.

Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Available on Random House Kids

Suzanne and Max Lang bring levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.
Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can't understand it--how can he be in a bad mood when it's SUCH a beautiful day? ​

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
Available on Hachette Book Group

One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through color. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed-up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result. Everyone will enjoy sharing this concept book that taps into both socio-emotional growth and color concepts in a simple, friendly way.​ Children from 4-7 enjoy this book.

Developing emotional literacy is so important now more than ever. I hope this list of books helps you to help the children in your life take control of their BIG emotions. Let me know what you want to learn more about or share your personal experiences with troublesome behavior in the comments.