Discover a range of books which will help your little one learn more about the importance of their own mental health and the mental health of those around them. These books teach necessary concepts like dealing with fear and worry, anger, self-image, and specific mental health issues like OCD.
The Big Bright Feelings Series
Bloomsbury | PB
Tom Percival
The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics — from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.
When I See Blue
9781510109803 | Orion | PB
Lily Bailey
Sometimes Ben’s brain makes him count to 4 to prevent bad things happening. Sometimes it makes him tap or blink in 4s. Mostly it makes the smallest things feel impossible. And with a new school, a moody big brother, an absent dad and a mum battling her own demons, Ben feels more out of control than ever. But then he meets April, and with his new friend, Ben might finally figure out how to stand up to the bully in his brain, once and for all.
An authentic and affecting #ownvoices story about living life with OCD, from the inspiring author and mental health activist, Lily Bailey. Perfect for readers of A Kind of Spark and Wonder.
The Little Fear
9780008538071 | HarperCollins | PB
Luke Scriven
When Sam lets in a little fear one night, he’s sure it won’t be any bother. But before he knows it, the fear has grown and grown and grown. Until even the sunniest of sunny days doesn’t feel very sunny any more. There’s only one thing for it. Sam must try and be a little bit brave ….
Beautifully and simply told, this reassuring and empowering story on confronting your fears is a hugely exciting debut from author and illustrator Luke Scriven.
Ella on the Outside
9781788000338 | Nosy Crow | PB
Cath Howe
Ella is the new girl at school. She doesn’t know anyone, and she doesn’t have any friends. She also has a terrible secret…
Ella can’t believe her luck when Lydia, the most popular girl in school, decides to be her new best friend – but what does Lydia really want? And what does it all have to do with Molly, the quiet, shy girl who won’t talk to anyone?
Her time at this new school is a gripping story filled with secrets, lies and friendship…
DinoFeelings Series
Orchard | HB
Rachel Bright
Teach little dinosaurs about big feelings with the DinoFeelings series. Soothing stories that will help to open up conversations about feelings in a gentle and approachable way.
Check out some of our other recommendations, like children’s books about making friends, and children’s books that promote kindness.
