Emotional intelligence is one of the most essential life skills for children to develop, as it enables them to bounce back when things go wrong. But how? Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a powerful process that supports children in their emotional development while preparing them for the challenging cycles of life. For some children, many emotional setbacks can prevent them from moving forward successfully. Some kids often feel stressed at the start of a new school year, while others may become overwhelmed due to their new social circles or increased workloads. To cope with these situations, SEL is the perfect tool that should be integrated into kids’ daily routines, allowing them to navigate uncertain circumstances while maintaining their emotional health.
Social-emotional learning books are excellent for children’s emotional, mental, and social growth, as they naturally inculcate valuable qualities such as resilience, self-confidence, building positive relationships, and managing emotions by describing real-life experiences.
Studies show a positive correlation between SEL and kids’ emotional stability; therefore, it has gained significant recognition among parents and educators, leading to its essential role in curricula. Here, we present a curated list of 10 picture books that teach resilience and will enhance your kids’ lives and bookshelves. But before we explore emotional intelligence books for kids, let’s understand why social-emotional learning and fostering bravery in children are important.
Why Social-Emotional Learning and Building Bravery in Children Are Important?
Due to the transforming landscapes around the world, children want more than just good grades – they need strong emotional skills and the courage to face the obstacles in life, and this comes when they are exposed to Social-Emotional Learning and lessons about bravery. Social-emotional learning books are the best resources in terms of helping little kids grow into confident, kind, and resilient individuals.
By reading such fantastic books, children can deal with the emotional setbacks and difficult situations easily, as they become stronger in speaking for what’s right, making friends, and building strong relationships.
We researched some great children’s books and compiled them here. Let’s explore!
A List of the Top 10 Best Social Emotional Learning Books
“Bailey Braves New Beginnings” by Jessie Brockel
For some people, Bailey Braves New Beginnings come with anxiety and mixed emotions. Bailey, who is starting a new school, feels the same way; she experiences unexpected feelings, but her way of managing her emotions helps her cope with her fears. Author Jessie Brockel designed this book to empower kids during times of change and reassure them that they can overcome difficult challenges.
Furthermore, the book’s primary aim is to guide children on how to manage their big feelings and expressions. Emotions like self-doubt and fear often become challenging for young kids, but as they follow Bailey’s journey, they will gain a better understanding of how to navigate uncertain situations while building positive relationships. At first, Bailey faces the same fears that many children experience when starting something new; however, she smartly embraces change and discovers her own bravery over time. In addition to the simple narration, the book engages children in interactive activities, including a Bravery Challenge and Coping Skills Garden. At the heart of this beautifully narrated and illustrated book lies practical strategies for exploring emotional resilience, especially for those who fear various challenges. The book’s features on emotional and social resilience for kids make it one of the best social-emotional learning books of this time.
“Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match” by Monica Brown
Marisol is a little girl who lives a unique lifestyle, but others often wrinkle their noses at her choices. The book, authored by award-winning writer Monica Brown, celebrates independent thinking. The author beautifully presents a girl who is different from others and embraces her uniqueness while enjoying who she is. “Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match” is an open invitation to all kids who struggle to manage their emotions and find courage in tough situations. Marisol’s journey of embracing her individuality will resonate with those who possess distinctive character traits.
“My Body Sends a Signal” by Natalia Maguire
In today’s fast-paced world, teaching children about emotions can be challenging for parents. Children can learn about feelings through engaging online resources, but mindfulness books for children are particularly helpful. “My Body Sends a Signal” by Natalia Maguire is one such book that aids kids in recognizing their emotions and teaches them how to express their feelings positively. This book also serves as an excellent educational resource, featuring a charming story, beautiful illustrations, calming activities for kids, instructions for parents, emotion cards, feelings cards, and other fun elements.
“I Am Resilient” by Luna Wilder
Maya, an 8-year-old girl, teaches young kids the crucial lesson that they should never lose their resilient attitude in any situation. When she faces the challenge of rebuilding her home that was destroyed in a wildfire, her family’s support becomes essential as she learns the true meaning of resilience and how it enables her to grow stronger than ever.
“Dinos Don’t Give Up!” by Smriti Halls
Parents often wish for their children to be the best, which can create pressure for young kids who fear they may not measure up. Smriti Halls shares a tale in which children learn that they may not always be the best through the loving character of Diplodocus Dinah, a Dino. She excels in everything she does, from piano playing to painting, but surfing is not her strength. When she doesn’t win the surfing competition, she feels defeated, but she discovers an important lesson: it isn’t necessary to always win; sometimes, having fun is more significant than coming in first.
“Tilda Tries Again” by Tom Percival
For small kids, managing emotions can be overwhelming, especially when facing change. “Tilda Tries Again” invites parents to provide their kids the space to explore how it feels when sudden changes arise around them. This book helps children understand that giving up isn’t the right response when circumstances are beyond their control. The book teaches key lessons on resilience, overcoming hardships, and developing a growth mindset.
“The Fears You Fear” by Rachel Rooney
The definition of fear is different for all; therefore, every kid responds differently when he/she face any fear. In this gorgeously produced book, children will learn how to navigate their fears, especially in stressful situations. Along the pages of this wonderful reading, the kids will understand that there is much excitement as they cross the obstacle of fear. However, there is also a great lesson in the pages that the control of feelings and emotions plays a prominent role in navigating this fear thing.
“Yes You Can, Cow” by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
In the list of best social emotional learning books, “Yes You Can, Cow” is one of the best books that presents a spirited character of a ‘Cow’, who is afraid to jump in its Nursery Rhyme’s big performance. This witty, heartwarming story will help kids understand the importance of believing in themselves. With this fantastic read, children will also see that they are all the stars; they just need to let go of the fear of failure while feeling positive.
“Ruby Finds a Worry” by Tom Percival
For those looking for mindfulness books for children as well as picture books teaching resilience, “Ruby Finds a Worry” is perfect for them!
Parents often find it hard to teach their kids what to do in worrisome situations. This beloved book by Tom Percival is a great addition to children’s literature, as it reassures young readers in times of stress. Children will explore a happy, curious, and imaginative girl, Ruby, who finds something unexpected: a Worry. As time passes, the Worry gets bigger and bigger, and becomes enormous. But what happens with the Ruby? She remains sad all the time, but later, she discovers that everyone has worries. This poignant story is a masterpiece and a perfect springboard for talking to kids about their emotions and anxieties.
“I Can Be Brave” by Kathryn Jewitt
Are you searching for the best children’s books on bravery? If yes, “I Can Be Brave” by Kathryn Jewitt is no exception! It’s a beautiful guide for the little explorers, as the formative years are best for making children learn about big feelings. This book holds a powerful lesson that the feelings of every person matter. Nevertheless, the book also introduces young kids to how to be brave and what can be helpful in such situations.
Final Thoughts – Social And Emotional Awareness Makes Children Brave
This list of emotional intelligence books for kids contains excellent lessons on the social and emotional upbringing of children. These books will help children learn to regulate their emotions, solve problems, and have confident behaviour.
Regardless of how you use them, your children will surely get the benefits from reading these social-emotional learning books that have been specifically designed for children to instil social and emotional awareness among them.
Get your favourite SEL book for your children now, and make them braver than ever!
Happy Reading!
