I love social-emotional picture books. They are a great way to get kids talking about their feelings. What I love about this list of books is that all kids can see themselves represented in these books.
I will update this list as I find more books! Follow me on Instagram to get updates and ideas for other books to read at home or at school! If there’s a book you think I should add, comment below!
Just a friendly reminder, I am an Amazon Affiliate, so if you decided to use the links below to purchase the books, I do get a commission. The price of the books does not change for you. 
I’m also a Bookshop Affiliate. Bookshop works with local independent bookstores to deliver books to your door. You can shop this entire list on Bookshop here.
The Problem With Problems by Rachel Rooney
Who doesn’t need help solving their problems?
The Problem with Problems helps kids recognize problems and share how to work through them. Bookshop Affiliate Link
A Little Space for Me by Jennifer Gray Olson
We all need space sometimes. Even kids.
A Little Space For Me helps kids figure out what to do when they just want to be alone. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Allie All Along by Sarah Lynne Reul
This book is so cute!!!
Allie breaks her crayon and is furious!
She’s so mad she’s unrecognizable. I can relate!
Allie’s brother gives her different strategies to work through her anger and she eventually is herself again.
This is a great book to teach kiddos how to calm down when they are mad. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Being Frank by Donna W. Earnhardt
THIS BOOK IS HILARIOUS!
Frank is too frank and is offending everyone with his honesty.
Frank has zero tact. Zero chill. Frank is off the chain.
With him offending everyone, he of course ends up alone.
One day he has a talk with his grandpa and learns how to kindly tell the truth. Bookshop Affiliate Link
I’m Gonna Push Through by Jasmyn Wright
This book is all about teaching perseverance. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabrera
This book was definitely an easy read for my 5th graders, but it was a great book to teach them about showing gratitude.
When we got done reading, I had the students write thank you notes for people they’re thankful for and gifts they received over the winter break. Bookshop Affiliate Link
The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
“Don’t carry around the hurtful words that others say. Drop them. They are not your words to keep. They belong only to those who said them.”
This is my favorite quote in this book. What a beautiful message that we ALL need to hear.
It is the first day of school for sisters, Asiya and Faizah. What makes this day even more special is that it is Asiya’s first day wearing her hijab.
Proudest Blue was a great book that is written by Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Mindful Day by Deborah Hopkinson
Mindful Day is a great book to remind us all to slow down and be thankful. Bookshop Affiliate Link
Check out The Ultimate List of Diverse Picture Books if you are looking to add more diverse picture books to your classroom or home library!
Related Blog Posts
