Discover a collection of stories that nurture emotional growth, resilience, and meaningful connections.
Welcome! As a classroom teacher for 20 years, one of my most cherished moments of the day was reading a children's story to my students. There's something magical about the way stories can open up conversations, understanding, and create a sense of connection.
Drawing from my passion for both teaching and wellbeing, I created The Wellbeing Canvas - a curriculum that merges children's books with language arts to help students explore social and emotional growth.
Recently, as I witnessed the devastation caused by the LA fires, I found myself reflecting on the power of stories to provide comfort, hope, and resilience. I have curated a list of titles that were part of The Wellbeing Canvas as well as some of my new favorites and feel they beautifully support children's wellbeing.
The PDF above has a complete list that I am excited to share and I hope they can inspire meaningful conversations and growth in your home, classroom, or community. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need additional recommendations.
Below you will find a categorized list of some of the children's books, organized by age group and themes of wellbeing. Enjoy!
Drawing from my passion for both teaching and wellbeing, I created The Wellbeing Canvas - a curriculum that merges children's books with language arts to help students explore social and emotional growth.
Recently, as I witnessed the devastation caused by the LA fires, I found myself reflecting on the power of stories to provide comfort, hope, and resilience. I have curated a list of titles that were part of The Wellbeing Canvas as well as some of my new favorites and feel they beautifully support children's wellbeing.
The PDF above has a complete list that I am excited to share and I hope they can inspire meaningful conversations and growth in your home, classroom, or community. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need additional recommendations.
Below you will find a categorized list of some of the children's books, organized by age group and themes of wellbeing. Enjoy!
Age 3-4: Early Connections
Age 5-7: Emotional Growth
Age 8-10: Developing Emotional Wellbeing
- A Little Spot of Emotion Series by Diane Alber
- Description: A collection of books designed to help young children begin to understand their emotions. Each book focuses on a specific emotion and uses relatable scenarios, simple language, and engaging illustrations to teach emotional regulation skills.
- Themes: Emotional awareness, self-awareness, and empathy
- The Cool Bean by Jory John
- Description: This story offers a valuable lesson in compassion and friendship. It conveys that being cool is less about appearance and more about showing kindness and helping others.
- Themes: Compassion, kindness, inclusion, and self-confidence
- Words Are Not For Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick
- Description: This story helps children understand the impact of their words and promotes thoughtful and kind interactions. It emphasizes that words can affect others' feelings and encourages positive communication, respect, and empathy.
- Themes: Kindness, courageous communication, empathy, and respect
- Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold
- Description: This story helps children understand that experiencing big feelings is normal and that they are not alone. We all have big feelings!
- Themes: Empathy, teamwork, and emotional awareness
Age 5-7: Emotional Growth
- In My Heart: A Book of Feelings by Jo Witek
- Description: This story explores a wide range of emotions told from a child's perspective and describes how each feel physically and emotionally.
- Themes: Emotional awareness, mind/body connection, and self-awareness
- The Sour Grape by Jory John
- Description: This story teaches children about the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges.
- Themes: Kindness, the value of second chances, and forgiveness
- Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds
- Description: This story encourages children to speak up in their own unique ways - through words, art, actions, or kindness - reminding them that every voice matters.
- Themes: Kindness, courageous communication, and individuality
Age 8-10: Developing Emotional Wellbeing
- My Magical Words by Becky Cummings
- Description: This book encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and believe in their abilities while promoting kindness and self-love.
- Themes: Self-esteem, kindness, and self-love
- The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
- Description: This story helps children understand and express a wide range of emotions. It encourages emotional awareness and provides a foundation for discussing feelings in a healthy, constructive way.
- Themes: Emotional wellbeing, courageous communication, and self-awareness
- Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
- Description: This story explores the ripple effects of kindness and the impact of missed opportunities to be kind.
- Themes: Empathy, compassion, and kindness.