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Kids Books for SEL

Kids

Each book below links to read-aloud videos. You can also find the books in the Milwaukee Public Library.

All of the books teach SEL skills. They can also help with tough conversations such as about death, bullying, being yourself.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is about how people handle their emotions, accomplish their goals, and relate and work together with others. These skills in young children are the foundation for healthy brain development; these skills in adults can influence decisions that impact young kids and their families. For example, SEL skills in practice may change how an adult responds to behaviors from kids, even whether they see them as challenging or developmentally appropriate or needing support. In this way, we can start early teaching SEL skills to improve mental health and racial equity outcomes.

  • Self-Awareness - naming your own emotions, knowing your strengths and limits, a stable sense of confidence
  • Self-Management - motivating yourself, setting goals, staying organized, saying "no" to impulses, keeping your boundaries
  • Social Awareness - "walk a mile in someone else's shoes" - empathy, appreciating diverse experiences, respecting others
  • Relationships Skills - healthy communication, handling conflict, teamwork, making and maintaining friends
  • Responsible Decision-Making - understanding consequences of actions

Kids Books (Ages 0-4)

  • A story about a dad helping his child after she falls down and hurts her chin. The story points out that small cuts and scrapes are not as scary as children might think.
    Ages: 2-3

  • Give Me Back My Book is a story about friendship. Read along about two new friends who also enjoy reading which is what brings the two together.
    Ages: 3-5

  • This book helps young children identify emotions and feel more in control. English version. Ages: 3-6

  • This book helps young children identify emotions and feel more in control. Spanish version.
    Ages: 3-6

  • A new meaning of what it really means to go to the dentist. This is a great story to read to introduce kids about going to the dentist as well as anyone who has anxiety about going to the dentist.
    Ages: 3-5

  • A story about Jim the chimpanzee is in a terrible mood for no good reason. The book highlights how to deal with unexplained feelings and the dangers in not expressing your feelings.
    Ages: 3-7

  • A story about Harrison the hippo who sat a little too close. Shook hands a little too long. High-fived a little too hard. And hugged a little too much. This story teaches kids about self awareness.
    Ages: 3-6

  • A story about a pair of unlikely friends who face down a pack of bullies. The story highlights the importance of being true to yourself, mindfulness, and standing by your friends.
    Ages: 3-7

  • A story filled with facial overreactions. Listen and read along to learn about practicing empathy and build emotional intelligence.
    Ages: 2-4

  • A story that addresses the emotional side of death. The story highlights questions that a young reader might might have about what happens to those they love after they die.
    Ages: 3-7

  • A store that gives toddlers tools to ease anxieties and worries and feel better again. This story highlights guide children to choose peaceful and positive behaviors.
    Ages: 0-4

  • Meet Bear. Bear has so much to give. . . but will she share? This story highlights friendship, compromise, and sharing.
    Ages 1-4

  • This book invites young children to try out fun and easy yoga poses. Whale, Jellyfish, Dolphin, Starfish, and six more friendly sea creatures show the way. Read along to learn new yoga body to keep thee body moving.
    Ages: 1-3

Kids Books (Ages 4-8/4+)

  • A story about hope and self discovery in the big world we live in. Listen and follow along as you discover your individuality and talents.
    Ages: 6-7

  • A story about emotions. Listen and follow along, reflect on your emotions and learn about different emotions that you may feel.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about acceptance. Listen to the story and follow the pictures of the big umbrella that has room to cover everyone from the rain.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A book about being yourself. Even if you feel sad or anxious, human connection is essential. Follow along and listen to the story being read aloud.
    Ages: 5-6

  • A story that focuses on the themes of community, resilience, and optimism. Listen and read along to find out how acts of kindness can make all the difference.
    Ages: 4-8

  • Crunch, The Shy Dinosaur is a story about meeting new people who might be a little different from you. Read along for a lesson on friend making.
    Ages: 3-7

  • A story about Rosie who likes to take walks with her owner George. But Rosie is not sure about making friends with other dogs. This book focuses on friendship and making friends.
    Ages: 5-8

  • A story about young Kiko who shows readers how she grows happy, by doing such things as making good choices, taking care of her body and mind, and paying attention to her feelings.
    Ages 4–8

  • I Feel Teal is a story about a little girl who expresses her emotions through colors. Read along and explore a wide range of feelings that children might be feeling.
    Ages: 3-8

  • A story about a group of young animals showing readers that even though others might look, talk, or walk differently, we can like each other just as we are. This book teaches children about tolerance, acceptance and friendship.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story a girl, a potato and a sad flamingo. This book teaches children that everyone feels sad but you will not always feel sad. Sometimes you can't be "cheered up" but as long as you have friends by your side, you'll be okay.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A fellow student sees new girl Vanessa beset upon by bullies and decides to go to her house and offer to walk her to school the next day. This story highlights acceptance, kindness and strength in numbers. A story that everyone will enjoy!
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about Ira who experiences a wave of emotions after a disagreement with his best friend. Read along and learn about how feelings can be confusing, and how processing emotions can take time, and a bit of help from a pretty good friend.
    Ages: 5-8

  • A story about Jackie who states that she doesn’t like dresses or long hair and would rather be called Jack. This story highlights acceptance and change.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about Julián, who observes three women on the subway spectacularly dressed up as mermaids. He wants to do the same, and expresses himself with his own fabulous DIY mermaid costume. Read along and enjoy learning about self-love and individuality.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story that tells the tale of young Marwan, a child refugee bravely traveling an uncertain path fleeing war and in search of safety in a new land. Follow the journey and learn about refugees and what it feels like to be displaced.
    Ages: 5-7

  • Mixed: A Colorful Story teaches children about acceptance and unity.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about Nelly who refuses to learn how to swim until Nelly’s swimming champion grandma helps her overcome her fear of the water. Read along and learn about fears and how to overcome them.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about an Orange who feels left out when a fruit parade makes up rhyming songs about how wonderful they are. Read along and celebrate difference and inclusion.
    Ages 5–8

  • A story about Kai, who's father dies. Kai experiences all kinds of emotions: sadness, anger, fear, guilt. This story highlights grieving for anyone who has lost a loved one.
    Ages: 4-8

  • The story "Quiet" reminds readers that in a busy, hurried world, mindfulness—described as “being quiet, still, and present with one another”—is a special and
    important thing.
    Ages 4–8

  • A story about Owen McPhee who doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. Listen and read along to learn about the importance of listening.
    Ages: 5-8

  • Rescue and Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship is a story about teamwork between a girl and her service dog. Read along and learn about friendship.
    Ages: 5-9

  • A story that follows two families—one black, one white—as they discuss the shooting of a black man in their community by a police officer. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.
    Ages 4–8

  • A story that celebrates the positive impact of gratitude and explores the numerous ways that thankfulness can manifest during a child’s day. This story explores the many ways we can be thankful for the pleasures great and small that await us every day.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story that displays how children from various places may play different games or eat different food, but all have a similar rhythm to their days. This story highlights different traditions and the common experiences we share.
    Ages 4–9

  • A story that addresses immigration and identity issues in a story that encourages readers to imagine what they might pack in a small suitcase if it was all they could
    take from their home when they moved to a new country.
    Ages - Transitional Kindergarten (TK)

  • A story that provides examples and sends the message that citizens aren't born but are made by actions they take to help others. This story highlights citizenship, good citizenship and what it means to you.
    Ages: 5-8

  • A story about Lila’s great expectations for a fun visit with her cousins are dampened when they arrive and she realizes how different they
    are from her. This story highlights insecurity, hosting, and friendship.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story that teaches parents and children to greet morning with joy and embark on their daily adventures with intention and confidence. Read along and learn about being calm and mediation.
    Ages: 3-8

  • A story that reminds us that in the busy world we live in, sometimes we need to pause. This story introduces mindfulness into a young child's life.
    Ages: 4-8

  • A story about Lyla, who embarks on a new adventure by learning yoga poses with help from her friends from the zoo.
    Ages: 4-9

  • A story filled with mindfulness exercises designed to teach kids techniques for managing their bodies, breath, and emotions.
    Ages: 4-10

  • Simple yet creative poems and bright illustrations help children learn to regulate their emotions and better understand the world around them.
    Ages: 5-9

  • This story makes death a little less scary for kids and adults. This story discusses death, exploring grief, and honoring the life of our loved ones. Ages 4-10

  • An unnamed narrator relates the experience of being bullied at school and how they confront the bully with an opportunity to find common ground. This story highlights emotions, empathy, and how we relate to others.
    Ages 4–up

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