Using SEL Picture Books to Support Therapy Sessions 

Social-emotional learning (SEL) books for children can be highly beneficial in therapy sessions as they provide a safe and engaging way for children to explore complex emotions and social situations. Through relatable characters and storylines, these books can help children identify and label their own feelings, develop empathy for others, and learn valuable coping strategies.  

The stories can also serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions between the therapist and child, allowing them to explore emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a non-confrontational manner. Additionally, these books can help normalize a wide range of emotions, reducing feelings of isolation and shame, while also building resilience by showing characters overcoming challenges. 

Let’s take a look at a variety of SEL books that we have found useful in therapy sessions. 

Self-Awareness 

1. What If Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick – While not strictly focused on emotions, this book helps children consider the impact of their actions, promoting self-awareness and empathy. 
2. Visiting Feelings by Lauren Rubenstein – This book uses mindfulness techniques to help children connect with their emotions and develop self-awareness. 
3. The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas – This interactive book helps children explore different emotions and understand how they feel. 
4. Alexander Books: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day By Judith Viorst – teaches self-awareness by showing children how to recognize and acknowledge their emotions, frustrations, and the fact that bad days happen to everyone, helping them understand that it’s okay to feel upset or disappointed sometimes. 
5. I Just Ate My Friend by Heidi McKinnon – humorously explores the consequences of impulsive actions, teaching self-awareness by encouraging children to consider the impact of their choices on others and the importance of thinking before acting. 

Self-Management 

1. Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling – This book teaches self-management by showing children how to deal with anger and frustration in a constructive way, encouraging them to find positive outlets for their emotions. 
2. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins -  By using humor, this book teaches self-management by demonstrating the importance of controlling impulses and treating others with kindness and respect. 
3. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein – Through a funny story, this book teaches self-management by highlighting the importance of listening and waiting for the right time to speak, helping children learn impulse control. 
4. Freddie the Fly: Bee On, Buzz Off by Kimberly Delude – This book teaches self-management by showing children how to deal with distractions and stay focused on their goals, promoting perseverance and self-discipline. 
5. Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer – This book teaches self-management by illustrating how the main character identifies and manages his grumpy mood, encouraging children to recognize and regulate their emotions. 

Social Awareness 

1. All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold – This book celebrates diversity and inclusion, teaching social awareness by showing children the importance of accepting and welcoming others, regardless of differences. 
2. Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival – Through the story of Meesha, who learns to overcome her shyness and make friends, this book teaches social awareness by highlighting the value of friendship, empathy, and understanding in building positive relationships. 
3. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig – This book explores the theme of inclusion and kindness, showing how small acts of kindness can help children feel included and valued. 
4. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson – This book teaches children about friendship and conflict resolution, showing how kindness and understanding can help overcome differences. 
5. Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev – Through a story about a boy and his pet elephant who are excluded from a club, this book teaches children about inclusion, diversity, and acceptance. 

Relationship Skills 

1. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister – This book teaches children about sharing and the importance of friendship, showing how kindness and generosity can strengthen relationships. 
2. Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney – Through the adventures of Llama Llama, this book teaches kids about sharing, cooperation, and the importance of considering others’ feelings in relationships. 
3. I am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde – This book encourages empathy and compassion, teaching kids how to understand and connect with others in meaningful ways. 
4. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – This book teaches children about the invisible string that connects them to the people they love, helping them understand the importance of relationships and connection. 
5. The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane DeRolf – This book teaches children about diversity and the beauty of working together, using crayons as a metaphor for people from different backgrounds coming together. 

Responsible Decision Making 

1. What Should Danny Do? by Adir Levy and Ganit Levy – Through an interactive format, this book empowers children to make choices and see the consequences, teaching them about responsible decision-making. 
2. Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker by Christianne C. Jones – This book teaches children about the importance of listening and making thoughtful decisions, promoting responsible communication and social skills. 
3. A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts – This book teaches children about honesty, integrity, and making responsible choices, even when faced with difficult decisions. 
4. The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires – This book teaches children about perseverance, problem-solving, and making responsible decisions when things don’t go as planned. 
5. The Way I Act by Steve Metzger – This book explores different behaviors and traits, teaching children about making responsible choices in how they act and treat others.  

SEL books can be a powerful tool when used in conjunction with therapy and will help children develop emotional intelligence, improve their social skills, and enhance their overall well-being.