These books apply to every child. Don’t miss the opportunity to strengthen your child’s mental health this summer through reading. Building social and coping skills early creates a toolbox for kids that sticks with them for life! These books are ideal for older preschool through elementary children and their parents to read together.
Check your local library or used bookstore, or help ReadRestore become an Amazon Associate (I could earn from qualifying purchases) by ordering through our website. Click the pictures or titles below for links to buy the book or download the free PDF Reading Guides. Reading Guides are written for parents (or teachers, counselors, etc.) to help them reinforce skills with their children; they include discussion questions and a suggested activity.
ReadRestore’s 10 recommendations for your summer reading list:
This book applies to countless situations. Children often act out because they need attention, and they don’t even realize it. Reading this book with your child can help them recognize when they are negatively seeking attention and teach them how to get attention positively by asking for it, being patient, and giving others’ attention and help.
Everyone needs a reminder that he or she has value and purpose. This book is uplifting and artistic. It shows how an act of kindness can spread and influence others.
3. Yo! Yes?
We can all use a reminder when making friends that differences can be complementary. This story has very few words, so it’s great for discussing nonverbal communication, differences and similarities, empathy, and making new friends.
Empathy is huge! The more we understand each other, the better we can work together in all aspects of life. In this story, Sophie is so excited about her new pet that she doesn’t listen to her friend Jacob’s important news. Sophie learns to be a better friend by thinking about how others feel.
Does your child tend to see only the negative? Maybe you’ve been hearing a lot of complaining this summer! This story of optimistic Rabbit and his pessimistic friend Mouse helps us learn to have a more balanced viewpoint and look for the positives during small challenges. It can also be a discussion starter for interrupted plans and considering another’s perspective.
This is an abstract story of finding a problem, trying to get rid of it, and ultimately facing it to find an opportunity hidden inside. I have yet to find a problem that does not work with this book. If you haven’t read it yet, now is the time! The detailed illustrations depict a valuable lesson for everyone.
Of course, mental health has a lot to do with feelings. Children, just like adults, have strong feelings that are sometimes difficult to handle. When I Feel Angry teaches children specific coping skills to use for managing anger. These skills can also help with anxiety, disappointment, and sadness.
Another great feelings book! This one covers many feelings and some of the reasons behind them to help kids understand. The artist uses fruits and vegetables to create facial expressions. The book is unique and entertaining while strengthening children’s emotional intelligence.
This popular book directly teaches how words and actions can either build others up or tear them down through the metaphor of filling others’ buckets or dipping into them.
10. Angry Octopus
Strengthen your child’s self-awareness/mindfulness with this fun, relaxing story. The angry octopus benefits from progressive muscle relaxation guided by a friendly sea child. This skill can be used to help a child calm down when angry, manage anxiety, and fall asleep.
Find more recommended mental health books for kids here!
What else are you reading this summer? Let us know in the comments below!