The Book Reviews 

Here is a list of ten books on social emotional issues for young children. I am presenting brief reviews , but you can get my fuller reviews along with tips on how to use the books, by emailing me at

phyllisnasta@yahoo.com       put  "children's books" in the title line , in case it goes to Spam. I'll send it as a Word doc. 

There are many great books out there but I chose to limit it to ten, for practicality. 

If any teacher or school counselor groups want me to come and present the books and discuss how to use them I will do that, and give you a certificate for professional education.  I always valued Bibliotherapy when I was counseling children, and I want to share these titles with teachers, counselors and parents.

They are geared towards kids starting around age four and a half or five. What is the older limit?  Hard to say. The points that are made in these books are well researched and grounded in reality . They illustrate psychological principles that are valid with any age, including adults.  When I wanted older kids to get the points made in therapeutic picture books I'd ask them to do me a favor and read a book and tell me their opinion of it , ie, whether they thought it would be a good book to use with young children. It was a sneaky way to get them to read the book but it worked.    

  Contact me for fuller reviews of the books and tips on how to use. 

Partial Reviews:   

Facts Vs Opinions Vs Robots by Michael Rex

I can't say enough good things about this book because it teaches children the difference between facts and opinions in a lighthearted way and then teaches them how to resolve arguments that arise from these differences. So, it teaches critical thinking skills as well as interpersonal skills all in one delightful book.  I think every primary grade should have a copy. And, it holds up , meaning the kid can read it multiple times and get more out of it as they get older and understand more about 'facts and opinions'. 

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What's Worrying You? by Molly Potter illustrated by Sarah Jennings

This is a helpful book that is dense with information that is broken down into well organized sections on twelve scenarios that might cause worry. It isn't a book that has to be read cover to cover. It can be used as a reference book to read and discuss the section that's relevant at the time.  Three examples : When you get told off, When you fall out with a friend, When you get ill. 

Perfectly Imperfect Mira  by Faith Prayer

Story of a child who avoids activities because she's afraid of being imperfect at them. She works out of this problem by trying things and realizes the value of growing.  She is accompanied by two adorable friends who silently reinforce the concept of acceptance, - a dog and a cat. 

Puppy In My Head  - A Book About Mindfulness    by Elise Gravel

Ollie, the pooch, lives in the head of the child, imaginatively speaking,  Ollie sometimes gets too excited, energetic, noisy or scared. When he does, like a frustrated child, Ollie can't respond to reason. Ollie's child then develops a leash which links him to strategies to address and control the feelings and behavior.

Me and My Fear  by Francesca Sanna

At first the book depicts how a little fear can keep the girl safe but with changing circumstances the fear grows and becomes problematic. Eventually she discovers that others have fear, and this helps her fear become manageable. It is a good book because it has several layers of informations built in. The depiction of Fear isn't scary, which is an advantage. 

Let's Do Everything and Nothing   by Julia Kuo

This book illustrates the value of creating safe, non-busy space for a relationship.  Unstructured time with an adult can be precious for a child to feel safe, and be creative.  It is beautifully written and illustrated. 

Loving Kindness  by Deborah Underwood illustrated by Tim Hopgood

This book builds positive self esteem, with grounding in nature, knowing they are loved and in connecting with others, and in learning from mistakes. 

Don't Worry Murray by David Ezra Stein

Murray is a cute dog who catastrophizes about new situations. The book addresses his fears and shows him facing them  and being able to enjoy the activities he had feared.

Charlotte and The Quiet Place  by Deborah Sosin  illustrated by Sara Wooley Plum

A child who lives in a noisy situation finds peace and quiet in a park and is able to recreate that for herself when she needs it. 

Living Wth Mom and Living With Dad  by Melanie Walsh  -  I do NOT recommend this for group reading in classrooms, see my full review for reasons.

Good book to use in counseling sessions with kids going back and forth to dad's and mom's house, showing the differences, and feelings the child has. It would be fine in individual sessions but in groups It could trigger too many difficult feeligs  as it illustrates a cooperative relationship between the parents which isn't always the case. So, not to be used in classrooms or groups. 

For full reviews and tips on how to use in classrooms, email me. phyllisnasta@yahoo.com with "children's books" in subject line.                                                                                                       

   I hope these help.  I always appreciated Bibliotherapy when i was counseling children.  It makes it easier to talk to kids about these topics when you have a good book on hand.