SEL Books for Kids
We believe every child deserves access to quality reading materials that nurture a lifelong love of learning. This collection helps children ages 5 to 9 understand feelings, build relationships, and develop self-awareness. Each book addresses emotions, empathy, and social skills through relatable stories.
I Love My Mom
Meet a little kid who loves their mom more than anything! Mom knows how to do so many amazing things - from cooking yummy lunches to growing beautiful plants and even riding bikes. Every day brings a new adventure and something new to learn together. But what special skills will this child discover along the way? And what will make Mom the proudest of all?
Sad Tune
A lonely girl sits by her window playing the saddest song on her flute. Her tears turn into musical notes that float away on the breeze, becoming raindrops that fall across the meadow below. The animals in the field hear her sorrowful tune and wonder who could be so unhappy. A curious rabbit sets off to discover the source of the heartbreaking melody. Will the creatures of the field be able to help the sad girl feel better?
A Special Flower
Meet a little white oak flower who feels different from all the other blossoms. While other flowers seem so much more beautiful with their bright colors and pretty shapes, this flower wonders why it looks so unusual. One night, the stars seem to whisper a secret message. What will the flower discover on its magical journey through the world? Can being different actually be something wonderful?
All of Us
Living in a crowded house with Grandma, Pa, aunts, uncles, and a baby is driving one kid crazy! There’s no room to run, play, or make noise without getting tangled up and in trouble. All this child wants is some space to have fun with their cat. But what would happen if that wish actually came true? Would an empty house really be as wonderful as it sounds?
In My Life
Meet a child who discovers the special people and things that make life wonderful! From playing games with friends to riding bikes with grandad, from cozy stories with nan to learning about plants in the yard—there’s so much to love. What are all the amazing things that make YOUR life special?
Ned's Honey Problem
Ned loves honey so much that he eats it all day long—while working on his farm, chopping wood, and doing chores. His magical book keeps warning him that he’s eating too much, but Ned doesn’t listen. That night, Ned has a wild dream about a honey mountain. What happens when Ned tries to eat his way to the top? Find out in this sweet tale about learning when enough is enough!
No Pals
Tiger likes being alone and doesn’t want any pals. She’s fierce, powerful, and prefers peace and quiet to noisy friends. But when all the animals disappear and Tiger finds herself truly by herself, what will she discover about solitude? Join Tiger on a surprising journey about what it really means to be alone.
The Butterfly Garden
Diya is shy and loves butterflies, but she’s nervous about talking in class. When her school visits the park, something magical happens—her passion for butterflies gives her the courage to speak up! Will Diya discover that sharing what she loves can help her make new friends and find her voice?
The Quiet Hut
Brat Cat is having a terrible day! The village is too hot, too noisy, and way too crowded. Her teeth are clenched and she needs to escape. When she discovers a peaceful wood nearby, she gets a wonderful idea. But can she and her friends Fig Pig and Tip work together to build something special? What will Brat Cat create to help her feel calm again?
We All Help
Jan’s special day is coming up, and everyone in the family wants to help make it amazing! Mom is cooking, Dad is preparing decorations, and other family members are all pitching in with their own special talents. What wonderful surprise are they creating together? Read along to discover how teamwork and love make the perfect celebration!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is social-emotional learning (SEL)?
Social-emotional learning is the process through which children develop skills in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making. Stories are one of the most natural ways to introduce these concepts — research shows that social-themed picture books significantly improve prosocial behaviour in young children (Li et al., 2025).
How do picture books help children develop empathy?
When children follow characters through emotional situations — a disagreement with a friend, feeling left out, or showing courage — they practise perspective-taking in a safe context. Research shows that narrative fiction helps children simulate social worlds and understand other people’s intentions and feelings (Tabullo et al., 2022). Discussing the story afterwards deepens this effect.
What SEL topics do these books cover?
The books explore themes including identifying and managing emotions, kindness, friendship, dealing with frustration, self-confidence, sharing, and inclusion. Each story is written in decodable text, so children build reading skills alongside social-emotional understanding.
Can reading together improve my child's social skills?
Yes. Shared reading naturally prompts conversations about feelings and behaviour — research by Bus, van IJzendoorn, and Pellegrini (1995) found that joint book reading has a significant positive effect on children’s language and emotional development. Reading an SEL story together gives you a starting point to talk about real situations your child might face. See our guide on the benefits of reading aloud.
Are SEL books available at different reading levels?
Yes. The SEL books here are organised by phonics level, from simple CVC words through advanced patterns, so children from first through third grade can find stories about feelings and relationships that match their reading ability.