After the pandemic, teachers and parents recognize the need for teaching and reinforcing social skills in their young ones. Having strong social skills increases connection with others, and confidence in new social situations and helps build the soft skills so critical to later success in the workplace. Here is a list of 38 books to help teach your child social skills.
1. The Koala Who Could
Kevin the Koala is scared to come out of his tree. Even though his friends assure him he will be ok, he just can't come down--until circumstances force him to! This is an excellent story for children who may be feeling anxious about trying something new.
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2. Everyone Feels Anxious Sometimes
This wonderful picture book includes everyday situations students encounter that might induce anxiety, as well as identifies possible reactions. Written by a psychologist, the book also includes various coping strategies to help children build emotional skills. Part of a larger series of books teaching children to cope with difficult emotions.
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3. Don't Give Up
Lisa is learning to swim, but it's not easy. Sometimes she wants to give up, but her teacher encourages her to keep trying. This colorful story is part of a series of social skills books, which include prompts for a discussion about emotions in a particular setting at the end.
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4. The New Kid
The New Kid is a wonderful story that touches on the wide range of emotions kids might feel when a new kid is introduced into a friend group--from anxiety to sadness to even the desire to act out and bully the new kid because they are different. This story is also a lesson about friendship and how new friends enrich our world.
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5. Willy and the Cloud
A cloud is following Willy and he doesn't know what to do. It keeps getting bigger and bigger...until finally, he decides to face it head-on. This simple story is a great way to start a discussion with kids about facing their fears and helping them brainstorm potential solutions to dealing with big emotions.
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7. Help, I Don't Want a Babysitter!
Ollie's parents are going out to the movies and tell Ollie that he will have a babysitter while they are gone. Ollie becomes very nervous thinking about all the possible babysitters he might have. This delightful story is perfect for kids feeling anxious about their parents going out for the evening.
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8. Noni is Nervous
Noni has that nervous back-to-school feeling. She twirls her hair, bites her nails, and thinks about everything that can go wrong. Her parents are supportive, but she is still nervous until she meets Briar. This story about the power of friendship is a tenderhearted encouragement for anxious kids headed back to school.
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9. Catching Thoughts
Any child that has dealt with upsetting thoughts that don't seem to go away will identify with the little girl in this book. The fabulous illustrations imaginatively show these unwelcome thoughts as grey balloons--the little girl learns to identify them, engage in self-compassion, and then, let them go.
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10. Are Pirates Polite?
This fun book is an entertaining way to teach kids about manners in a variety of situations. The rhyming cadence and hilarious illustrations are sure to make it one of your child's favorite books.
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11. Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?
This touching story uses simple language to help children process the difficult emotions associated with suddenly losing a loved one. This story of compassion is an excellent resource for caregivers trying to present to their little ones.
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12. Ammuchi Puchi
Aditya and Anjali love listening to their Ammuchi (grandmother), tell stories. After her sudden passing, her grandchildren grieve their loss. A butterfly greets them one evening, reminding them of their grandmother. This beautiful story will help grieving children gain emotional skills in difficult times.
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13. The Bad Seed
He's a baaaaaaad seed! He doesn't listen, cuts in line, and shows up late to everything. Other seeds and nuts don't want to be around him, until one day, this bad seed decides he wants to be different. This fun book is also a great reminder that it's never too late for a fresh start.
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14. I am Enough
"We are right here to live a life of love, not fear..." This lovely book helps young kids understand that they are unique, loved, and enough just as they are.
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15. Pete the Cat and the New Guy
Join Pete the Cat on another adventure. A new neighbor moves into Pete's neighborhood--and he's a platypus. Pete tries to help his new friend discover his talents. This is a heartwarming story about acceptance when kids meet someone different than themselves.
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16. Be Kind
What does it mean to be kind? This touching story reflects the small and practical ways we can give, help and pay attention to others in our world. Be Kind is a story of compassion that reminds its readers that even a small act can make a difference.
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17. Tiny T. Rex and the Very Dark Dark
Tiny T. Rex is going on his very first campout, but he is nervous about the dark without their nighty-lights.T. Rex and his friend, Pointy, come up with some potential solutions, but when it all goes wrong, they learn to see the light somewhere else.
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18. The Grudge Keeper
This delightful story is a wonderful addition to any collection of social skills books. Nobody in the town of Bonnyripple keeps a grudge--except Cornelius. One day, he is completely buried by the town's pet peeves and quibbles, but while the townspeople dig Cornelius out, they realize they'd much rather foster positive relationships than hanging onto their grudges.
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19. I Believe I Can
I Believe I Can is beautifully illustrated and accompanied by a simple poem. It illustrates the importance of self-belief and the worth of every human. This is a great book for starting the year.
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20. The Berenstain Bears Stand Up to Bullying
Brother and Sister Bear are back with a new addition to the classic children's series. The Too-Tall Gang is at it again, this time picking apples out of a neighbor's orchard. When Too-Tall starts bullying Scuzz, Brother Bear and Mrs. Ben try to stop it. Everyone learns an important lesson about how damaging bullying can be.
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21. Sheila Rae, the Brave
Sheila Rae is the bravest mouse in school. She is not afraid of anything! One day, she tries a new route walking home after school, and gets lost. Her sister has been following her all along and rescues her. This wonderful story is beautifully illustrated and is a wonderful lesson about the importance and power of friendship.
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22. Star Wars: Search Your Feelings
This book is a new look at a range of emotions through the lens of classic Star Wars scenes. Each page spread is charmingly illustrated and accompanied by a rhyming poem focused on a particular feeling.
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23. The Lemonade Hurricane
Henry is busy--too busy. Sometimes he turns into a hurricane. His sister, Emma, shows Henry that it is ok to stop and rest, and by resting or meditating, he can tame the hurricane inside. The end of the book also provides a list of items to help children start a mindfulness practice.
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24. The Red Book
This interactive book is a great resource for elementary through high school when students are feeling angry. It includes workable strategies, mindfulness techniques, and practical tips for dealing with anger.
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25. Crying is Like the Rain
This beautiful story illustrates the range of emotions and body language somebody might exhibit before they cry. The book also teaches about the temporary nature of feelings and that crying is ok. The end of the book also includes some actionable strategies to help kids become more mindful of their feelings, as well as ways adults can support their young ones.
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26. Lady Lupin's Book of Etiquette
Lady Lupin tries to her best to teach her dogs to behave in public. This is yet another hilarious book to teach your kids about manners in social situations, particularly when eating or meeting new people.
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27. Hen Hears Gossip
Hen hears Cow whisper something to Pig. She loves to gossip and goes to tell her farmyard friends. Everything goes awry, and the message ends up being completely wrong. This adorable book is a great story for children about the dangers of gossip.
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28. Wait Your Turn, Tilly
This interactive book encourages children to identify when they are feeling anxious or having a hard time waiting their turn in various social settings. It also teaches some helpful solutions in these situations. Wait Your Turn, Tilly is a great addition to any collection of social skills books.
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29. Clark the Shark Takes Heart
Clark the Shark likes Anna Eelwiggle, but he doesn't know how to tell her. He tries showing off in all kinds of ways, but it ends in disaster every time. Eventually, he just tries to be himself. This book encourages children to build direct communication skills.
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30. Kindness Counts
This book shows children some everyday life ways in which they can do a random act of kindness for others around them. The simple language and printable list at the end summarizing the book make it an excellent resource for elementary school children.
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31. Interrupting Chicken
This is the perfect story to start a discussion about manners--especially the importance of not interrupting! Interrupting Chicken just can't seem to keep from interrupting her father as he reads her a bedtime story--until he interrupts her by falling asleep.
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32. A Bike Like Sergio's
This lovely story is a story of courage. Ruben desperately wants a bike, but his family doesn't have the money to buy him one...until he finds $100 in the grocery store. What will he do? I love how the text touches on the complexity of emotions in doing something kind even when it's hard.
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33. Don't Be a Bully, Billy
Billy is a bully. He bullies everyone, until one day, he bullies the wrong person--er, alien. This cute story is a lighthearted way to discuss social-emotional skills like kindness or being an upstander in the face of bullying.
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34. Do Unto Otters
This entertaining story encourages children to develop healthy relationships with others, even when they are as different from you as an otter is from a hare. Laurie Keller's signature style of filling each page with puns, jokes, and more will help make it one of your kids' favorite stories.
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35. Hello, Goodbye, and a Very Little Lie
Larry has a lying problem. Eventually, people quit listening to him because they can't trust what he says. It doesn't bother Larry until someone lies to him, and he realizes how it feels. The comic-style illustrations and lighthearted tone make this book memorable while teaching children to make the positive choice for truthfulness.
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36. I'm in Charge of Me
This is a wonderful story to help kids realize that they can choose how they react in various social situations in everyday life, rather than circumstances controlling how they react. The conclusion of the book opens a discussion for kids to reflect on the choices that they make.
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37. Mine! Mine! Mine!
Gail's cousin, Claire is visiting and wants to play. Gail is having a hard time sharing her toys. She learns to share her spinach soup and ripped book, but then realizes that isn't quite what sharing means. This simple story is a great introduction to teaching basic social-emotional skills.
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38. Someday
Someday is a lovely book that narrates a girl's dreams for the future while she is faced with the mundane tasks and responsibilities of everyday life. This wonderful story encourages children to practice mindfulness in the present and take responsibility in various social scenarios even as they dream of their future.
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