A social-emotional learning book list curated by The Children’s Book Review, presented in partnership with Jenelle Harden.
10 Essential SEL Picture Books for Teachers and Counselors—Grades 1-3 Classroom and Therapy Resources:
Social-emotional learning (SEL) forms the foundation for children’s academic success and lifelong well-being, making quality picture books essential tools for parents, teachers, and mental health professionals. These carefully selected books provide powerful opportunities for young readers to develop emotional intelligence, empathy, cooperation, and self-acceptance. Perfect for grades 1-3 classrooms, counseling sessions, and family reading time, each story combines engaging narratives with meaningful lessons about friendship, conflict resolution, cultural acceptance, and understanding feelings.
Whether you’re a teacher building SEL curriculum, a counselor addressing specific social challenges, or a parent nurturing emotional growth at home, these brilliant books provide conversation starters and teachable moments that help children navigate their complex emotional worlds. From sibling cooperation to navigating differences, these stories provide children with the vocabulary and tools they need to build healthy relationships and develop resilience.
Three raccoon siblings—cautious Ali, impetuous Elise, and overlooked Ren—dream of the ultimate feast but keep failing because they can’t work together during their campground raids. Through humor, compromise, and some wise advice from grandma, they finally learn to listen to each other and appreciate their different strengths. This charming picture book teaches communication, teamwork, and sibling cooperation while transitioning readers to longer texts. The story includes reflection questions, making it perfect for teachers, counselors, and families working on social-emotional skills.
Buy the Book
When Jeremy Ross moves into the neighborhood, he instantly becomes enemy number one, ruining what had been the perfect summer. Luckily, Dad has the perfect solution: Enemy Pie, a surefire way to get rid of enemies. But the secret recipe requires spending an entire day playing with the enemy—and through this unexpected friendship experiment, one boy discovers that enemies can become best friends. This Reading Rainbow selection teaches conflict resolution, empathy, and the courage to look past first impressions, making it ideal for addressing bullying and friendship challenges in classrooms and homes.
Buy the Book
Jeremy desperately wants the trendy shoes everyone at school is wearing, but his grandma explains they only have money for “need,” not “want.” When his old shoes fall apart and he finds a too-small pair at a thrift shop, Jeremy learns that sore feet aren’t worth fitting in. Through his experience, he discovers that what he already has—warm boots, a loving grandma, and the opportunity to help a friend—matters more than material possessions. This thoughtful story teaches children about gratitude, empathy, and distinguishing between wants and needs while addressing peer pressure and socioeconomic differences.
Buy the Book
Best friends Lily and Salma love doing everything together, including eating lunch—Lily with her peanut butter sandwich and Salma with her hummus. But when their different foods spark a playground argument that escalates into a food fight, their friendship is tested. Through courage and understanding, the girls learn to appreciate what makes them different and discover that sharing their unique experiences strengthens their bond. This #1 New York Times bestseller celebrates cultural acceptance, tolerance, and the beauty of diversity while teaching children how to resolve conflicts and value differences in friendship.
Buy the Book
When something sad happens to Taylor, all the animals think they know how to help—the chicken wants to talk it out, the bear suggests getting angry, and others offer their own solutions. But none of their well-meaning advice feels right to Taylor. Then the rabbit arrives and does something different: simply listens, which is exactly what Taylor needs. This New York Times bestseller teaches the profound power of empathetic listening and shows children (and adults) that sometimes the greatest gift we can offer someone who is hurting is our quiet, loving presence.
Buy the Book
This interactive New York Times bestseller features a unique die-cut heart that extends through each spread, exploring the full range of emotions from happiness to sadness, bravery to shyness. Using lyrical yet direct language, the book helps children understand how feelings feel physically inside their bodies—some light as a balloon, others heavy as an elephant. With whimsical illustrations and tactile elements, this beautifully designed book empowers young readers to identify, articulate, and celebrate their emotions. Perfect for teaching emotional vocabulary and self-awareness in both storytime and therapeutic settings.
Buy the Book
The Way I Feel
Written and Illustrated by Janan Cain
Ages: 4-8 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Parenting Press (2021) | ISBN: 978-1641604987
Using strong, colorful, and expressive images paired with simple verses, this book helps children connect emotion words with feelings in an accessible way. Children learn that feelings are neither good nor bad—they simply are—while building essential vocabulary to name and express their complex emotions. Recommended by parents, teachers, and mental health professionals, this valuable resource opens conversations about what’s happening in a child’s inner world. Perfect for supporting social-emotional learning, developing empathy, and building emotional resilience in young readers.
Buy the Book
Brian feels invisible at school—no one seems to notice him or includes him in games, groups, or birthday parties. When Justin, a new student, arrives, Brian is the first to welcome him, and their partnership on a class project helps Brian discover his own way to shine. This gentle story demonstrates how small acts of kindness can transform feelings of isolation into friendship and belonging. With its sensitive portrayal of quieter children and inclusion of a discussion guide, this book serves as a valuable resource for addressing social dynamics and helping all children feel seen and valued.
Buy the Book
Chrysanthemum
Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 5-9 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Greenwillow Books (1991) | ISBN: 978-0688096991
Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school when classmates tease her for being “named after a flower.” The teasing makes Chrysanthemum wilt with embarrassment and doubt about something she once loved about herself. Through a supportive teacher and the realization that names can be beautiful and unique, Chrysanthemum learns to blossom again with renewed self-confidence. This million-copy bestseller and ALA Notable Book teaches children about self-acceptance, resilience against teasing, and celebrating what makes each person special, making it an ideal tool for discussing tolerance, kindness, and embracing differences.
Buy the Book
Every Sunday, CJ rides the bus with his nana to Market Street, but today he’s complaining about waiting in the rain and not having a car like his friends. Through gentle wisdom, Nana opens CJ’s eyes to the real beauty around them—the spirit of the bustling city, the music in everyday life, and the magic of their often-overlooked neighbors. This Newbery Medal winner and Caldecott Honor Book teaches children about gratitude, empathy, and finding joy in unexpected places while celebrating the special bond between generations. Perfect for discussions about appreciating differences, seeing beauty in diversity, and recognizing the richness that exists in all communities.
Buy the Book
*Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.
