Book Recommendations

There are so many wonderful books out there about all kinds of topics! From emotions and feelings, to potty training and pronouns. As educators and parents we’ve curated lists of recommended books by topic that we use in our classroom and in our homes.

General Emotions/Feelings:

These books cover all the feelings children might have. This can help children become more comfortable with their different emotions. Remember, all feelings are okay.

“I’m a Feel-o-saur” by Lezlie Evans
“Big Feelings” Alexandra Penfold
“The Way I Feel” by Janan Cain
“The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions” by Anna Llenas
“The Feelings Book” by Todd Parr
“In My Heart: A Book of Feelings” by Jo Witek
“What Feelings Do When No One’s Looking” by Tina Oziewiez
“My Many Colored Days” by Dr. Seuss

Managing Worry:

“Ruby’s Worry” by Tom Percival
“Worries Are Not Forever” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Wemberly Worried” by Kevin Henkes

Managing Anger & Frustration:

“I’m Feeling Mad (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood)” by Natalie Shaw
“When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really, Angry . . .” by Molly Bang
“Llama Llama Mad At Mama” by Anna Dewdney
“What to Do When You Feeling Like Hitting” by Cara Goodwin
“Ravi’s Roar” by Tom Percival
“Tilda Tries Again” by Tom Percival

Managing Separation Anxiety:

“The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst
“The Kissing Hand” by Audrey Pen
“In My Heart” by Machenzie Porter
“See You Soon” by Dilraz Kunnummal
“Llama Llama Misses Mama” by Anna Dewdney
“I Love You All Day Long” by Francesca Rusackas
“That’s Me Loving You” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
“Bye-Bye Time” by Elizabeth Verdick

Going to School:

When it comes to separation anxiety and starting school it’s a great idea to read lots of books about going to school as well as books specifically about separation anxiety. When something is more familiar, it’s less scary.

“Lola Goes to School” by Anna McQuinn
“The Color Monster Goes to School” by Anna Llenas
“Rosie Goes to School” by Karen Katz
“Maisy Goes to Preschool” by Lucy Cousins
“Daniel Goes to School” by Becky Friedman
“If You Take a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff
“How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?” by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
“It’s Time for Preschool!” by Esme Raji Codell
“Hello Preschool” by Priscilla Burris
“Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool” by Kimberly & James Dean
“Miss Mingo and the First Day of School” by Jamie Harper

Potty/Toilet Training:

Here is a sampling of some potty training books. If your child has a favorite character or animal there’s probably a potty training book to go with it!

“Potty” by Leslie Patricelli
“Duck Goes Potty” by Michael Dahl
“Diapers Are Not Forever” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Daniel’s Potty Time (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood) by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
“P Is for Potty! (Sesame Street)” by Naomi Kleinberg
“A Potty for Me!” by Karen Katz
“We Poop On the Potty!” by Little Grasshopper Books, Jim Harbison

Pandemic/Coronavirus:

“We Wear Masks” by Marla Lesage
“And the People Stayed Home” by Kitty O’Meara

Pronouns & Gender:

“What Are Your Words?: A Book About Pronouns” by Katherine Locke
“The Pronoun Book” by Chris Ayala-Kronos
“Being You: A First Conversation About Gender” by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
“Pink Is For Boys” by Robb Pearlman
“My Shadow Is Pink” by Scott Stuart

Bodies & Self Esteem:

“Bodies Are Cool” by Tyler Feder
“I Like Myself” by Karen Beaumont
“Being You” by Megan Madison
“Every Body: A First Conversation About Bodies” by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
“You Matter” By Christian Robinson
“I am Enough” by Grace Byers
“I Can Do It Too!” by Karen Baiker
“It’s Okay to Be Different” by Todd Parr

Race & Ethnicity:

“Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race” by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli
“All People Are Beautiful” by Vincent Kelly
“Shades of People” by Shelley Rotner & Sheila M. Kelly
“All Are Welcome” by Alexendar Penfold
“All Kinds of People” by Shelley Rotner & Sheila M. Kelly

Consent:

“Yes! No!” by Megan Madison
“I Can Say No” by Jenny Simmons
“Don’t Hug Doug: (He Doesn’t Like It)” by Carrie Finison
“C is for Consent” by Eleanor Morrison
“My Body! What I Say Goes!” by Jayneen Sanders

Mindfulness & Yoga:

“Stay Cool at School” by Lori Lite
“The Caring Me I Want to Be” by Mary DiPalermo
“ABC Mindful Me” by Christiane Engel
“Yoga For Pirates” by Mr. Ryan Barber
“You Are a Lion: And Other Fun Yoga Poses” by Taeeun Yoo

Environmentalism:

“Count On Us! Climate Activist From One to a Billion” by Gabi Snyder
“The Earth Gives More” by Sue Fliess
“We Are Water Protectors” by Carole Lindstrom

The Best Behavior Series:

This series from Free Spirit Publishing covers many important topics for toddlers and preschoolers. These books are a great conversation starter for children and parents. With simple words and engaging pictures these books convey a succinct message for each topic with helpful tips for parents are caregivers at the back.

“Teeth Are Not for Biting” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Hands Are Not for Hitting” by Martine Agassi
“Germs Are Not for Sharing” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Feet Are Not for Kicking” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Noses Are Not for Picking” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Pacifiers Are Not Forever” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Tails Are Not for Pulling” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Voices Are Not for Yelling” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Waiting Is Not Forever” by Elizabeth Verdick
“Words Are Not for Hurting” by Elizabeth Verdick

The Toddler Tools Series:

This series, also from Free Spirit Publishing, is geared toward the toddler age. Simple words and diverse images show children how to listen, calm down, share, clean up and more! With tips for parents and caregivers at the back of each book its a great resource for practicing these important skills.