Social emotional learning Books

Each Kindness written by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

• Genre: Realistic Fiction
  
• Copyright: 2012
  
• Reading Level: K-2 
  
• Interest Level: K-2
  
• Topic: Social Emotional, Kindness  
  
• Picture Book
  
• Read aloud book: Yes
  

Each Kindness is about a girl named Chloe and a new girl who joined her class, named Maya. Maya tries to become friends with Chloe and the other girls, but they always say no and at times are hurtful towards Maya. Maya ends up playing alone and suddenly Maya is gone. Chloe’s teacher gives the class a lesson on kindness and Chloe begins to feel hurt on the lost opportunity for becoming Maya’s friend. The theme or lesson of this book is kindness or to not judge someone based on what they look like. This book allows children to see that there is not always a happy ending, as well as the importance of showing love to everyone they meet.

Desmond and the Very Mean Word written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Adams, illustrated by A.G. Ford

• Genre: Realistic Fiction/ Non-Fiction (Based on a true story)
  
• Copyright: 2013
  
• Reading Level: 3rd to 5th grade 
  
• Interest Level: 3rd-5th
  
• Topic: Social and Emotional, Social Issues, Forgiveness  
  
• Picture Book
  
• Read aloud book: Yes
  

Desmond and the Very Mean Word is a book written based on the true story and childhood of the author, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Desmond receives a new bicycle and is eager to show Father Trevor. On his way he rides past some other boys who say a not so nice word. Desmond then has to learn the importance and necessity of forgiveness. There can be more than one theme to this book. The most obvious is forgiveness, but also being kind to those that are different from you. Additionally, this book can be used to teach on racism, or a lesson on anti-bullying.

Grumpy Monkey written by Suzanne Lang and illustrated by Max Lang

• Genre: Fiction
  
• Copyright: 2018
  
• Reading Level: Pre K, 1-2 
  
• Interest Level: Pre K 1-2
  
• Topic: Social and Emotional, Anger
  
• Picture Book
  
• Read aloud book: Yes
  

Grumpy Monkey  is one of many books that tells the life of Jim Panzee, a very grumpy monkey! Grumpy Monkey is a social emotional learning book that focuses on feelings and dealing with emotions. Jim Panzee just cannot seem to find happiness and wakes up on the wrong side of the tree. The sun is too bright, the sky is too blue and while Jim’s friend says that Jim is simply grumpy, Jim disagrees. On a walk through the jungle, all the animals Jim meets give him advice on cheering up and not being grumpy! This book is great for teaching children about emotions and also allows them to see that sometimes people just wake up grumpy and that’s okay!

Don’t Think About Purple Elephants written by Susan Whelan, illustrated by Gwynneth Jones

• Genre: Fiction  
  
• Copyright: 2012
  
• Reading Level: Pre K-4
  
• Interest Level: Pre K-4
  
• Topic: Social and Emotional, Worry 
  
• Picture Book
  
• Read aloud book: Yes
  

Don’t Think About Purple Elephants is a social emotional learning book that focuses on the feeling of worry. In this book a young girl named Sophie always worries when it is time for bed. During the day, the week, and weekends, Sophie is focused on having fun with her friends, going to school or coloring. However, at night in her bed when it is dark and quiet Sophie worries a lot. Her family tries to help her by giving her different things but, finally Sophie’s mother tells her to go to bed and to not think about purple elephants. Of course, Sophie thought of the elephants anyways but instead of losing sleep, Sophie gains an imagination and enough sleep for the days to come!

Missing Mommy written and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb

• Genre: Fiction or Realistic Fiction  
  
• Copyright: 2013
  
• Reading Level: K-3
  
• Interest Level: K-3
  
• Topic: Social and Emotional
  
• Picture Book
  
• Read aloud book: Yes
  

Missing Mommy is a social emotional learning book that focuses on feelings of grief as well as the reality of losing someone. The book is narrated by a little boy who lost his mother and wonders where she went. It opens up with the father, boy and his sister at a funeral, with the little boy narrating that a time ago they had to say goodbye to mommy. Throughout this book, the little boy remembers how much his mommy meant to him as well as recognizes the people that are still there that care for him. This book is wonderful for speaking on the tough reality of a death of a family member.