Wellbeing books for kids for kids are a great way to bond with your child, but they’re also brilliant for teaching them about themselves, important topics and the world around them.
We all know how important it is to take care of our mental health and, as an adult, we are better equipped to deal with emotions like stress and anxiety. But, for a child, it can be very difficult to navigate and manage these feelings.
The best wellbeing books for kids at a glance:
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Best overall wellbeing book for kids: I Am Human: A Book of Empathy - buy on Amazon
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Best for dealing with emotions: Ruby Finds a Worry - buy on Amazon
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Best for kindness: Listening with My Heart - buy on Amazon
This is why we’ve rounded up the best wellbeing books for kids, because it can be a useful tool in helping your child understand their feelings and provide them with an opportunity to talk through their emotions, while giving them the confidence to tackle situations as they arise.
If your child prefers to get a little more 'stuck into things', then we've also rounded up the best mindfulness colouring books, so that they can express their feelings through creativity and wellbeing books for kids.
The best wellbeing books for kids in detail
Best for children who worry
www.waterstones.com
This colourful wellbeing book for kids is perfect for any child who suffers from worrying. It tells the tale of an anxious dinosaur who's trying to enjoy a picnic, but his worries keep getting the better of him. Will he be able to let go and just have some fun? It explores how to tackle anxiety and fears through a child-friendly and comforting approach.
One parent review said: "The pictures and story make this book just perfect and a brilliant addition to your bookshelf."
Best for teaching self-acceptance
This is a vibrant book full of colour, personality and character. Millie Doesn't Mind tells the journey of one little girl's self-discovery of where she comes from. This semi-autographical story of courage and strength is a perfect way to bring about awareness and inclusion. This is a thought-provoking book which will help you to start discussions with your little one about diversity and 'fitting in'.
One parent review said: "Fantastically written book, such an important book and message, beautifully presented book, the imagery is superb as well."
Best for teaching your child that you are proud of them
Image: AmazonThis is a beautiful book packed with colourful and bright pictures. I Will Always Be Proud of You has diverse and inclusive characters which will be relatable to many children. The focus of this book is to teach your child that no matter what, you are always proud of them, and we absolutely love it. This book is great for teaching your child to be confident in their true self.
One parent review said: "Such precious words and captivating illustrations! Beautifuly shows the proudness of parental love. My 8 month old son was totally hypnotised from start to finish and sure he will be for many years to come."
Best for teaching empathy
Image: AmazonI Am Human teaches your child that it’s ok to make mistakes. It's a bright and brilliant book full of kind words. This book teaches your child the power of saying “I’m sorry” and how to be kind to others.
One parent review said: "Absolutely beautiful book for children and babies. Lovely illustrations and kind words, must have! Highly recommend."
Best story for dealing with emotions
Image: AmazonThis story is a great way to teach your child about their big emotions and is written in an understandable, child-friendly tone. Ruby Finds a Worry explains how to deal with emotions like anxiety, stress and worry. It is thoughtful, colourful and engaging for children of all ages.
One parent review said: "I love that this book shows that everyone can have a worry from time to time, but talking about it with someone you trust can help ensure the Worries don’t hang around for long."
Best story of kindness
Image: AmazonA fantastic book for teaching children how to show kindness, not only to others, but to themselves. It's perfect for a child suffering from low self-esteem, critical thinking or worry.
One parent review said: "Such a beautiful life lesson for children. We’ve bought most of the books by this author now. They have such powerful lessons for children."
7.
Hair Love
Best self-esteem book
www.whsmith.co.uk
We love this book — it's a beautiful story of identity, culture and acceptance. As well as exploring themes of family, it also covers topics such as self-esteem and pride. Hair Love is the story of a father trying to learn to style his African-American daughter's hair. We adore this feel-good tale.
One parent review said: "My daughter went through a phase or not liking her hair due to the lack of diversity in her school, after purchasing this book and other similar books, her self love improved."
Best mindfulness exercises
This book is full of mindfulness practices that you can do with your child at home. It includes a CD audio that talks you through the meditational exercises. It's a simple and effective way to implement mindfulness techniques into your child's life to improve their overall wellbeing.
One parent review said: "Lovely book and CD to listen to. My Daughter was struggling to sleep and this helped calm her a little and relax us both before bed. Also was nice for us to sit and do this together which we then chatted about after."
Best for teaching about friendship and love
Charlie Mackesy's beautiful ink sketches and writing tell the tale of four unlikely friends — a boy, mole, fox and horse — who, together, learn about their strengths, weaknesses and emotions. Suitable for adults and children, the main message to take away from this heartwarmining story is that nothing is more important than love.
One parent review said: "Absolutely love this book which I bought for my grandson! It is insightful and joyous. Full of love.:
Best feelings activity book
This new activity book is available to pre-order and provides a great opportunity to sit down with your child and to really understand how they've been feeling. It will guide you both through a range of simple exercises that you can complete together and teach them how to find moments of calm and let go of feelings of sadness. It's also been reviewed by a child psychologist, and there are explainers throughout, just in case your child has a question, or two, about the activities.
If your child loves getting stuck into drawing and stickers, then we've also rounded up the best toddler activity books, which will also help them to relax and be present in the moment.
11.
It's OK to Cry
Best book for boys
While we all need to know that crying isn't a sign of weakness and is perfectly normal, this children's book is aimed more at young boys, as there's still a stigma attached around men showing their emotions. However, it is still suitable for everyone. Written by best-selling author, Molly Potter, It's Ok to Cry is full of colourful illustrations and does what its title says — it teaches us how to deal with different emotions and that it's ok, especially if we do cry.
One parent review said: "A perfect wellbeing book for kids. My son has been struggling with some behavioural issues, outburst etc. We read this to him regularly and it seems to be really helping him understand why he might be feeling certain emotions, which helps him in dealing with them. Nice pictures as well."
How to teach your child child about emotions
Why wellbeing books for kids? as a parent, you are responsible for your child’s wellbeing. That can feel like a lot of pressure. No one wants to deal with a toddler meltdown. Managing your toddlers emotions can be difficult. But parents need to instil positive wellbeing in children from an early age. So that they can grow confidently and feel secure. Here are our top tips for talking to children about emotions:
• Have open and honest conversations: Try to get your child to describe how they are feeling and listen to their answers without anger or judgement.
• Share appropriate stories of your own experiences: Help them understand by giving examples of a time you felt this way.
• Teach your child the different types of emotions by name: This is so that they are easier to recognise next time they pop up.
• Reassure your child that it’s okay to feel this way: Hug them and tell them they are loved. There's nothing worse than feeling alone or that your emotions are 'not normal', but a hug and a few words of reassurance to your child will give them a sense of relief and reassure them you are there for them.
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Hannah James is a Parenting and Lifestyle Writer working across Mother&Baby, Yours and Grazia.