Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

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Picture Books Library < Feelings
Picture books about Feelings from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Picture books that encourage young children to explore their feelings such as sadness, anger, disappointment and fear. Emotional intelligence, or being able to understand and manage feelings, is really important for children as they grow and develop. Children tend to feel happier, more confident and less anxious when they are able to identify, understand and manage their emotions well. Some books describe a character who has learned to manage a big emotion successfully. Others offer strategies to help a child deal with strong feelings such as anxiety, shyness, sadness and fear.

Animal Phobias

Animal Phobias

Books which either show animals such as mice, spiders and insects in a positive light, or which tackle the fears and phobias that some children experience when coming face to face with certain animals and insects.

Anxiety

Anxiety

Children’s picture books that explore anxiety, worry and stress.

Being Different & Being Yourself

Being Different & Being Yourself

Many children get anxious if they feel that they ‘don’t fit in’. These picture books promote the message that being different is a good thing.

Fear of The Dark

Fear of The Dark

Books which acknowledge fears and phobias associated with the dark. Some titles aim to neutralise fears by promoting darkness as a positive and necessary aspect of the night.

Ghosts and Monsters

Ghosts and Monsters

Books that acknowledge childhood fears of ghosts and monsters. Some books attempt to neutralise fears by featuring characters who seem frightening at first but ultimately reveal friendly qualities.

Sadness

Sadness

Books to comfort children going through periods of sadness. Some books explain that feeling sad occasionally is normal, and offer practical ways to make the child feel happier.

Shyness

Shyness

Books that either have a character who is shy, or reassure shy children that they can cope with this emotion.

Wanting to be Grown Up

Wanting to be Grown Up

Books that reflect the common childhood desire to be ‘grown up’. Many children can’t wait to be bigger, expecting this to lead to more excitement, control and variety.

 
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Mighty Mara

Mighty MaraMighty Mara celebrates diversity and also explores themes about tenacity, self-confidence, and disability inclusion. The protagonist, a young disabled girl, encounters doubt and some bullying when she signs up to perform in her school talent show. Readers will see how she overcomes biases and ableism to embrace what makes her uniquely herself.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Disabilities, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: body image, co-operation, confidence, courage, feelings, friends, persistence, prejudice, self-esteem, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Nowhere Hair

Nowhere Hair by Sue GladerA picture book that steps in to support anyone that needs to explain cancer treatment and its effects to a young child. It also serves as a good reminder that we should not judge or tease people for the way they look, it's what inside that counts the most, and parental love is unwavering, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Serious Illness
Tags: appearance, cancer, change, confidence, courage, emotions, illness, mother, prejudice, terminal illness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The River

The River by Tom PercivalA beautiful, hopeful picture book that supports and acknowledges children struggling with complex emotions. The boy in the story experiences (and recovers from) a prolonged period of sadness following the death of his pet dog, but the themes in the story would be useful for many scenarios.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Owning a Pet, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anger, depression, dog, emotions, feelings, growing up, loss, persistence, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Happiest Kid

The Happiest KidA gentle, reassuring picture book that helps children to recognise and normalise sadness and talk about big feelings

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Depression in Family, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, behaviour, change, confidence, depression, fears, feelings, friends, grumpiness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots

Henrietta's Thistleberry Boots byLaura Anderson KirbyA picture book that acknowledges that a change in routine can be challenging for many children, while at the same time demonstrating that with patience and support, it is possible to get through difficult times. A useful springboard for a conversation about uncomfortable changes, the story promotes patience, resilience and courage to face the unknown or new.

Categories: Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Infectious Diseases, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, brother, change, co-operation, confidence, coronavirus, fears, feelings, persistence, sister, stubbornness, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Invisible Boy

The Invisible BoyThis beautiful book promotes inclusivity and empathy, encouraging children to 'leave no-one behind' in friendship groups and to consider other people's feelings.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Shyness
Tags: anxiety, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, feelings, friends, friendship, loneliness, multicultural, prejudice, self-esteem

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Charlie and the Dog Who Came to Stay: A Book About Depression

Charlie and the Dog Who Came to StayThis gentle and reassuring story should chime with any young child who is living with depression, whether it is themselves or someone else who has been affected by it. A useful tool to help children to understand depression and how it can change people's feelings and behaviour, containing practical non-preachy guidance and coping strategies.

Categories: Anxiety, Depression in Family, Feelings, Moving House, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anger, behaviour, change, depression, emotions, exercise, feelings, grumpiness, loneliness, mother, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Mum’s Jumper

Mum's JumperA thoughtful, sensitive and realistic portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of a young girl following the death of her mother.

Categories: Anxiety, Death & Bereavement, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, father, growing up, jealousy, loss, mother, single parent, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Those Shoes

Those ShoesA brilliant book that puts the reader in the shoes of a child in poverty, acknowledging the frustration and sense of injustice a child feels when they can’t have the things their friends take for granted.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Kindness, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: friends, gratitude, jealousy, poverty

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Worrysaurus

The WorrysaurusThere are a lot of helpful messages in this picture book for a child experiencing anxiety. The Worrysaurus is full of fears and 'What If's', but he learns some useful ways to cope with challenging emotions and is able to get on with his day. A useful and entertaining way to introduce the concept of mindfulness to young children.

Categories: Anxiety, Courage, Feelings, Resilience / adaptability

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

My Special Eye

My Special EyeA vibrant, positive picture book narrated by Bruno, an active little boy who has a prosthetic eye. Any child could learn a good deal from this picture book about why people have prostheses, how the eye is cared for, and what it means for the wearer. 'My Special Eye' gives a much-needed voice to monocular children.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities, Wearing Glasses / Eye patch
Tags: appearance, blindness, body image, brother, change, glasses, gratitude, illness, prosthesis, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Impossible!

Perfect to share with children who hide their fears and worries behind "I CAN'T" or "IT'S IMPOSSIBLE', this charming picture book may encourage more of a growth mindset, help to overcome a challenge, or motivate a child to take the first step on the road to a new adventure or experience.

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, change, co-operation, confidence, courage, fears, friends, persistence, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Hair Love

Hair LoveA positive story of how a father and daughter work together to create the perfect hairstyle for a very special day. There are many helpful messages within which could apply to a child who is dealing with an absent or ill parent, or who is simply finding it hard not to give up on a challenging task.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Haircuts & Hair Care, Kindness, Non-traditional Families
Tags: co-operation, confidence, diversity, father, mother, persistence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Ask First, Monkey!

Ask First, Monkey!An important introduction to consent and boundaries for young children.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Friendship & Getting Along, Listening & Co-operating, Safety and Protection
Tags: abuse, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, consent, courage, emotions, fears, friends, friendship

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees

A bright, colourful and informative book that provides a wealth of information about growing up, puberty, reproduction and parenting. A great reference book for any family book shelf!

Categories: Facts of Life, New Baby, Wanting to be Grown Up
Tags: families, growing up, having babies, puberty, sex

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Only Way is Badger

The Only Way is BadgerA book about acceptance, difference and learning to say sorry.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: appearance, co-operation, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Jabari Jumps

Jabari JumpsA lovely exploration of how it feels to face your fears.

Categories: Anxiety, Courage, Learning to Swim
Tags: courage, father, persistence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

All the Ways to be Smart

All the Ways to be SmartSo often children are led to believe that being smart is all about academic achievement. This delightful, positive and diverse picture book re-frames the concept of being smart to include many other wonderful qualities.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: co-operation, confidence, courage, diversity, friends, sharing

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Through the Eyes of Me

Through the Eyes of MeA useful picture book to simply explain autism to children, it is a positive exploration of how a young girl with autism perceives the world.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Disabilities, Kindness
Tags: asperger syndrome, autism, diversity, eating, emotions, father, friends

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Sweep

Sweep by Louise GreigThis captivating picture book is a thought-provoking exploration of a young boy's bad mood and how it takes hold of him.

Categories: Aggression & Tantrums, Anxiety, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: behaviour, emotions, feelings, stubbornness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Day War Came

The Day War Came by Nicola DaviesA haunting, emotional story of a young refugee, this picture book could be a springboard for a conversation about kindness and tolerance. Encourages empathy.

Categories: Courage, Death & Bereavement, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, diversity, fears, loss, migration, multicultural, prejudice, transition, trauma

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Ruby’s Worry

Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival'A reassuring and sensitive book - the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries no matter how big or small they may be'

Categories: Anxiety, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, co-operation, fears, friends, mental health

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Suitcase

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-BallesterosThis simple and powerful story about the arrival of a stranger could be a catalyst for exploring so many concepts and themes with young children: trust, curiosity, tolerance, hope, kindness, making amends, friendship, ‘doing the right thing’ and telling the truth to name just a few.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along, Gratitude, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: appearance, change, co-operation, diversity, fears, friends, migration, multicultural, persistence, prejudice, sharing, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

And Tango Makes Three

And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson and Peter ParnellThis classic picture book shows children that every family looks different and all family groups are equally valid and wonderful regardless of shape and size, colour or gender: love is all they need!

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Kindness, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: father, foster, gender, persistence, same-sex parents

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Garden of Hope

The Garden of Hope by Isabel OtterA poignant yet positive story about a grieving daughter and father and how tending a garden together helps them to begin the healing process and find hope for the future.

Categories: Caring for the Environment, Courage, Death & Bereavement, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, emotions, father, loss, mother

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Benny’s Hat

Benny's HatA beautiful, sensitively written book that could be used to support and comfort children who have a seriously ill sibling or friend, or have experienced bereavement.

Categories: Courage, Death & Bereavement, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness, Serious Illness
Tags: brother, cancer, emotions, loss, sister, terminal illness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Jungle Jamboree

Jungle JamboreeA lovely reminder for children that true beauty comes from the inside: kind thoughts and deeds are far more important than physical appearance.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: appearance, body image, confidence, gratitude, self-esteem, shyness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

How to be a Lion

How to be a LionA brilliant and entertaining story with a strong and clear message: Don't be afraid to be yourself; embrace the differences in yourself and others.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: appearance, behaviour, co-operation, diversity, emotions, feelings, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

What’s worrying you?

What's worrying you?A great picture book to help children explore their worries. While it is normal to feel anxious now and then, when anxiety escalates and can't be controlled, sitting down with your child and reading this book together should help.

Categories: Aggression & Tantrums, Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Common Childhood Illnesses, Confidence & Self-esteem, Divorce / Separation, Fear of The Dark, Friendship & Getting Along, Ghosts and Monsters, Kindness, Listening & Co-operating, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness, Shyness
Tags: anger, anxiety, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, divorce, emotions, friends, jealousy, mental health, phobias, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Dot

The DotA wonderful picture book that encourages children to try new or challenging things, to explore their creativity and to have confidence in their abilities.

Categories: Confidence & Self-esteem, Curiosity & Creativity, Feelings, Listening & Co-operating, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, confidence, emotions, persistence, school, stubbornness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Almost Anything

Almost Anything by Sophy HennEncourages young children to believe in themselves and to persevere. Promotes resilience and higher self-esteem.

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Curiosity & Creativity, Feelings, Gratitude, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, confidence, persistence, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Red Tree

The Red TreeA sensitive and honest insight into feeling lost, confused and alone, with an uplifting reminder that things will be okay. Hope is always there, waiting to be found.

Categories: Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Death & Bereavement, Depression in Family, Sadness
Tags: abuse, anxiety, depression, divorce, dyslexia, emotions, loneliness, mental health

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Journey

The JourneyThis powerful story about a family's forced migration to a new country gives children the chance to empathise with people in difficult circumstances. It promotes greater understanding and respect for those with different origins and cultures. Children who are refugees themselves may recognise something of their own story here.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Moving House, Non-traditional Families
Tags: absence, anxiety, diversity, father, fears, gratitude, loss, migration, mother, multicultural, transition, violence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Koala Who Could

The Koala Who CouldAn entertaining story that encourages children to try something new. Perfect for children who find change difficult.

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Kindness, Shyness
Tags: anxiety, change, confidence, depression, emotions, fears, friends, mental health, phobias, separation anxiety, shyness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Dogger

DoggerThis is a charming story that addresses the loss of a special toy, and how a sibling's kindness saves the day. The book highlights the unique bond some children have with specific toys, and allows an adult reader to see the significance of such a toy through a child's eyes.

Categories: Comfort Objects, Kindness, Sadness
Tags: loss, sister, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Perfectly Norman

Perfectly Norman"Find the courage to be yourself"

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage
Tags: anxiety, body image, confidence, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

A Safe Place for Rufus

A Safe Place for RufusThis book would be a good choice for children who have experienced trauma in their lives which has left them feeling anxious in new situations. Also relevant for children who are struggling with transitions such as moving house, changing school or moving from one family to another.

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Anxiety, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Moving House, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: abuse, anger, anxiety, cat, eating, emotions, fears, foster

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

What Happened to Daddy’s Body?

What Happened to Daddy's Body?This is a frank and lovingly written book, explaining clearly what happens to someone’s body when they die. It provides young children with a means to understand what happens after death, whilst reassuring them with the message that life goes on for those left behind.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, change, father, fears, loss, mother

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?

Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?By honestly explaining sudden death in a clear and simple language a young reader can understand, this book will aid a child who is trying to process the concept of a loved-one passing away. The book discusses the feelings of sadness that a child will inevitably feel, but reinforces the message that it’s okay to be happy sometimes, too.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Sadness
Tags: father, fears, loss, mother

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Worm, Slug, Maggot and Leech and their Troublesome Transformation!

Worm, Slug, Maggot and LeechA great choice for a child suffering with low self-esteem, who feels under pressure to look like others in order to 'fit in' or be more popular.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Gratitude
Tags: appearance, body image, confidence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Minnie & Max are OK!

Minnie and Max are OK!A good choice to help a child develop a positive body image, “Minnie & Max are OK!” sends out a strong message that everyone is different and that we all have our own specific strengths. The book will reassure a child with insecurities, and encourage them to look at the wonderful diversity all around them.

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Sadness
Tags: body image, confidence, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

We’re All Wonders

We're All WondersThis story shows how one child copes with his own differences, and other people’s reactions to them. The reader will find comfort in Auggie’s imaginative tactics, and his positivity about being able to change the way others see him.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: body image, confidence, diversity, emotions, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

I Don’t Want Curly Hair!

I Don't Want Curly Hair!This fun tale will resonate with any child who might hanker after physical attributes they don’t have, for example, straight or curly hair. But it may also help children who feel different for other reasons, and will reassure a child that many people feel that way sometimes. The story reminds us that friendships can often be based on our differences, and that variety is a good thing.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Gratitude, Haircuts & Hair Care
Tags: appearance, body image, confidence, diversity, gratitude

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Great Big Book of Families

The Great Big Book of FamiliesHighlighting the fact that families come in all shapes and sizes, this book celebrates diversity, explaining how every personal situation is different. It's a good book for debunking the traditional storybook myth that happy families usually consist of mother, father and two children.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Divorce / Separation, Non-traditional Families
Tags: diversity, father, foster, grandparent, mother, multicultural, poverty, single parent, wheelchair, working parents

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Michael Rosen’s Sad Book

Michael Rosen's Sad BookAn honest and realistic description of the pain of grief (and the healing process that follows it)

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Depression in Family, Sadness
Tags: depression, emotions, father, loss, mental health

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Good Little Wolf

Good Little WolfAlthough predominantly an entertaining story, this quirky picture book also explores the idea of being true to oneself and defying stereotypes. It reinforces the message that you don't need to 'go with the crowd' if the crowd's actions are not wise.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Tidiness & Helping Out
Tags: behaviour

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Tappity-Tap What was That?

Tappity-Tap What was That?The book conveys the message that facing our fears means they are often not so scary.

Categories: Anxiety, Fear of The Dark, Ghosts and Monsters
Tags: anxiety, phobias, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Is It Because…?

Is It Because...?A good starting point to introduce the subject of bullying and why it happens. It may encourage children to explore the feelings of the bully as well as the victim.

Categories: Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Sadness
Tags: emotions, hitting

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

A Bit Lost

A Bit Lost

Categories: Anxiety
Tags: emotions, separation anxiety

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary Night

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary NightMay comfort a child who is anxious about the dark, spiders, ghosts or monsters, and make them realise they are not alone.

Categories: Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Fear of The Dark, Ghosts and Monsters
Tags: anxiety, emotions, fears, friends, phobias

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The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.