10 Kids Books Psychologists Recommend in 2021
Sara Darnell | Feb 2, 2021
Psychologists everywhere have noticed an uptick in children experiencing anxiety, stress, confusion, and other issues that have come as a result of 2020. We should note that these are completely normal things for children to experience, but what is the best way to work through these feelings? Many psychologists have turned to children’s books to teach young readers how to deal with their emotions. Here’s a list of the books that these psychologists are recommending to children:
1. RIGHT NOW, I AM FINE
BY DANIELA OWEN
This book is a mindfully written self-help guide to aid children in dealing with stress and anxiety, by uncovering their emotions and following a simple calming routine. Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D. is a clinical child psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She specializes in using evidence-based treatments to help with managing anxiety, worry, anger, and low mood.
2. I CAN YELL LOUDER
BY JENNIFER GAITHER
A great resource for dealing with frustrated children, this book teaches that you don’t have to yell and throw a tantrum to get what you want. This book will help your child understand how to communicate what they want in the proper way!
3. ZEN PIG: FEELINGS ARE CLOUDS
BY MARK BROWN
Zen Pig might just be the cutest way to help your child learn how to focus their emotions when they are stressed out or anxious. Zen Pig teaches children the value of gratitude, mindfulness, and compassion in a way that’s easy for them to understand. It’s a perfect book for helping your little reader calm down, and children LOVE this award-winning series!
4. RIGHT NOW, I AM BRAVE
BY DANIELA OWEN
In the second book of her Right Now series, Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D., explains the choice that we all have when we face situations that may make us anxious or fearful. This book is perfect for the uncertain times we face today and can be very effective in teaching children how to deal with their fears.
5. A MOTHER’S LOVE
BY MARILEE JOY MAYFIELD
Psychologist’s say that the most important thing we can do for our children is let them know they are loved, especially when the world around them seems to be falling apart. This beautifully written book will help your child understand the unconditional amount of love you have for them. This is a great book for getting back to what really matters.
6. THE SECRET WORDS
BY DOMINIC ANGLIM
A huge part of helping children feel better is helping them build their self-confidence. This book is written to do exactly that! Follow Rija the lemur’s adventure through the Madagascar forest and learn about the importance of self-confidence! When Rija discovers 4 “secret words,” she realizes that she can do anything she puts her mind to.
7. A TO Z: A LIFE OF GLEE
BY JASON KUTASI
This book has been known to help pull young children out of sad feelings! The hilarious story within not only helps children learn the alphabet, but also teaches us about being friend with each other and having compassion! Your little one is sure to love the fun ride this story takes them on.
8. A FRIEND IS SOMEONE WHO
BY MARILEE JOY MAYFIELD
This fun, rhyming book is great for children who are beginning to make friendships and understand what it means to care for someone else. Psychologists often recommend it as a resource when helping socialize children. It focuses on values such as compassion, empathy, and kindness.
9. FIONA FLAMINGO
BY RACHEL URRUTIA CHU
Fiona Flamingo is recommended by psychologists to help children understand and manage their feelings. This colorfully illustrated book teaches that it’s ok if you don’t understand your emotions and it’s ok to be scared, angry, and sad at times. It’s a great resource for helping children see that being unique should not be looked down upon.
10. RIGHT NOW, I AM KIND
BY DANIELA OWEN
In the third book of her Right Now series, Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D. helps children learn what it means to be kind and aware of other people. This book is a guide for children to help them understand why being aware is important, and what actions they can practice to show compassion.