Recommended Stories
There are a huge number of books published in recent years that cover all aspects of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Below are some of our favourites that we use in PSHE lessons, assemblies, storytimes or when there is a specific issue we want to talk about. If you are looking for a book that deals with an area of concern not listed below, please speak to one of us and we will try our best to help. We will endeavour to keep the list up-to-date with any new finds, but we would also be very keen to hear and share your recommendations too.
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2024 ELSA Booklist | [pdf 496KB] |
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A book about when the red mist descends!
A story about being nervous.
A story aobut moving schools, and perhaps a little about autism too.
A story about making your mark and how you are enough, no matter what your skills or talents.
It happens to us all...
A story about being special and unique.
A story about overcoming shyness and 'It's good to be me'.
Felix After the Rain
This is a story about Felix who carries around his sadness in a big black suitcase. When the case is accidentally opened there is a big storm but after this there is sunshine. The story shows that acknowledging sad feelings can be scary but we feel better afterwards.
Jack's Worry
A great book which shows that sharing our worries and fears makes them smaller or go away.
The Colour Monster
We use this across the school to demonstrate to the children that feeling different emotions is normal, healthy and something we recognise but we don't worry about. They can then relate to which monster they might be feeling like at different times or on different days.
On Sudden Hill
All of Benji Davies' books are thoroughly gorgeous and address themes that are so relevant for children. This story deals with what happens when a new boy wants to play with two best friends. For a school where new children arrive at all points of the year, this one will really resonate with some of our little people.
The Huge Bag of Worries
This is one of the best books we know that deal with the worries that children have. As adults it an only be too easy to dismiss what a child worries about as insignificant, and telling them to stop worrying about it doesn't really work! This book is a useful reminder to us grown-ups that a worry for a child can have a huge impact, as well as helping children to understand what to do when they do have a worry.
Grandad's Island
This one comes with a tissue warning! Another amazing book by Benji Davies (we promise we aren't on commission...) that addresses the death of a grandparent in a really lovely way. There are a few other bereavement books that we would recommend too; please talk to us if you would like a list.
Something Else
Another favourite of ours, Something Else teaches children that being different isn't something to be afraid of - and that actually, you can always find likeminded souls.
Waiting for Wolf
This is a lovely story about loss and grief. When Wolf becomes a star, Fox grieves but learns that memories of their special times together with always be with her.