Literacy isn’t merely tied to letters, numbers, or words. Social-emotional literacy is just as important for the littlest to the biggest learners! Social-emotional learning means learning how to navigate big emotions, including difficult feelings like disappointment and fear. It means learning how to be kind, even when others are different than we are. It’s about healthy communication and resilience in the face of difficulty and struggle. This type of literacy is powerful and so, so needed in our world. Here are some of our favorites!

Jabari has finished his swim lessons, and he’s ready to jump off the diving board! But as he looks up, up, up the ladder and watches kids jump down, down, down, he realizes jumping isn’t quite as easy as it looks. In fact, it might be really scary. Thankfully, according to his dad, it’s okay to be scared sometimes. With its whimsical illustrative style, this story is fun and relatable for kids and adults alike.

Big Feelings by Alexandra Penfold, illustrated by Suzanne Kaufmann

The illustrations of this sweet rhyming story follow a group of neighborhood kids as they navigate big feelings during playtime in the neighborhood park. Big feelings like mad, sad, inspired, and bold punctuate their experience as they learn to come together as friends. This book is simple and a beautiful reminder that big feelings are normal, and we can always work through even the hardest ones.

The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, illustrated by Patrice Barton

Whether he’s in the classroom, on the playground, or in the lunchroom, Brian knows he’s invisible. No one picks him for sports. No one sees his drawings or invites him to parties. When Justin joins the class, nothing seems to change– until Brian makes a choice to be kind. The aftermath of his choice reminds him that maybe he’s not so invisible after all. This book is heart-wrenching and full of hope. It’s the perfect story to spark conversation about the importance of truly seeing other people– no matter who you are.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

When Taylor’s creation is destroyed, everyone has something to say about it. The bear wants Taylor to get angry, the ostrich recommends hiding, and the snake advises revenge. But Taylor doesn’t want to do any of those things, not until after the rabbit sits by his side and quietly listens. With simple illustrations and a gentle tone, this book is a wonderful reminder of the power of empathy, patience, and a listening ear.

Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim

It’s Danbi’s first day at a new school in a new country. Will she fit in? What if she doesn’t? Thanks to another child’s kindness, Danbi’s first day turns out better than she’d ever expected. This beautiful story highlights the importance of being kind, even when others may be different than we are.

The Good Egg by Jory John, illustrated by Pete Oswald

No matter how good Good Egg is, he can’t get the other eggs in his carton to behave! In fact, Good Egg’s efforts are causing him to crack! It’s not until he takes some time to himself that Good Egg learns not only how to heal, but what it really means to be a good egg among his eggmates. This is a fun book with great illustrations– perfect for all those good eggs out there!

The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by Rafael López

A brother and sister use their imaginations to fly above boredom, anger, and the struggles of fitting in. They learn from their grandmother, who learned from her ancestors, and they inspire others to do the same. With lyrical prose and gorgeous illustrations, this book is a must for every shelf!

Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival

Ruby was perfectly happy, until the day she found a worry. The Worry follows Ruby everywhere. It gets bigger and bigger. It gets so big, in fact, that it takes up half the school bus! And that doesn’t make Ruby happy—it just makes her sad. Then she meets a boy with a huge worry, just like hers. A must-read, this story not only reminds kids that worries are normal, but it teaches how to handle those worries in healthy, resilient ways.

The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly

It’s Asiya’s first day of wearing hijab, and her little sister Faizah thinks she looks like a princess! When other students make unkind comments, Faizah remembers her mother’s wise words and the true meaning of hijab as she follows Asiya’s example of strength and grace. This beautiful story is written in lyrical prose with stunning illustrations. It’s a powerful reminder of the universal need for kindness, family, and inner strength.

I Am Enough by Grace Byers, illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo

This simple rhyming story reminds each reader, adult and child alike, that we are all enough. Like mountains, we’re here to stand, like champs to fight, like birds to sing, and like the sun to shine. Each one of us has meaning and purpose in this world– and each child needs to read this book!