From My Head to My Toes
AUTHOR: Aly Raisman
ILLUSTRATOR: Bea Jackson
PUBLISHER: Henry Holt and Co (BYR), an imprint of Macmillan Children’s PublishingGroup (2024)
ISBN: 9781250798107
AGES: 3– 8
Olympic gold medalist and activist Aly Raisman delivers an empowering picture book that gently explores consent and bodily autonomy while focusing on a powerful message of self-love.
Girls Rising: A Guide to Nurturing a Confident and Soulful Adolescent
AUTHOR: Urana Jackson
PUBLISHER: Parallax Press (2016)
ISBN: 9781941529188
AGES: 12 and up
Girls Rising is a workbook of activities designed for educators, mental health clinicians, youth workers, parents, and, in some cases, peer educators working with girls ages 13–17 that provides a process for them to explore and develop their emotional, social, and spiritual selves.
MASKS: A Graphic Novel
AUTHOR: Margaret Rae & Brian Nathanson
ILLUSTRATOR: Beck Kubrick
PUBLISHER: Andrews McMeel (Jul.)
ISBN: 9781524886455
AGES: 8– 12
Little monsters are forced to hide their existence from the world—until they hear about the concept of Halloween. For one night only, they’ll be able to come out of the shadows and be their true selves. That is, unless they get caught.
My One-of-a-Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me
AUTHOR: Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP
ILLUSTRATOR: Lisa Perrett
PUBLISHER: American Academy of Pediatrics (Oct.)
ISBN: 9781610028035
AGES: 7– 9
Pediatrician Dr. Whitney Casares intro- duces the concept of body literacy and helps kids learn all bodies are good bodies, especially their own!
Porn Is Not Sex Ed!: A Young Person's Illustrated Guide to Debunking Sexuality Myths
AUTHOR: Jess Melendez
ILLUSTRATOR: Remy Alva
PUBLISHER: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Oct.)
ISBN: 9781805013259
AGES: 12 and up
Designed for you to read on your own, while encouraging you to seek the support of a trusted adult to discuss the topics with, this guide explores how porn shapes our lives, covering everything from body image, anatomy, consent, safe sex, and much more.
Free to Be Me with a BFRB: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Living Well with Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, Nail Biting, and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors
AUTHOR: Dr. Renae Reinardy, Dr. Marla Deibler, Dr. Jennifer Gola
ILLUSTRATOR: Rebecca Price
PUBLISHER: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (2026)
ISBN: 9781805019053
AGES: 8– 12
Full of interactive and creative activities, this book gives kids aged 7–12 expert advice presented in a fun way, which can be done on their own or with a grown-up.
Kite Day
AUTHOR: Lisa Varchol Perron
ILLUSTRATOR: Siski Kalla
PUBLISHER: Moon + Bird (2026)
ISBN: 9781917194112
AGES: 3– 8
An honest yet hopeful glimpse into a child’s experience with a parent who has bipolar illness or other mood-related struggles, including concrete suggestions for young readers who are concerned about a loved one.
The Big Book of Big Feelings
AUTHOR: Rachael Katz
ILLUSTRATOR: Rachael Katz
PUBLISHER: Instant Help Books, an imprint of New Harbinger Publications (Aug.)
ISBN: 9781648484445
AGES: 5– 9
Little collector Peep gathers BIG feelings but needs your help! This interactive book teaches kids to name, understand, and manage their complex emotions.
Charlotte and the Quiet Place
AUTHOR: Deborah Sosin
ILLUSTRATOR: Sara Gómez Woolley
PUBLISHER: Parallax Press (2015)
ISBN: 9781941529027
AGES: 5– 9
Sometimes children need a break from our noisy, over-stimulating world. Charlotte and the Quiet Place shows how a child learns and practices mindful breathing on her own and experiences the beauty of silence.
The Flock We Found
AUTHOR: Mary Reaves Uhles
ILLUSTRATOR: Mary Reaves Uhles
PUBLISHER: American Psychological Association/Magination Press (Sep.)
ISBN: 9781433845611
AGES: 5– 9
The Flock We Found helps kids understand anxiety and emotional unpredictability in family life and offers a comforting message about belonging, resilience, and found family.
How to Be a Superhero Called Self-Control 2nd edition
AUTHOR: Lauren Brunner
ILLUSTRATOR: Rebecca Burgess
PUBLISHER: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Nov.)
ISBN: 9781805017554
AGES: 7– 9
Inside, you'll team up with Self-Control to learn powers that help you feel calm and in control. Whether you're feeling tired, angry, worried, or wiggly, you can calm those big feelings with Self-Control's help.
I Lost a Day
AUTHOR: Briana Corr Scott
ILLUSTRATOR: Briana Corr Scott
PUBLISHER: Nimbus Publishing (Apr.)
ISBN: 9781774713631
AGES: 3– 8
In this gentle verse story, children of diverse ages and backgrounds experience emotions, from anger to depression to anxiety, “losing a day” to negative thoughts and feelings. They also find creative ways to cope with mental illness.
If You're Angry and You Know It, Go Outside: Tools to Cool Off Hot Feelings
AUTHOR: Mara Giglio
ILLUSTRATOR: Keith Wilde
PUBLISHER: Swallow Press (Oct.)
ISBN: 9780804012591
AGES: 3– 8
Introduces self-regulation skills based on the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) to help kids and adults stay in their resilient zone. The emotional regulation strategies outlined in the book enable children and adults to manage emotions, enhance well-being, and support others effectively.
A Kids Book About Anxiety
AUTHOR: Ross Szabo
PUBLISHER: DK (2023)
ISBN: 9780744085693
AGES: 5– 9
Having anxiety doesn’t just mean feeling nervous or needing to calm down. This book explores the forms anxiety takes and the steps kids can take to begin to manage those feelings.
Make Way for Harriet and May
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Weiss Verdick
ILLUSTRATOR: Yana Kozak
PUBLISHER: WorthyKids (Jul.)
ISBN: 9781546008132
AGES: 3– 8
Join May and her cherished stuffed spider, Harriet, as May learns to be brave and step out of her comfort zone in this joyful story about being different.
Mastering Your Mental Health in Middle School
AUTHOR: Shetler, Lisa
PUBLISHER: Instant Help Books an Imprint of New Harbinger Publications (Sep.)
ISBN: 9781648485633
AGES: 8– 12
Entering middle school can be tough! This valuable guide will help you master your mental health, manage stress, build confidence, and thrive during this turbulent transition.
The Motivation Mindset Workbook
AUTHOR: Ellen Braaten, PhD and Hillary Bush, PhD
PUBLISHER: Guilford Press (Dec.)
ISBN: 9781462555581
AGES: 8– 12
Grounded in the science of motivation this workbook is packed with engaging activities that help "bored" kids identify their strengths, discover what they love to do, and vault over obstacles.
Neurodiversity for Teen Girls
AUTHOR: Jamie D. Roberts
PUBLISHER: New Harbinger Publications (2026)
ISBN: 9781648486234
AGES: 12 and up
Empowering guide for neurodivergent girls to embrace their unique brains, understand emotions, manage social and sensory issues, and live authentically.
Taya the Tortoise Activity Book for Children who Bottle Up, Retreat or Disconnect
AUTHOR: Karen Treisman
ILLUSTRATOR: Sarah Peacock
PUBLISHER: Jessica Kingsley Publishers (Nov.)
ISBN: 9781805017950
AGES: 5– 9
We are used to identifying children who ask for attention, but what about children who need help but stay silent or show their pain differently? They may survive by disconnecting, retreating, dissociating, and internalizing their hurt.
That’s My Truck: A Good Inside Story About Hitting
AUTHOR: Dr. Becky Kennedy
ILLUSTRATOR: Joanie Stone
PUBLISHER: Feiwel & Friends, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group (Apr.)
ISBN: 9781250326959
AGES: 3– 8
Beloved parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy tackles one of the most common parenting challenges head on in this engaging story that helps parents and kids cope with big feelings.
Waiting for Max: A NICU Story
AUTHOR: Emily Rosen
ILLUSTRATOR: Esther Diana
PUBLISHER: The Collective Book Studio (Oct.)
ISBN: 9781685552800
AGES: 3– 8
When Louise’s baby brother arrives too soon and must stay in the NICU, she uses her big imagination to dream up ways to bring him home.
What to Do When the News Scares You: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current Events, Revised Edition
AUTHOR: Jacqueline B. Toner
ILLUSTRATOR: Janet McDonnell
PUBLISHER: American Psychological Association/Magination Press (Jan.)
ISBN: 9781433845239
AGES: 7– 9
What to Do When the News Scares You provides a way to help children put scary events into perspective. And, if children start to worry or become anxious about things they’ve heard, there are ideas to help them calm down and cope.
What to Do When You Panic: A Kid's Guide to Transforming Panic Into Personal Power
AUTHOR: Lenka Glassman
ILLUSTRATOR: Janet McDonnell
PUBLISHER: American Psychological Association/Magination Press (Jan.)
ISBN: 9781433844843
AGES: 7– 9
With relatable examples, lively illustrations, and step-by-step instructions, kids are guided through a strategy for calming panic and settling feelings of spiraling fear and anxiety.
When You Find a Hope
AUTHOR: Allie Millington
ILLUSTRATOR: Anne Lambelet
PUBLISHER: WorthyKids (May)
ISBN: 9781546007548
AGES: 3– 8
Experience the improbable beauty of a shattered hope born anew in this magical tale about a young girl, a tree full of hopes, and the power of perseverance.
2024 Listings
All About PDA
Kathy Hoopman. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Oct. ISBN 9781839977565
A perfect introduction to PDA! Through engaging text and full-color animal photographs, this book shows how PDAers experience the world and highlights the unique characteristics that make them special. Ages 7-9
All About Worries and Fears
Felicity Brooks. Mar Ferrero, illustrator. Usborne, Nov. ISBN 9781805079040
This book helps children understand why we have different fears and worries and the physical effects they have on our bodies. It includes fun and helpful activities to help manage and overcome them. Ages 3-8
All About You and Your Body
Felicity Brooks. Mar Ferrero, illustrator. Usborne, Apr. ISBN 9781805071556
Al ively look at all the incredible things the human body can do. There's a celebration of different body shapes and information about why bodies look different, including skin color and disability. Ages 3-8
Angry Me
Sandra V. Feder. Rahele Jomepour Bell, illustrator. Groundwood Books, 2022. ISBN 9781773063386
A loveable, angry little girl who is brimming with personality learns howt o express herself as she moves through her feelings. Ages 3-8
Camille the Chameleon on Masking
Gloria Dura-Vila. Rebecca Tatternorth, illustrator. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Jan. 2025 ISBN 9781805011033
Learn from Camille the Chameleon why it's always best to let your true autistic colors shine through in this beautifully illustrated picture book for autistic children aged six-plus. Ages 5-9
Dark Cloud
Anna Lazowski. Penny Neville-Lee, illustrator. Kids Can Press, 2023. ISBN 9781525306570
Written with compassion and care, this is a thoughtful story about a little girl who visualizes her depression as a way of learning to cope and perfectly captures how depression can look and feel. Ages 3-8
Dr Huebner’s Mini Books About Mighty Fears – 7-Book Collection
Dr. Dawn Huebner. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Oct. ISBN 9781805018452
The complete seven-book collection of Dr. Huebner's Facing Mighty Fears for children aged 6–10. Includes tips and tricks for children to better manage apprehension and resource sections for adults. Ages 5-9
Edward Pureheart and the Forever Children
Jennifer Munro. Pieter Van Tonder, illustrator. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), July. ISBN 9781399981156
Edward Pureheart is a century-old Texas carousel horse who sets out to find other pure-hearted ones. They show him how difficult it is to be different and how to keep going with his head held high. Ages 12 and up
A Feel Better Book for Picky Eaters
Holly Brochmann and Leah Bowen. Shirley Ng-Benitez, illustrator. APA /Magination Press, Oct. ISBN 9781433843921
The acclaimed Feel Better Book series now offers an upbeat rhyming story that tackles the challenge many kids face when trying new foods. Ages 3-8
The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky
Josh Galarza. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), July ISBN 9781250907714
A National Book Award finalist, this debut novel follows a teen boy attempting to keep everything under control–his anxiety, body image issues, disordered eating–in the face of life-altering change. Ages 12 and up
Here I Am, I Am Me
Cara Bean. Workman Kids, Apr. ISBN 9781523524389
This colorful, therapist-recommended graphic novel adventure through the brain demystifies and destigmatizes emotional and mental health for children through accessible language and lessons. Ages 12 and up
How Are You Feeling?
Lisa Fyfe. Workman Kids, 2023. ISBN 9781523523306
Discover the range of emotions—big, small, and everything in between—with young readers in this interactive book featuring a feelings wheel, a fold-out deep breathing activity, and a magic trick! Ages 3-8
How to Stop Freaking Out
Carla Naumburg. Letizia Rizzo, illustrator.Workman Kids, Sept. ISBN 9781523518241
From the bestselling author of How to Stop Losing Your Sh*t With Your Kids comes the ultimate guide for middle grade readers about managing stress and anxiety when life gets chaotic. Ages 8-12
I'm Here
James J. Crist. Jomike Teijdo, illustrator. Free Spirit Publishing, Aug. ISBN 9798885543767
Whether helping others informally or as a peer counselor, teens will find tips for learning helping skills, sample dialogues and ideas for teaching skills to others, and when to seek adult help. Ages 12 and up
If You Ever Need a Friend
Nadine M. Fonseca. Lourdes Villagómez, illustrator. Shadow Mountain, Oct. ISBN 9781639933068
A colorful and imaginative alebrije story that reminds children it is okay to ask for help when they are feeling strong emotions. Ages 5-9
The Invitation
Stacey May Fowles. Marie Lafrance, illustrator. Groundwood Books, 2023. ISBN 9781773066615
A whimsical, warmhearted story of how a super-special surprise can lead to anxiety or invite imagination in this unique story about catastrophic thinking. Ages 3-8
A Kids Book About Beauty
Ashley Graham. DK, June. ISBN 9780593847107
Beauty is a state of mind and it's something we can practice every day. Author Ashley Graham wants you to know you’re beautiful just the way you are and will teach you how to believe it, too. Ages 5-9
Mad at Dad
Janie Hao. Kids Can Press, Oct. ISBN 9781525310263
A unique interactive approach to the topic of anger. The double gatefolds allow the spreads to expand, making them big enough to contain the full size and many shapes of the girl’s feelings. Ages 3-8
The Magical Science of Feelings
Jen Daily, LICSW. Gwen Millward, illustrator. Storey, June ISBN 9781635867541
Clinical social worker Jen Daily helps kids understand the science behind feelings, taking them on a lively tour of the brain to see where anger, anxiety, sadness, and joy start. Ages 5-9
Meet the Dyslexia Club!
Margaret Rooke. Tim Stringer, illustrator. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Oct. ISBN 9781839978432
An illustrated children's book that explains dyslexia in a relatable and empowering way. Also includes advice for parents and teachers on supporting children with suspected/diagnosed dyslexia. Ages 8-12
Middle School Survival Guide for Girls
Geraldine O'Sullivan, LCSW, PPSC. New Harbinger Publications, Apr. 2025. ISBN 9781648484414
This guide provides tools to help preteen girls adjust to the pressures of middle school. Girls will build the resilience needed to thrive personally, socially, and academically in school and beyond. Ages 8-12
Sashiko's Stitches
AUTHOR: Sanae Ishida
ILLUSTRATOR: Sanae Ishida
PUBLISHER: WorthyKids (2024)
ISBN: 9781546005339
AGES: 3– 8
Stitch by stitch, a child learns to cope with difficult emotions through the traditional Japanese embroidery practice of sashiko in this moving picture book.
Sensitive
Sara Levine. Mehrdokht Amini, illustrator. Carolrhoda Books, 2023. ISBN 9781728450926
A young girl hears she's too sensitive and needs to change. Thoughtful text, detailed collage illustrations, and a word puzzle combine to show that what others call a weakness can also be a gift. Ages 5-9
Stress Less: A Teen's Guide to a Calm Chill Life
Michael A. Tompkins. APA / Magination Press, 2023. ISBN 9781433845321
Written by cognitive-behavioral therapist and stress-busting expert Michael A. Tompkins, PhD, Stress Less teaches concrete skills for managing stress and anxiety, organized into “stress domains.” Ages 12 and up
Talking to Children About Mental Health
Lily-Jo. SPCK, Jan. ISBN 9780281087822
A practical guide to help adults understand the unique mental health challenges facing our children, teenagers, and students today. Ages 12 and up
The Totally Not Boring Book of Feelings
Jolie Taylor. Brandon Dorman, illustrator. Shadow Mountain, Sept. ISBN 9781639933075
Forty fun poems that explore big feelings and emotions. This whimsical journey through verse and illustrations can help children recognize and understand their big emotions. Ages 5-9
Toto
Hyewon Yum. Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, Jan. 2025. ISBN 9780823453894
A girl is self-conscious about the birth-mark on her forehead until a new friend helps her see it in a whole new light. A warm, vulnerable story that grapples with the pressure we feel to blend in. Ages 3-8
Ups & Downs
Nancy MacNairn. Doruntina Beqiraj, illustrator. Second Story Press, Sept. ISBN 9781772603866
A young girl weathers the highs and lows of life with her mother, who has bipolar disorder. Her mother’s moods affect her and her brother deeply. But she never doubts her mother’s love for a second. Ages 3-8
What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety, Second Edition
Dawn Huebner, PhD. Sabine Rothmund, illustrator. APA / Magination Press, Aug. ISBN 9781433844881
What to Do When You Worry Too Much, Second Edition, guides children and par-ents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of anxiety. Ages 8-12
Why do I (sometimes) feel sad?
Katie Daynes. Amy Willcox, illustrator. Usborne, Dec. ISBN 9781805078487
This book uses thoughtful, engaging illustrations and gentle, friendly text to help children recognize sadness, understand why they might feel that way, and find ways to feel happy again. Ages 3-8
Wildful
Kengo Kurimoto. Kengo Kurimoto, illustrator. Groundwood Books, Feb. ISBN 9781773068626
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exploration of grief, love, and finding magic in the wilderness—and inourselves. Ages 8-12
Words Are My Superpower: A Kid's Guide to Affirmations, Mantras, and Positive Thinking
Harold Green III. Andrea Pippins, illustrator. Running Press Kids, July ISBN 9780762481590
From award-winning author and spoken-word poet Harold Green III comes an inspiring guide that will teach kids how to use language to empower themselves, help others, and change the world. Ages 8-12
This article was first published on October 18, 2024, and updated on October 17, 2025 to include new listings.
