Picture books that encourage resilience
Children will always face challenges in their lives, and sometimes it is useful to read about characters who have also been through difficult times, but who've found ways to cope. We've chosen these picture books for young readers because they explore a variety of common childhood experiences, such as moving house, making a mistake and overcoming fears.
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I Will Swim Next Time
Author: Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta
Interest level: 2-3
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I Will Swim Next Time
Author: Emily Joof and Matilda Ruta
Interest level: 2-3
Reading age:
A child begins their journey of experiencing water as a baby in their mother’s arms – but the sea is so big that they feel scared …
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Dinos Don’t Give Up!
Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 4-5
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Dinos Don’t Give Up!
Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Richard Merritt
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 4-5
Dinah the Diplodocus is a bit of a star: she finds everything easy, from baking to learning the alphabet. And, even though Dinah a…
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Snail in Space
Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 7+
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Snail in Space
Author: Rachel Bright Illustrator: Nadia Shireen
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 7+
Gail is a little snail with a big dream – to become the first snail in space! A hilarious story about the power of passion and per…
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Word Trouble
Author: Vyara Boyadjieva
Interest level: 4-5
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Word Trouble
Author: Vyara Boyadjieva
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
When Ronnie and his mum and dad move to England, Ronnie only knows a few phrases in English: Hello, My name is Ronnie, I am four, …
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Say Goodbye... Say Hello
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Interest level: 4-5
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Say Goodbye... Say Hello
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
Even the most difficult times, like saying goodbye to a pet when it dies, or a friend when they move house, can lead to saying hel…
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The Worry Jar
Author: Lou John Illustrator: Jenny Bloomfield
Interest level: 4-5
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The Worry Jar
Author: Lou John Illustrator: Jenny Bloomfield
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
Frida is a bit of a worrier. She worries what clothes to wear to go out, whose table to sit at at school, the peas on her plate an…
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Witch in Training
Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Briony May Smith
Interest level: 4-6
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Witch in Training
Author: Michelle Robinson Illustrator: Briony May Smith
Interest level: 4-6
Reading age:
This little witch sneezes whilst making a potion - can she correct her mistake or will her pets face an unexpected destiny? A deli…
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Strong Like Me
Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes
Interest level: 4-5
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Strong Like Me
Author: Kelechi Okafor Illustrator: Michaela Dias-Hayes
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
Kamara is strong and fast. But negative words from her friends make her doubt herself. Can she find a way to celebrate her strengt…
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The Artist
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 5+
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The Artist
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age: 5+
A young dinosaur artist (looking a bit like a T-rex but a cute one) sees the dinosaur world as full of joy and beauty, something t…
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Shine
Author: Sarah Asuquo Illustrator: Nadia Fisher
Interest level: 6-8
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Shine
Author: Sarah Asuquo Illustrator: Nadia Fisher
Interest level: 6-8
Reading age:
Kai wishes he weren’t so tall, and didn’t have a scar on his cheek. His parents say that everyone is different, but can he find th…
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