Supporting a healthy mind
We've put together a selection of picture books that can help young children to start to understand mental health and support a healthy mind.
They include titles that touch on sadness, anxiety and finding courage and reassurance, and are books which can help to supply useful strategies and support a growth mindset.
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Author: Charlie Mackesy
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 6+
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Author: Charlie Mackesy
Interest level: 6-11
Reading age: 6+
Four new friends explore the world together, reflecting on everything they see and do, and what life actually means. A celebration…
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How To Be A Lion
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
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How To Be A Lion
Author: Ed Vere
Interest level: 3-7
Reading age: 5+
Leonard is a gentle lion: just because you’re a lion doesn’t mean that you have to roar. A book about ignoring the aggressive…
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ABC Mindful Me
Author: Christiane Engel
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 6+
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ABC Mindful Me
Author: Christiane Engel
Interest level: 4-7
Reading age: 6+
This inspiring ABC board book introduces mindfulness to young children as it guides readers through the rhyming alphabet. A p…
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Be Brave, Little Penguin
Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Interest level: 2-5
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Be Brave, Little Penguin
Author: Giles Andreae Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Interest level: 2-5
Reading age:
All the penguins love playing in the sea, but Little Pip-Pip is scared! While the other penguins tease him, Little Pip-Pip's mum t…
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Beautiful Oops
Author: Barney Saltzberg
Interest level: 4-8
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Beautiful Oops
Author: Barney Saltzberg
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age:
What should you do when you make a mistake? Celebrate it, of course! This deceptively simple and highly interactive board boo…
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My Monster and Me
Author: Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey
Interest level: 3-5
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My Monster and Me
Author: Nadiya Hussain and Ella Bailey
Interest level: 3-5
Reading age:
A boy introduces both himself and his monster, who has been with him for as long as he can remember. An all-round perfect pic…
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Ruby's Worry
Author: Tom Percival
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
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Ruby's Worry
Author: Tom Percival
Interest level: 3-6
Reading age: 5+
Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry – and it won't stop growing. How can Ruby get rid of it and fee…
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The Colour Monster
Author: Anna Llenas
Interest level: 3-8
Reading age: 7+
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The Colour Monster
Author: Anna Llenas
Interest level: 3-8
Reading age: 7+
An original and entertaining picture book using colour, collage-effect illustrations and a delightfully cute monster to help young…
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The Rabbit Listened
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Interest level: 3-5
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The Rabbit Listened
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Interest level: 3-5
Reading age:
Taylor creates a magnificent structure from building blocks and is devastated when it is destroyed by a passing flock of bird…
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The Boy Who Lost His Bumble
Author: Trudi Esberger
Interest level: 4-5
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The Boy Who Lost His Bumble
Author: Trudi Esberger
Interest level: 4-5
Reading age:
A little boy loves the bees in his garden, but as the seasons change, they disappear - will they ever return? A delightful and gen…
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When Sadness Comes to Call
Author: Eva Eland
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 5+
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When Sadness Comes to Call
Author: Eva Eland
Interest level: 4-8
Reading age: 5+
Introducing the concept of mental wellbeing, this picture book helps children to recognise and understand difficult emotions. …
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