Mental Health Books For Kids (Ages 0-5)
By Katilyn Thomas
We are all aware that looking after our mental health has never been more important. Even though World Mental Health Day (10th October) has passed, it’s always the perfect time to focus on how we are feeling and support people around us, including our children.
Here are our picks of the best books for 0-5 year-olds to keep young minds healthy!
The Worrysaurus, by Rachel Bright and illustrated By Chris Chatterton, published by Orchard Books
A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.
It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy. The perfect book to help every anxious little dinosaur let go of their fears and feel happy
at the moment.
Ruby’s Worry, by Tom Percival, published by Bloomsbury
Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry. At first, it’s not such a big worry, and that’s all right, but then it starts to grow. It gets bigger and bigger every day and it makes Ruby sad. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again? A perceptive and poignant story that is a must-have for all children’s bookshelves. From Tom Percival’s bestselling Big Bright Feelings series, this is the perfect book for discussing childhood worries and anxieties, no matter how big or small they may be.
My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain and illustrated by Ella Bailey, published by Hodder Children’s Books
A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?
Having suffered from panic disorder herself for as long as she can remember, Nadiya wrote this heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety, to ensure that no child suffers in silence.
Tibble and Grandpa, written by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Daniel Egneus, published by Oxford University Press
Grandpa is grieving, he hides away in his garden. He needs time. But he also needs love. Tibble is full of love and shows Grandpa that remembering the people we love can be a wonderful, funny, poignant thing.
Big Steps: I’m Not Sleepy, illustrated by Marion Cocklico, published by Campbell Books
The Big Steps series is designed to help little ones (and their parents) cope with everyday experiences. In I’m Not Sleepy, watch little Ned and his mummy go through their bedtime routine even though Ned is “not a bit sleepy”. See Ned clear away his toys, have a bath, a story, and then a song in this fun-filled novelty book with flaps and mechanisms.
Each page has really helpful bedtime tips for parents and caregivers that are endorsed by leading Early Years Consultant, Dr. Amanda Gummer. With delightful illustrations from Marion Cocklico, I’m Not Sleepy is the perfect bedtime book to share with even the most reluctant little sleeper!
Everybody Worries, written and illustrated by Jon Burgerman, published by Oxford University Press
In this bright and friendly picture book, children learn that it’s okay to worry about coronavirus. Fun rhyming couplets keep the tone gentle and supportive, and you will find plenty of ideas for dealing with coronavirus in a positive way.
Everybody Worries offers your child the reassuring message that this crisis will pass, we are there for them, and we will get through this together.
Blue, by Britta Teckentrup, published by Orchard Books
A beautiful story about sadness, depression, and hope. From Global Illustration Excellence Award winner, Britta Teckentrup. A beautiful story about sadness, depression, and hope.
A thoughtful and uplifting story. Perfect for helping children learn how to deal with and understand sadness, and how to be there for people in their lives struggling with depression.
Wiggle and Giggle: Little Owl, Little Owl Can’t You Sleep?, by Jo Lodge, published by Campbell Books
Find out who is keeping little owl awake with their noisy habits and who is keeping very quiet.
Wiggle the sliding tabs and giggle as the noisy animals come to life! With brilliantly bold, bright pictures by the wonderful Jo Lodge, plus a funny rhyming story, Little Owl, Little Owl, Can’t You Sleep? is sure to put a big smile on your toddler’s face and with any luck, a big yawn too! The perfect bedtime book to read with your toddler.