15 Fantastic Books About Wellness for Kids Ages 3 – 5
by Dena McMurdie
It’s never too early to teach your child about wellness. As this pandemic stretches on, my kids and I have had to find new ways to take care of our emotional, physical, and mental health. These picture books teach young children how to deal with stress, take care of their bodies, and manage their emotions in a healthy way. From breathing exercises to exploring nature, these fantastic picture books will help you and your child focus on wellness during unpredictable and stressful times.
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My Monster and Me
Available from:Do you have a little worry-wart? My kids all went through a phase where they worried about everything — just like the little boy in this story. No matter where he goes or what he does, his worry monster hovers right beside him. This sweet story from TV personality Nadiya Hussain shows kids how to speak up about their worries.
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The Tree in Me
Available from:From the award-winning creator of My Heart comes another poignant picture book that you’ll cherish for years to come. We could all use a book that celebrates our inner strength right now, and that’s what this one does. With stunning illustrations and a story that’s sure to inspire both children and adults, this book honors each person’s internal power.
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Let’s Taco About How Great You Are
Celebrate what makes your child special with this hilarious book full of food, puns, and fantastic advice. With a personalizable bookplate on the opening page, this silly book makes a beautiful gift, from birthdays to graduation days and every special occasion in between.
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Happy
Help your child tap into their senses and connect with the world around them through this beautiful picture book. Children will learn to appreciate their surroundings, manage their emotions, and live in the present.
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It’s Tough to Lose Your Balloon
Available from:Sometimes, things don’t work out the way you want them to — and that’s okay! Using his signature humor and unique illustration style, the Lunch Lady series creator shows young readers how to look on the bright side of life. Kids will love this funny and delightful story.
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The Starkeeper
A little girl finds a fallen star and tries to keep it for herself. But the star doesn’t want to stay secret and emerges from its dark hiding place. When the girl discovers that it shines brighter with each act of kindness, it doesn’t take long to light up her dreary town. With themes of hope, courage, and compassion, this picture book is a must-read!
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Where Happiness Begins
Available from:If you loved When Sadness Is At Your Door, you’ll want to read this follow-up book. Sometimes, happiness feels far away, but you can always find it when you look inside yourself. This lovely story shows children that while they can’t feel happy all the time, they can treasure the feeling when it happens.
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Breathe Like a Bear
Available from:With the stress and uncertainty that the pandemic has brought, this book is a must-have. With bright, happy illustrations, this picture book teaches children 30 breathing exercises that they can do anywhere and at any time.
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I Feel Happy
Available from:Happiness looks different on everyone, and this colorful board book shows children how to recognize it in themselves. With cheerful illustrations, simple text, and bright colors, this is the perfect way to introduce the feeling of happiness to your child.
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I Feel Sad
In the same style as I Feel Happy, this board book uses cheerful art and simple text to teach children how sadness happens and what it looks like on different people. It also offers ideas on how to start feeling better.
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Me and My Amazing Body
Available from:One of the first steps to taking care of your body is learning about it. The human body is amazing, and children are naturally curious about how it works. This bestselling picture book gives kids an “inside” look at their bodies and the wonderful things they can do.
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Even Superheroes Have to Sleep
The more we learn about sleep, the more we understand how important it is for our health and wellness, especially in children. This book makes bedtime feel less like a chore and more like a fun way to wind down at night. With a simple, rhyming story and a rewards chart at the end, toddlers will soon develop good bedtime habits.
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Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from:Join your favorite caterpillar on a journey of relaxation and wellness. The Very Hungry Caterpillar shows young readers how to breathe, relax, and tune in to their feelings. This book is perfect for children and parents that love Eric Carle.
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Finding Wild
Available from:Few things are as good for mental wellness as going outside. In this vibrantly illustrated story, two kids set off in search of adventure in the wild. Not only do they discover the wonders of nature outside their urban home, but they also find it in their own backyard. This joyful book celebrates nature — no matter where you live.
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How Do You Feel?
Available from:Chances are, this pandemic has magnified all of your child’s feelings, from the ups to the downs and everything in between. This book helps children identify their feelings and find healthy ways to express them, whether they’re happy, angry, quiet, or silly.
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More to Explore:
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When Sadness is at Your Door
Also available from: You're Missing It!
Also available from: Get Up and Go!
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2021.