Picture Books To Help Teach Kids Important Social Skills
by Dena McMurdie
Children missed out on some crucial aspects of being in school during the pandemic, and some of their social skills might be a little rusty as a result. Learning to be around friends, sit in a class, and be kind to others are essential skills that children will need to re-master as they head back to school. Here are several books that can help kids readjust to life with friends.
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How to Be Kind in Kindergarten
Available from:After so much time apart from their friends, it’s a good idea to give children a refresher on how to treat each other. From the author of Kindergarten, Here I Come! comes this collection of sweet poems that show children the importance of kindness and consideration in the classroom and on the playground.
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Bronco and Friends: A Party to Remember
Available from:This book by all-star athlete Tim Tebow celebrates children with special needs and prompts young readers to honor each other’s differences. It’s a beautiful reminder for all children (and adults) that everyone is unique and that the world is a better place because of that.
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Danbi Leads the School Parade
Available from:When Danbi goes to school in America for the first time, she feels out of place. But soon, she’s leading the other children in a game that includes everyone. This charming story is perfect for kids who have recently moved, haven’t been in a classroom for a long time, or feel like they don’t belong.
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Hello Preschool!
Available from:If your child is heading to preschool for the first time, this is a fantastic book to read with them before they go. Young readers will love this gentle primer on what to expect from their first experience in a classroom setting.
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I Forgive Alex
Available from:While playing ball on the playground, Alex accidentally upsets one of the other students and has to learn a valuable lesson about the difficult feelings that come with apologies and forgiveness. What we love about this wordless picture book is that it shows the story from Alex’s perspective, but also from the perspective of his other classmates. Saying you're sorry is very important, but so is being ready to forgive those that make a mistake.
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School is Fun Sticker Book (Peppa Pig)
Available from:Go back to school with Peppa Pig! This adorable activity book is perfect for kids in preschool and kindergarten and features activities, games, and stickers. They’ll love helping their favorite pig as she goes through the day-to-day routine of getting ready for and attending school.
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Anger Management Skills Workbook for Kids
Available from:After a year and a half of isolation, spending all day in a classroom full of people can be stressful for some children. Help your child manage their feelings of overwhelm, anger, and frustration with this insightful workbook. They’ll learn the tools they need to identify their feelings and work through them in a healthy way.
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Drake the Super-Excited, Overeager, In-Your-Face Snake
Available from:Drake loves giving hugs to his friends, but one day, they start feeling uncomfortable with his hugs and refuse to play with him. Drake recognizes that he should find different ways to show affection and play. Will Drake learn how to express his affection and ask to join in playtime respectfully? Discover this heartwarming book that highlights the significance of consent in a caring, positive, and child-friendly manner.
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I Don't Want to Go to School
Available from:Kids can experience first-day jitters during a typical school year, and after the uncertainty of last year, they might feel even more nervous this fall. Kids who need encouragement will enjoy this sweet and funny story about a dinosaur and a mouse who both feel anxious about going to school. A fun plot twist at the end will reassure children that they aren’t the only ones nervous for the first day of school.
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How to Apologize
Available from:I can’t think of a better life skill to help children readjust to life with friends than learning how to apologize. Whether the offense was intentional, accidental, or a misunderstanding, this humorous story shows kids examples of when and why to say “sorry.”
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How to Spot a Best Friend
Available from:Post-pandemic life is full of friendship possibilities for children. A little girl explains to her mom what a best friend will look and act like in this adorable story. It’s a charming book about recognizing a kindred spirit and forging those easy bonds of friendship that children make.
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All Are Welcome
Available from:Children are often more sensitive to current events than adults recognize, and last year was especially stressful. This gorgeous picture book shares an uplifting and inclusive message that we all need right now. It portrays a diverse and happy school that welcomes everyone with open arms and kindness.
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No More Cuddles!
Available from:This funny picture book is the perfect way to introduce the topic of consent and personal space to your child. When a furry, cuddly forest animal receives too many unwanted cuddles, he comes up with creative ways to get the other animals to leave him alone. It makes an excellent read-aloud for classroom settings or one-on-one.
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Kindness Club Fox Says Thank You
Available from:One day Fox is feeling grumpy and snatches away her friends' ball and snacks instead of playing with them. While her friends go on a boat trip, Fox runs off to her favorite place determined to have more fun by herself. Suddenly, a storm breaks and Fox sees her friends' boat battling strong waves. She sees that they really need her help. Can Fox save her friends, and show them that she cares? In this tale from the Kindness Club series.
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We Don't Eat Our Classmates
Available from:It's Penelope Rex's first day, and she's excited to meet her classmates. But she soon finds a dilemma between making friends and curbing her appetite. How can she be friends when they all seem so tasty? Will she be able to find her place, when she realizes she can't be at the top of the food chain?
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Let's Play! A Book About Making Friends
Available from:Kids who feel out of practice with making friends will appreciate this upbeat story. As the new girl at her school, Sukie isn’t sure how to get to know the other kids. But as she gives and receives small acts of kindness every day, she finds that friendships grow naturally. It’s the perfect book to start the school year off on a high note.
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