Contact: aeh5mg@virginia.edu
Ashley is the Project Lead and University of Virginia’s Education & Social Science Research Librarian. Ashley specializes in children’s literature and is currently researching the COVID-19 pandemic and social emotional learning represented in picture books.
Mary served as the project's Social Emotional Learning Cataloger and Digital Support. She graduated from UVA in May 2021. She is currently an MPH Candidate at the Yale School of Public Health, with a focus on Digital Health, Psychosocial Epidemiology & Public Health Modeling.
Managing Fear and Anxiety
The mental toll of the COVID-19 pandemic poses a significant threat to children. Doctors indicate that depression, anxiety, and trauma in children have skyrocketed. In October 2021, the AAP, AACAP, and CHA declared a national emergency in children’s mental health (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). Recognizing and addressing fear and stress can be an important step to tackle these issues. With an emphasis on mindfulness and coping strategies, the books in this section aim to serve as resources for counselors, educators, caregivers, social workers, and librarians. They are mapped to the CASEL Framework for applying evidence-based SEL strategies.
B Is for Breathe by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-3
From the letter A to the letter Z, B is for Breathe celebrates the many ways children can express their feelings and develop coping skills at an early age. Fun, cute, and exciting illustrations, this colorful book teaches kids simple ways to cope with fussy and frustrating emotions. This book will inspire kids to discuss their feelings, show positive behaviors, and practice calm down strategies.
A Little SPOT of Anxiety: A Story About Calming Your Worries by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-2
Anxiety comes from feelings of being worried, scared, or anxious. When these feelings are in small amounts that’s okay because they are there to help protect us, but when they get TOO BIG, they become overwhelming and need to be managed. When a child experiences anxiety it can prevent them from doing what they want and and/or need to do, which can make anxiety a disability. This story addresses how anxiety can affect all ages and how it can show up in all different situations. The Gray SPOT in the story creates a visual representation of Anxiety so that a child can see when it's gets too big, and how to shrink it back to a Green PEACEFUL SPOT.
Hector's Favorite Place by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-4
Published by the American Psychological Association's Magination Press imprint. Hector loves his home. It was his favorite place to be. At home, there was always...so much to do. Hector loved his home so much that he didn't often go out. Home was cozy and snuggly and safe. Hector loves his home so much that he doesn't often go out, and it starts to affect his friendships. Soon Hector realizes that his worries are keeping him from enjoying himself, so he needs to learn to be brave and try new things. Can Hector find the courage to break out of his comfort zone? Included is a Note to Parents, Caregivers, and Professionals by Julia Martin Burch, PhD, that discusses helping children overcome their worries and break out of their comfort zones.
Listening to My Body by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-5 ; Teacher's Guide
Children learn what they practice. This engaging and interactive book guides children through the practice of naming their feelings and the sensations that accompany them. Engages children in easy, kid-friendly mindfulness activities. Helps kids build on their capacity to be mindful, self-regulate, and develop emotional resilience. Listening to My Body is a wonderful tool for parents, counselors and teachers.
Right Now, I Am Brave by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-5
In the second book of her "Right Now" series, Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D. explains the choice that we all have when we face our fears, and provides simple examples of how to overcome our anxieties in such situations."Right Now, I Am Brave" is a mindfully written book to aid children with facing their fears and living bravely during uncertain times.Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D. is a clinical child psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works primarily with children, adolescents, and their families and specializes in using evidence-based treatments to help with managing anxiety, worry, anger, and low mood.
There Might Be Lobsters by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-2
Come on, Sukie, you can do it! A little dog's paralyzing anxiety gives way to bravery when someone smaller is in need in this humorous, tenderly sympathetic story. Lots of things at the beach scare Sukie. Lots. Because she is just a small dog, and the stairs are big and sandy, and the waves are big and whooshy, and the balls are big and beachy. And besides, there might be lobsters. With endearing illustrations and a perfectly paced text that captures a timid pup's looping thoughts, here is a funny and honest read-aloud about how overwhelming the world can be when you're worried -- and how empowering it is to overcome your fears when it matters the most.
The Color Monster by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-3
Unpack feelings with color in this international bestseller that helps young readers identify emotions and feel more in control. One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through color. As this adorable monster learns to sort and define his mixed up emotions, he gains self-awareness and peace as a result. Everyone will enjoy sharing this concept book that taps into both socio-emotional growth and color concepts in a simple, friendly way.
Scared Little Red Riding Hood: A Story About BraveryAccess at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-2
Little Red Riding Hood is scared of everything. But when she finds a lost wolf cub in need of help, can she find the courage to brave the forest? This new modern twist on Little Red Riding Hood features key elements from the original fairytale, plus characters from the other books that children will enjoy spotting. Fairytale Friends features scenarios young children can relate to and learn from, with each book focusing on a different character, exploring a different strength or core virtue, and a challenge to overcome.
Me and My Fear by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Social Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-2
When a young immigrant girl has to travel to a new country and start at a new school, she is accompanied by her Fear who tells her to be alone and afraid, growing bigger and bigger every day with questions like "how can you hope to make new friends if you don't understand their language?" But this little girl is stronger than her Fear. A heart-warming and timely tale from the bestselling author and illustrator of The Journey, this book shows us the importance of sharing your Fear with others--after all, everyone carries a Fear with them, even if it's small enough to fit into their pocket!
Pilar's Worries by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: PreK-3
Pilar loves to dance. She pliés while brushing her teeth. She leaps when hurrying to ballet class. But when tryouts for her favorite ballet are held, Pilar is anxious. Auditioning makes her whole body feel scared. But by using some of the coping techniques she's learned and focusing on her love for ballet, she is able to persevere. This gentle story is a great tool for children dealing with anxiety.
Find Your Calm by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management ; Grade Level: K-5
"Anxiety can feel big and powerful. It can show up suddenly, without warning." For many kids, it can be overwhelming. Anxiety is not just a cognitive experience. When children feel anxious, their bodies respond physically to a perceived threat. They need to feel a sense of safety before being able to figure out what to do next. Your child can follow along as the young narrator practices what helps her so that anxiety doesn't take over. Find Your Calm is a wonderfully accessible book that teaches children how to tap into their sense of safety when anxiety sends a false alarm, so they can find their calm. Includes simple activities for them to practice.
Right Now, I Am Fine by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-5
"Right Now, I Am Fine" is a mindfully written self-help guide to aid children in dealing with stress and anxiety, by uncovering their emotions and following a simple calming routine. Dr. Daniela Owen, Ph.D. is a clinical child psychologist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works primarily with children, adolescents, and their families and specializes in using evidence-based treatments to help with managing anxiety, worry, anger, and low mood.
Ruby Finds a Worry by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-2 ; Teacher's Guide
The beloved picture book about what to do when a worry won't leave you at alone -- perfect for reassuring young readers in times of stress. Meet Ruby -- a happy, curious, imaginative young girl. But one day, she finds something unexpected: a Worry. It's not such a big Worry, at first. But every day, it grows a little bigger . . . and a little bigger . . . . Until eventually, the Worry is ENORMOUS and is all she can think about. But when Ruby befriends a young boy, she discovers that everyone has worries, and not only that, there's a great way to get rid of them too . . . she just has to share her feelings. This perceptive and poignant story is the perfect springboard for talking to children about emotions and anxieties. The Big Bright Feelings picture book series provides kid-friendly entry points into emotional intelligence topics -- from being true to yourself to dealing with worries, managing anger, and making friends. These topics can be difficult to talk about. But these books act as sensitive and reassuring springboards for conversations about mental and emotional health, positive self-image, building self-confidence, and managing feelings.
I Can Do Hard Things by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self-Management , Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-2 ; Teacher's Guide
What kids tell themselves matters! It becomes their inner voice. It can help them connect with their power within. Mindful affirmations can help children tune out the streams of messages they get about how they should be in the world so they can listen to their own inner voice. Children can learn to tap into their inner strength and find the encouragement they need. I Can Do Hard Things reflects the beautiful diversity and connection in our world. A wonderful addition to your home or school library.
Taking Time by Access at UVA OR search for a copy at your local library
CASEL Framework: Self Awareness ; Grade Level: PreK-2
A mindful poem inviting children around the world to experience the wonders of the natural world. Taking time to listen to a bird's song on the breeze. Taking time to gather up the blossom dancing free. Taking time to imagine the deep sounds of the sea. Taking time to cherish you...and also cherish me. WINNER of the Multicultural Category, Northern Lights Book Awards 2021. Waterstones Best New Children's Book.
Breathing Makes It Better by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
An engaging and interactive story showing children the power of breath when dealing with new and difficult emotions. Read aloud and breathe along with this sweet story teaching children how to navigate powerful emotions like anger, fear, sadness, confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. With rhythmic writing and engaging illustrations, Breathing Makes It Better guides children to breathe through their feelings and find calm with recurring cues to stop and take a breath. Simple guided practices, like imagining you are a tree blowing in the wind, follow each story to teach children how to apply mindfulness techniques when they need them the most.
Alphabreaths by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
In Alphabreaths, children will learn their ABCs and the basics of mindfulness through playful breathing exercises. Breaths like Mountain Breath and Redwood Breath will connect them with nature, while breaths like Heart Breath and Wish Breath will help them remember to fill their heart with gratitude and send good wishes to others. Simple, playful, and with delightful illustrations, Alphabreaths is the perfect introduction to mindfulness and breath awareness.
Breathing Is My Superpower by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Did you know that we all have superpowers? One of them is our ability to control our breath. Breathing is My Superpower teaches children to regulate their emotions, especially if they are feeling upset, angry, or stressed. Sofia will show your little ones how to control their breathing in various situations, whether at school, at home, or on the playground. Five Breathing Technique presented in the book, will help calm your children and show them a fun way of managing their own body, breath, and emotions. Your children will identify with our heroine, Sofia, and love the cheerful illustrations and charming rhymes in this bedtime story.
What Do You Say to a Dragon? by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
A young boy wakes from a nightmare about a scary dragon and comes to his parents for comfort. Instead of responding with answers that can feel dismissive to a child such as, "It isn't real. Don't be afraid," his parents' reply models for moms and dads how to have healthy, healing discussions with their children that include phrases such as, "I hear what you are telling me, and it sounds scary." Instead of denying fear, kids will learn to face it head on and to stand up to things that scare them when appropriate.What Do You Say to a Dragon?is a whimsical book that empowers children to express their emotions and use their imaginations to change the power dynamic of anxiety while also giving parents a healthy approach to helping their kids face fears.
Help Your Dragon Deal with Anxiety by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Having a pet dragon is very fun! He can sit, roll over, and play... He can candle a birthday cake, lit a campfire, or so many other cool things... But what if your dragon is constantly worrying about so many things? What if he's worried about his math test even though he has studied very hard? What if he's so nervous about his upcoming book report in front of the class? What if he gets so anxious when he has to go get a shot from the doctor office? So anxious that he has a meltdown? What if your dragon is always asking about "What If"? What should you do? You teach him how to deal with his anxiety! Fun, cute, and entertaining with beautiful illustrations, this is a must have book for children, parents and teachers to teach kids the proper way to think, and deal with worry and anxiety.
When Harley Has Anxiety by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
When worries and fears come along, Harley the Hedgehog can handle them-and so can your child! A fun activity book for coping with anxiety, for kids ages 5 to 9. Expert psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Regine Galanti offers an activity book that teaches kids how to be brave and feel less anxious. All children get anxious sometimes. For some kids, though, anxiety can become something bigger and more intrusive, stopping them from enjoying friends, family, activities, sports, or school. Through a friendly character, colorful illustrations, and fun activities made specifically for kids ages 5 to 9, they will learn cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies to allow them to work through anxious situations on their own. By practicing these strategies, kids will develop the skills needed to manage their anxiety by changing their worried thoughts, behaviors, and physical reactions.
I Am Stronger Than Anxiety by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Often face with kids' anxiety and still have no idea how to deal with children's big emotions and feelings? Try this entertaining picture book and learn how to help children cope with their worry and stress.All children worry from time to time and it is a normal part of growing up. But, when anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can greatly affect kids' behavior. It may lead to a feeling of stress, exhaustion, isolation and many others. It is very important to be aware of these emotions and to know how to deal with them in a healthy way.This activity book captures children's attention, provides kid-friendly entry points into understanding the essence of the feeling of anxiety, and is a perfect tool for educating them about how to overcome worries, fear and phobias.
How to Tame My Anxiety Monster by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
How To Tame My Anxiety Monster is about a child with a monster that no one else can see but him. He doesn't like when his monster comes around because it makes his stomach hurt, or makes it hard to concentrate or sleep. It makes him feel lots of other upsetting and uncomfortable things as well. He decided to talk to his parents about it and his mom told him that she had one too. He learned that his monster's name was Anxiety. Throughout the book the child talks about the ways that he can tame his anxiety monster. He can play sports, do yoga, art, or talk to a therapist to help calm him among other things. He then discovers the good ways that his anxiety monster can help him; during a test, a report, or riding a big scary-fun rollercoaster! He may not be able to make his monster go away, but he can learn to tame him! In the back of this book are some parent helps that can be great conversation starters for children that deal with anxiety
When I Am Worried by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Sometimes the world seems scary--too scary. This is a comforting story for kids when their world becomes unsettled.
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
Meet a boy with feelings so big that they glow from his cheeks, spill out of his eyes, and jump up and down on his chest. When a loud truck drives by, he cries. When he hears a joke, he bursts with joy. When his loved ones are having a hard day, he feels their emotions as if they were his own. The boy tries to cope by stuffing down his feelings, but with a little help and artistic inspiration, the boy realizes his feelings are something to be celebrated. Written by debut picture book author Britney Winn Lee and boldly illustrated by Jacob Souva, The Boy with Big, Big Feelings is relatable for any child, but especially for children experiencing anxiety and extreme emotions, or who have been diagnosed with autism or as a Highly Sensitive Person.
What If I'm Worried about COVID-19? by ON ORDER, COMING SOON
In just a few short months, COVID-19 has drastically altered the world as we know it. With so much unknown about the disease and the virus that causes it, this is a scary and overwhelming time. This series offers caregivers and kids a timely, age-appropriate, informational look at the pandemic and its effects. Colorful photographs and informative captions supplement the informative text to aid comprehension, while enhanced back matter content includes a 'Good News' feature that highlights an uplifting topic related to the book. Additional features include informative captions, a table of contents, a phonetic glossary, an index, and sources for further research.
