Student Well-being
Well-being at home.
Sometimes it can be tricky to explain to children how they can express their emotions or navigate themselves through solving problems. Picture books are a great way for children to relate to the problems that characters are facing.
Here are some great picture books that provide positive messages as well as help to develop vocabularies and start conversations about how we are feeling.
Mind Hug writtenby Emily Arber, illustrated by Vanessa Lovegrove.
An innovative picture book that introduces young children to mindfulness techniques through the story of Jack. Jack can’t keep up with his thoughts and when they become too loud his dad shows him a new game called a Mind Hug to help. Through deep breathing and noticing how his body feels, Jack is able to control his thoughts better and become happier and calmer.
The Bear Who Stared by Duncan Beedie.
Crippling shyness is not something that is covered much in picture books but it is something that can cause great anxiety for some. In this story we meet a bear who can’t find the words, or indeed any words, to say to his fellow forest dwellers so he simply stares. This eventually angers the other animals and they send him away. Embarrassed and alone bear seeks solace by a pond where a wise and friendly frog shows him the power of smiling.
We all find ourselves in the same boat as this bear from time to time; struggling to think of the right thing to say, a clever thing to say or just something to say at all. This beautiful picture book tackles this sensitive issue with consideration and charm.
In my Heart written by Jo Witek, illustrated by Christine Roussey.
This beautiful book focuses on the heart as the centre of our feelings and describes it as being “like a house, with all these feelings living inside.” The cut out heart illustration runs through each page and changes colour with each different feeling described.
A vibrant book that explores and celebrates the different ways our hearts feel and how they might make us behave.
Odd Dog written by Rob Biddulph.
In the busy dog city there is one dog who doesn’t quite fit, a dog who seems to be walking a different path to all the rest. Feeling very lonely, she leaves the city and heads out to try and find who she is and where she belongs.
She finds herself in Doggywood surrounded by dogs just like her, finally she belongs. Until she spots one dog who is different, another odd dog out. This new friend makes her see that being who you are is something to be proud of.
Happy reading!
Lauren Borg
Wellbeing Leader