Bibliotherapeutic Library Resources for Kids: Improve Empathy and Socio-Emotional Learning at Home

There are lots of baby bedtime books out there, but this is a special one! In pastels echoing the colors of early evening, a mama elephant tenderly puts her baby to sleep—but not before lots of kisses and snuggles! This is a great way to build your baby's vocabulary and familiarity with parts of her body, and also a lovely way to bond and raise both of your serotonin levels.

Breathing exercises helps us to reconnect with ourselves, self soothe, and regain calm. Try breathing in and exhaling deeply along with the lovable whales in the story. Your little one (and you) will enjoy the illustrations and the sparse text.

Worried that your baby isn't getting enough social interaction with other babies? Babies love seeing photographs of other kids, so check out these titles featuring large photographs of little ones. Make exaggerated facial expressions along with the kids on each page—your little one will love it, and improve their skills at identifying facial expressions! 

Tired of singing the same songs over and over? Me too! These books will offer a welcome respite with a twist on these classic songs. Sing along with the words, or if your little one's attention span doesn't span the length of the book, just make animal noises or point out interesting things on the page to build up their vocabulary.

A little girl helps her monster friend to identify feelings by aligning them with different colors. A good choice for ages three and up to talk about the range of emotions they feel. Also, if you'd like to borrow a physical copy, this pop-up book will delight kids of all ages.

Christina Perri wrote this album when her baby daughter was born. If you're looking for an alternative to traditional lullabies or nursery music, check out this sweetly ethereal collection of lullabies and original songs. Also features instrumental versions so you can sing along, too.

Did you know that you can stream music from the library for free (and ad-free)? I dare you not to shed a tear while listening to this compilation of tender, humanistic songs by the inestimable Mister Rogers. Start playing it in the background as you get your baby ready for a nap or sleep.

Ruby finds a Worry one day. It gets bigger, and bigger, and BIGGER until she doesn't know what to do with it! Then along comes a little boy with his own worries, and Ruby discovers that everyone has them—and that by sharing them with someone, she can make them go away. This could be a good springboard for discussing your child's worries.

This selection may seem strange, but hear me out! Sometimes it helps to get out of your own head by considering the lives of others—in this case, how other creatures perceive a cat. This book will spark fascinating conversations about how you and your child see the world.

I would list every book by Todd Parr if I could, and if you do decide to check out his other works, you won't regret it! His books achieve the perfect balance of humor, comfort, and get right to the heart of matters. Uplifting and reassuring.

Twelve new songs based on well-known tunes for little ones to express their feelings, better understand them, and advance their journey to becoming their best little selves!

A gentle, poignant reminder for our little ones (and ourselves) that sometimes, the best thing we can do for our loved ones is to listen. Taylor is sad and doesn't know what to do. One by one, various animals come to "help" Taylor by giving suggestions to get angry, or talk it out. Nothing helps until finally, a rabbit comes—and listens.

Ever wondered why we cry? Turns out it can be because of a lot of different things! Above all, it's something that comes naturally and something that we just need to do sometimes, whether it's because we're happy or sad. Back matter includes information on the science of tears and even a couple of activities.

A wordless graphic picture book about a boy who feels very alone. He doesn't fit in at school, his grades aren't good, and he's sad and worried all the time. These things begin to eat away at his sense of self until he realizes that everyone has these experiences and is able to begin to rebuild himself. A beautifully keen portrait of isolation with a light at the end of the tunnel.

Abel is a genteel mouse used to a comfortable life. One day he's washed away by a flood to an uninhabited island, and he has to change and learn in order to survive. If he is ever able to return home, will he ever be the same again? Does he want to be the same again?

Esperanza thought she'd always be taken care of. A sudden tragedy forces Esperanza and Mama to flee from Mexico to a farm labor camp in California. Esperanza faces grueling labor and the financial struggles resulting from the Great Depression. When Mama falls ill, Esperanza has to find a way to rise above her circumstances to save Mama—and herself.

Rahul is a gay Indian American boy heading into 7th grade in a small town in Indiana. Nervous, he decides to follow his grandfather's advice to find one thing he's good at and be the best at it. A compelling, funny story about identity and navigating changing social dynamics. A journey towards self-love, which we can all use right now!

A coming of age story about Natalie, whose botanist mother is suffering from depression. If Natalie wins the egg drop competition, she'll be able to fly her mom to see a special orchid and cure her depression. Luckily, she has good friends to help with her well-meaning but improbable plan...A moving, delightful story that will resonate, especially with those who have experienced depression or know someone who has.