We’ve put together a list of 10 children’s books that deal with themes of mental health to encourage conversations with children around mental wellbeing. From picture books to middle grade novels, these important books cover a variety of ages.
The Suitcase
2-5
Shortlisted for Oscar's Book Prize 2020 Shortlisted for the 2020 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal "At a time when over 65 million people are forcibly displaced around the world, this beautifully illustrated and wise, gentle tale of tolerance and kindness for fellow humans resonates deeply. I hope all parents share The…
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Talking to the Moon
9-12
Iris's grandmother, Mimi, has started to put jam on her scrambled eggs and tie blue ribbons around her fingers to remind her of stuff. Her house, always full of things, is becoming harder and harder to navigate, and when Iris goes to stay, she feels as if a whole life…
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Ella on the Outside
9-12
Ella is the new girl at school. She doesn't know anyone and she doesn't have any friends. And she has a terrible secret. Ella can't believe her luck when Lydia, the most popular girl in school, decides to be her new best friend - but what does Lydia really want?…
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The Insiders
9-12
Secrets. Lies. Promises. Sometimes keeping things inside is dangerous. Callie, Ted, Zara, and Nico are best friends. More than friends - they're like family to each other. But since being embarrassed at school in a practical joke gone wrong, Ted has stopped talking to the rest of the gang. And…
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Super Milly and the Super School Day
2-5
On Superhero Day, Super Milly helps out her school friends with the best superpower of all . . . her super-kindness! It's Superhero Day at school, and Super Milly can't wait to wow everyone with her costume and amazing powers! The only problem is she can't actually fly, climb buildings…
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Jeremy Worried About the Wind
2-5
A quirky, touching fully illustrated picture book that will open up important conversations about worries and anxiety from Blue Peter prize winning author, Pamela Butchart. Jeremy is a worrier. He worries about odd socks, spotty bananas, evil squirrels, burnt toast, dinosaurs and, most of all . . . the wind!…
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Wanda’s Words Got Stuck
2-5
A magic-filled rhyming picture book, perfect for any child who feels anxious about talking. Wanda the witch is so shy she can't talk! No matter how hard she tries, the words won't come out. But when another nervous little witch called Flo joins her class, it seems that Wanda's not…
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National Trust: Every Bunny is a Yoga Bunny
2-5
A funny, reassuring picture book about yoga, mindfulness and finding calm, from debut author Emily Ann Davison and award-winning illustrator Deborah Allwright. Yo-Yo is a fidgety, bouncy, can't-sit-still-EVER type of bunny. Even Grandpa's yoga class won't stop her wiggling and giggling! But what will Yo-Yo do when she finds herself…
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The House on the Edge
9-12
A tense thriller that's impossible to put down - perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Fleur Hitchcock. Where has Faith's dad gone? Why has he left his family living in an old house perched on a crumbling cliff top? A crack has appeared in the cliff and Faith watches…
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Somewhere
2-5
A beautiful and atmospheric picture book about the power of the imagination from award-winning author, Jeanne Willis. At the bottom of Oscar's garden is a magical place called Nowhere, where extraordinary things can happen. Oscar can fly an incredible kite, build an enchanted castle and even set sail in a…
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