Children are very impressionable and are sponges for their surroundings. It is important to increase their exposure to positive messages and resources. The I Am Resilient Project has curated a list of books that we approve of that help build children’s’ emotional resilience, empathy and self-compassion.
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde
This is the third book in a series of others, including I Am Yoga and I Am Peace. This book teaches its readers all of the parts of being human. We can’t help but love the illustrations by Peter H Reynolds, too.
My New Best Friend by Sara Marlowe
This is a lovely book on self-compassion. This book teaches the reader to love themselves and appreciate themselves as they would someone else. We especially love the ending- but we won’t spoil it for you.
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow
Be Kind is a book that teaches its readers how to be kind to others, through a series of obstacles that Tanisha, the main character, faces. We like how the challenges Tanisha faces are realistic and easy to understand.
Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
This book helps children understand the connection between their feelings and bodily responses. This book fosters learning on self-regulation. We recommend the child read this book with an adult.
BONUS BOOK: A book we suggest for caregivers
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk- Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlich
This is one that should be on all caregivers’ shelves. Promoting and teaching the importance of validation, this book helps caregivers communicate with their children, in a way that children will understand. When validated, children feel heard and understood.
We love to hear about all available resources for children and caregivers. Resilience can build in childhood, and we support resources that can foster this. Leave a comment below on other resources that you use with your loved ones.
Are you ready to share your story of RESILIENCE? You can do that HERE and thank you for being brave and sharing your journey.
Written by Alana Kaplan, Project Manager for the I Am Resilient Project.