For some of the books on this page, I have created interactive read-alouds to enrich their use in the classroom. These interactive read-alouds include discussion questions, activities, and prompts that engage students and deepen their understanding of the book’s themes. More interactive read-alouds are on the way. If there are specific books for which you would like to see a read-aloud created, please contact me using the form at the bottom of the page.
To learn more about supporting social-emotional learning and using interactive read-alouds in the classroom, check out these posts:
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Summary: Amos McGee is a gentle zookeeper who always takes time to visit his animal friends at the zoo. He plays chess with the elephant, runs races with the tortoise, and reads stories to the owl who’s afraid of the dark. But one day, Amos wakes up too sick to go to work. Worried about their friend, the animals take a bus to Amos’s house and spend the day caring for him, showing him the same kindness he has always shown them.
Description: This heartwarming tale is a beautiful demonstration of the mutual care and effort that true friendship entails. Through simple yet profound storytelling, young readers learn about empathy, selflessness, and the importance of being there for friends in times of need. The charming illustrations bring the characters’ personalities to life, making it clear that friendship is about showing up for one another, no matter the circumstance.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers adore A Sick Day for Amos McGee for its touching portrayal of loyalty and kindness between Amos and the animals. Many reviewers highlight how the story subtly reinforces the idea that friendship is a two-way street—about giving and receiving care. Educators and parents love how it sparks conversations about how kids can be thoughtful friends by looking out for each other and supporting one another, especially when someone is feeling down.
Summary: In this delightful story, Gerald and Piggie are about to play a game of catch when their new friend, Snake, asks to join. There’s just one problem—Snake doesn’t have arms! Despite the apparent challenge, the trio works together, experimenting with creative solutions to include Snake in the game. Through persistence and teamwork, they find a way for everyone to have fun.
Description: Mo Willems’ clever storytelling and simple illustrations make Can I Play Too? a humorous and heartfelt story about inclusion, adaptability, and problem-solving in friendships. This book is a fantastic way to show kids that true friends go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels included and valued. It demonstrates how kindness and a willingness to think outside the box can overcome obstacles in social situations.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers praise this book for its ability to tackle the topic of inclusivity in a lighthearted and relatable way. Kids and adults alike are drawn to the humor, which keeps the message from feeling preachy while still delivering an important lesson about friendship. Educators often use this book to discuss the value of finding creative solutions to help others feel included. It’s a great tool for teaching children how to show empathy and ensure no one is left out, even when challenges arise.
Summary: Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry is a charming and heartwarming tale that beautifully highlights the power of friendship and kindness. With simple yet impactful storytelling, this book follows Stick and Stone as they navigate the ups and downs of friendship. When Stone finds himself in a prickly situation being teased by Pinecone, Stick steps in to defend him, and the two quickly become inseparable companions. Later, when Stick gets stuck in a challenging predicament, Stone proves that true friendship means being there for one another in times of need.
Description: Through its rhythmic text and delightful illustrations, Stick and Stone subtly conveys the importance of standing up for friends and fostering kindness. The story carries a gentle anti-bullying message, showing young readers how a simple act of support can spark meaningful connections. The characters’ personalities shine through minimal words, making it an engaging read-aloud for young children. This book offers an excellent starting point for discussions about how friends can look out for each other and the role kindness plays in building lasting relationships.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers consistently praise Stick and Stone for its simplicity and depth. The storyline is easy for young children to understand, yet it leaves a lasting impression on readers of all ages. Many parents and teachers commend the book for teaching the value of standing up for others and the importance of friendship in an accessible way. The humorous and relatable moments keep kids engaged, while the emotional core of the story resonates deeply. It’s a perfect choice for preschool and early elementary-age children, sparking discussions about kindness, loyalty, and what it means to be a true friend.
Summary: This delightful book follows Diggory Doo, a lovable dragon, who learns the essential skills needed to make and maintain friendships. When Diggory struggles with loneliness because he doesn’t have many friends, his owner, Drew, teaches him how to reach out, connect with others, and behave in ways that help build strong relationships. Through relatable situations, Diggory learns the importance of being kind, sharing, and handling social interactions thoughtfully. The story weaves in key lessons on overcoming shyness, avoiding negative behaviors, and embracing positive social habits in a fun and engaging way.
Description: With its rhyming text and engaging illustrations, Teach Your Dragon to Make Friends offers practical, step-by-step advice for young readers on improving social skills. Whether it’s about sharing toys, showing empathy, or simply saying “hello,” the book explores various facets of friendship-making in a way that’s easy for kids to understand and enjoy. By focusing on real-world scenarios, such as being shy or not sharing, it offers actionable lessons that children can practice in their own lives. The playful tone and cheerful illustrations make the topic approachable for children while reinforcing values like kindness and respect.
Reviews and Considerations: Teach Your Dragon to Make Friends has been praised for its engaging storytelling and practical lessons on forming friendships. Readers appreciate the relatable examples of social challenges and the actionable advice for young children. Parents and educators find the rhyming text and vibrant illustrations keep children engaged while teaching them to recognize behaviors that encourage or hinder friendships. While some feel the book could emphasize positive skills more than addressing negatives, most reviewers highlight its effectiveness as a tool for improving social understanding and fostering meaningful discussions.
Summary:
Join In and Play by Cheri J. Meiners introduces children to the foundational skills for making friends and participating in cooperative play. Through simple language and engaging illustrations, the book covers key topics such as asking to join in, taking turns, being a good sport, and handling rejection. These lessons aim to empower children to navigate social interactions with confidence and kindness.
Description: This book is part of the Learning to Get Along series, which focuses on teaching young children essential social and emotional skills. With diverse illustrations and relatable scenarios, Join In and Play encourages children to practice patience, fairness, and collaboration. The book includes helpful tips, discussion questions, and activity ideas for adults to reinforce the lessons in real-life situations. It’s an excellent resource for teaching kids how to build positive relationships with peers.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, educators, and counselors consistently praise Join In and Play for its practical approach to teaching social skills. Many highlight its effectiveness for shy children or those who need extra guidance in navigating group dynamics. The inclusion of discussion questions and role-playing suggestions has been especially appreciated as tools to extend learning. While some reviewers note that the book feels more like an instructional guide than a narrative, its clear language and actionable advice make it a valuable resource for families and classrooms. Its success in helping children develop confidence and build friendships underscores its role as a trusted tool for social-emotional learning.
Summary: In We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins, young readers follow Penelope Rex, a dinosaur navigating the challenges of her first day of school. Penelope learns that making friends requires kindness and understanding—not eating her human classmates! When she experiences a moment of empathy after being “bitten” by the class goldfish, Penelope begins to grasp the importance of treating others with respect and compassion. This humorous and heartwarming tale combines wit with a valuable lesson about friendship and self-control.
Description: This hilariously unique story uses Penelope’s struggle to resist her instincts to convey an important message about impulse control and empathy. With vibrant, expressive illustrations and relatable situations, the book captivates children while addressing social-emotional skills in a lighthearted and engaging way. Perfect for classroom read-alouds or bedtime, it sets the stage for meaningful discussions about understanding others and being a good friend.
Reviews and Considerations: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates has been praised for its humor, relatability, and underlying messages about kindness and friendship. Readers love how Penelope’s quirky personality and humorous struggles resonate with children while teaching vital social skills. Teachers often use the book as a fun way to introduce classroom expectations or foster empathy in young students. The colorful illustrations and clever storytelling make it a hit with kids of various ages, from preschoolers to early elementary students. Many reviewers note that the book is not only entertaining but also serves as a great conversation starter for discussions about empathy and self-awareness.
Summary: In Yes We Can! by Sam McBratney, Little Roo and his two friends, Country Mouse and Quacker Duck, spend a day learning a vital lesson about friendship. When their playful teasing leads to hurt feelings, Little Roo’s wise mother steps in with a clever solution to help the trio mend their relationships. Through this heartwarming tale, children learn the importance of appreciating individual strengths and treating friends with kindness and respect.
Description: This charming story beautifully highlights the importance of celebrating each friend’s unique abilities and the harm that can come from making fun of others. Sam McBratney, the beloved author of Guess How Much I Love You, delivers a touching message about compassion and empathy, paired with vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers. Perfect for teaching children the value of kindness and teamwork, Yes We Can! is a delightful addition to any storytime.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers adore Yes We Can! for its engaging storytelling and valuable life lessons. The story’s focus on resolving conflicts and recognizing the talents of others resonates deeply with both children and adults. Parents and educators have praised the book as an excellent tool for teaching empathy, cooperation, and positive social interactions. Its simple language and vivid illustrations make it a favorite among preschool and early elementary audiences. Families often cherish this book for its enduring message and heartwarming portrayal of friendship.
Summary: In Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, a young boy’s perfect summer is disrupted when Jeremy Ross moves into the neighborhood and earns the title of “enemy number one.” Hoping to rid himself of his new foe, the boy turns to his dad, who suggests baking an “enemy pie.” But there’s a twist—the recipe requires spending an entire day with the “enemy.” As the day unfolds, the boy discovers that Jeremy isn’t so bad after all. In fact, he just might make a great friend. Through this clever and unexpected solution, Enemy Pie delivers an engaging story about friendship, understanding, and the power of second chances.
Description: This charming story is a masterful blend of humor and heart, making it a standout book for teaching social-emotional skills. Through the boy’s journey, readers learn about managing conflict, giving others a chance, and how first impressions can be misleading. The idea of baking a pie to “get rid of enemies” is an imaginative hook that draws kids in, while the story’s core message about building relationships leaves a lasting impact. The book is enhanced by its vibrant illustrations, which perfectly capture the humor and emotions of the story, making it an engaging read for children and adults alike. Whether shared at home or in the classroom, Enemy Pie is an excellent tool for promoting discussions about empathy, kindness, and building connections.
Reviews and Considerations: Enemy Pie is a favorite among teachers and parents for its relatable storyline and practical life lessons. Educators often use it to spark conversations about resolving conflicts and forming friendships, particularly at the beginning of the school year. Parents appreciate how the humor and creativity captivate their children while also delivering an important message. The story’s unique approach to addressing friendship challenges resonates deeply with readers of all ages, helping children see the value of spending time with others before making judgments. Its versatility and charm make it a must-have for teaching social-emotional skills in a fun, memorable way.
Summary: In How to Lose All Your Friends by Nancy Carlson, children are guided through a humorous, tongue-in-cheek exploration of behaviors that can sabotage friendships. Through reverse psychology, the book outlines what not to do—like whining, being selfish, and never sharing—offering readers an amusing yet clear message about the importance of kindness and cooperation in maintaining friendships. With simple sentences and bold illustrations, this book makes a relatable and impactful social-emotional learning tool for young children.
Description: This cleverly written and illustrated book uses humor to address a serious topic: the impact of negative behaviors on friendships. By presenting destructive habits in a lighthearted and exaggerated manner, Carlson creates an engaging read that helps kids recognize these traits in themselves or others. The book is particularly effective for introducing social skills to children who may be resistant to traditional lessons, as its reverse approach invites self-reflection without feeling preachy. Ideal for young readers, How to Lose All Your Friends is both a conversation starter and a practical guide for helping kids develop better social habits.
Reviews and Considerations: How to Lose All Your Friends has been widely praised by parents, teachers, and counselors for its humorous yet meaningful approach to social skills education. Educators find it to be an excellent tool for starting discussions about friendship in both individual and group settings, with activities often tied to the story to reinforce positive behaviors. Parents appreciate how its humor engages children who might otherwise resist social-skills lessons, making it a memorable read for kids struggling with behaviors that affect their friendships. While some note that younger children might misinterpret the sarcasm, the book resonates strongly with kids ages 5 to 8, helping them see the value of kindness and cooperation. Its straightforward and relatable tone makes it a standout resource for fostering social-emotional growth.
Summary: Talk and Work It Out by Cheri J. Meiners is a teaching book designed to help young children learn peaceful conflict resolution. It simplifies the process into clear steps, including calming down, sharing feelings, listening, brainstorming solutions, and finding compromises. With straightforward language and relatable illustrations, it guides children through understanding and managing disagreements.
Description: This book is part of the Learning to Get Along® series and focuses on teaching social-emotional skills rather than telling a traditional story. It uses clear, practical strategies to guide children in resolving conflicts, making it ideal for preschool and early elementary settings. Alongside the text, the book includes skill-building games, discussion prompts, and role-playing activities to help adults reinforce the lessons at home or in the classroom.
Reviews and Considerations: Parents, teachers, and therapists praise Talk and Work It Out for its accessible and proactive approach to conflict resolution. While geared toward younger children, its structured steps and interactive activities also benefit slightly older kids or those with social-emotional challenges. The book’s focus on teaching core social skills makes it a valuable resource for promoting cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving.
Summary: This insightful rhyming book follows a young child as they navigate the complexities of a challenging friendship. When faced with a “friend” who behaves unkindly, the protagonist learns to assertively and compassionately set boundaries. The story emphasizes the importance of self-respect and finding the courage to say, “I won’t play with you until you can be kind.” With support from their parents and teacher, the child models how to stand up to unkindness while maintaining a kind, but firm, approach. Ultimately, the story demonstrates that being kind to oneself and to others can help transform difficult relationships, or at least allow children to walk away with their self-esteem intact.
Description: Written by Christina Furnival, a licensed mental health therapist and mom, The Not-So-Friendly Friend is a teaching resource that equips children with tools for handling bullying and setting boundaries. It provides practical guidance on how to navigate relationships with peers who may alternate between being kind and unkind. Through rhyming text and vibrant, inclusive illustrations, the book captures the complexity of peer interactions while reinforcing the message that self-respect and kindness go hand in hand.
Designed to teach social-emotional skills, this book offers guidance for children and adults alike, with notes for parents and caregivers included at the end. These notes expand on the book’s message, providing strategies to help children build confidence and approach peer conflicts with clarity and resilience.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers have praised The Not-So-Friendly Friend for its empowering message and its ability to make a tough topic accessible to young children. Parents and educators appreciate its clear lessons on boundaries and emotional self-care, which are presented in a way that resonates with children as young as preschool age. The book has been especially helpful for children dealing with “frenemies,” offering concrete examples of how to navigate these challenging relationships.
Many reviewers also commend the diversity represented in the illustrations, which reflect children of different ethnicities and abilities, making the book relatable to a wide audience. While some note that the story leans more toward teaching than storytelling, it has proven to be an excellent tool for sparking conversations about self-respect and kindness in classrooms, therapy sessions, and homes.
Summary: In this beautifully illustrated story, Iris and Isaac, two polar bear friends, find themselves in a quarrel that leaves them stomping off in opposite directions. As they explore their snowy world, they each encounter strange and wonderful sights, yet feel an emptiness from not being able to share these experiences with one another. Through their separate adventures, they come to realize how much they value their friendship and the joy of sharing moments together. This heartwarming tale captures the essence of friendship, forgiveness, and the beauty of reconciliation.
Description: Catherine Rayner masterfully combines breathtaking illustrations with a touching narrative about two polar bears learning to navigate the ups and downs of friendship. The story is simple and accessible for young readers, making it an excellent choice for teaching themes of conflict resolution, sharing, and the importance of companionship. The dynamic between Iris and Isaac is relatable for children who may experience disagreements with friends, while the visual artistry adds depth and charm to the story.
While primarily a traditional storybook, Iris and Isaac offers opportunities for parents and educators to discuss emotions, problem-solving, and the value of shared experiences with young children.
Reviews and Considerations: Readers consistently highlight the stunning illustrations as the standout feature of Iris and Isaac, describing them as both captivating and emotionally evocative. The simplicity of the story, combined with its universal message about the power of friendship, has resonated with parents, teachers, and children alike.
Many reviewers note how the book is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary-aged children, with its gentle message and engaging visuals. It’s especially recommended as a read-aloud for group settings, sparking conversations about mending friendships and appreciating the people we care about.
Summary: Two tells the story of Two and One, best friends who share a special bond and a playful chant, “ONE, TWO, I’ll count on you.” However, when Three enters the picture, dynamics shift, and Two feels excluded as One and Three form a new chant of their own. Heartbroken, Two navigates feelings of rejection and learns the importance of self-discovery, reconciliation, and inclusion. As tensions grow between odds and evens, Two ultimately takes the lead in resolving the conflict and bringing everyone together, reminding readers that friendships can grow stronger by embracing others.
Description: Kathryn Otoshi’s Two is a clever and thoughtful story that explores themes of friendship, jealousy, and the challenges of inclusion. As with her other books (One and Zero), Otoshi uses numbers as characters, offering a creative and symbolic approach to social-emotional learning. While the narrative playfully incorporates concepts like odds and evens, the heart of the story lies in its message about the complexities of friendships and the power of connection.
This book is both a teaching tool and a storybook. It introduces key concepts of conflict resolution, emotional growth, and fostering inclusive relationships, making it an excellent choice for classroom discussions or read-alouds with young children. The layered narrative also lends itself to discussions about math, metaphors, and deeper social-emotional themes.
Reviews and Considerations: Two has been praised for its engaging storytelling and creative approach to discussing friendship dynamics. Readers appreciate the way Otoshi captures the emotional experiences of feeling left out and finding one’s place within a group. The book’s resolution, which emphasizes reconciliation and inclusion, has resonated with educators, parents, and children alike.
While some reviewers feel that the storyline can be slightly complex for younger readers, many have noted that the book’s layered themes make it a valuable resource for multiple age groups. Teachers often use it to spark conversations about exclusion and the importance of expanding one’s circle of friends. Despite some critiques about its pacing compared to Otoshi’s previous works, Two remains a favorite for its unique combination of artistry and life lessons.
Summary: Brad, nicknamed “Brag” by his classmates, loves to one-up everyone with wild and exaggerated stories. From claiming to eat more hot dogs than a contest winner to breaking both legs and arms, Brad’s tall tales begin to alienate him from his peers. When given an assignment to write about something fantastical, Brad reflects on his behavior and realizes how his bragging has hurt his friendships. His story about having friends helps him understand the importance of humility and genuine connection.
Description: Julia Cook’s Well, I Can Top That! humorously addresses the challenges of excessive bragging and its impact on friendships. Through Brad’s relatable journey, the book teaches children the importance of kindness, humility, and being supportive in their interactions with others. With a blend of humor and life lessons, the story captures children’s attention while delivering an impactful message. The book is ideal for classrooms and home use, offering tips for parents and educators to guide children toward healthier social interactions.
Reviews and Considerations: Well, I Can Top That! has been praised for its engaging and relatable story that effectively teaches children about the importance of empathy and humility. Parents and teachers highlight its humor and practical applications, making it a favorite for addressing social challenges like bragging. While some readers felt the story was a bit lengthy, the valuable lesson and entertaining narrative make it a useful resource in both home and classroom settings. Julia Cook’s ability to deliver meaningful life lessons with humor solidifies her reputation as a trusted author for social-emotional learning books.
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Anger
Anxiety / Worry
Apologizing
Autism
Bad Day
Be Yourself
Body Safety & Personal Boundaries
Bravery & Trying New Things
Choices & Consequences
Cleaning Up/ Doing Chores
Conflict Resolution
Compromise / Cooperating
Coping with Change
Creativity & Imagination
Deployment
Differences & Diversity
Dreams & Aspirations
Dyslexia
Empathy & Compassion
Feelings & Behavior
Follow Rules & Directions
Foster Care & Adoption
Friendship Skills
Gratitude
Grief & Loss
Growth Mindset
Healthy Habits
Helping Others
Honesty & Integrity
Including Others
Kindness & Generosity
Managing Physical Actions
Manners & Social Expectations
Mindfulness
Mistakes
Organization & Planning
Patience
Peer Influence
Perseverance
Personal Space & Boundaries
Perspective & Point of View
Physical/Medical Disabilities
Positive Attitude
Resilience
Responsibility
Sadness & Finding Hope
School Success
Sensory Processing
Separation Anxiety
Sharing
Speaking Politely
Tattling vs. Telling
Teasing & Bullying
Technology
Trauma Recovery
Understanding Feelings
Winning & Losing