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Mental Health Book Recommendations for Children

15 May 2023
Blog

Mental Health Book Recommendations for Children

This May welcomes back the UK’s national Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation between from the 15th and 21st May 2023. The week looks to raise awareness as well as promoting the message of good mental health for everyone. So, we have decided to share our suggested mental health themed books for children to help spread awareness for not just the importance of mental health in adults, but children too.

Read on for our top book suggestions appropriate for each nursery age.

Babies: Little Owl, Little Owl, Why Can’t You Sleep? by Jo Lodge

Find out who is keeping little owl awake with their noisy habits and who is keeping very quiet.

Wiggle the sliding tabs and giggle as the noisy animals come to life! With brilliantly bold, bright pictures by the wonderful Jo Lodge, plus a funny rhyming story, Little Owl, Little Owl, Can’t You Sleep? is sure to put a big smile on your toddler’s face and with any luck, a big yawn too!

A great bedtime book to read with your little one.

Toddlers: The Worrysaurus, By Rachel Bright

It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy . . .

What if he hasn’t brought enough to eat?

What if he gets lost in the jungle?

What if he trips and falls?

What if it rains?!

Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun?

This is a wonderful fun and reassuring story about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.

 

Preschoolers: My Monster and Me, by Nadiya Hussain

The very first picture book from the winner of The Great British Bake Off, Nadiya Hussain.

A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?

Having suffered mental health herself for as long as she can remember, Nadiya wrote this heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk about worries and anxiety. A heart-warming story and a perfect introduction into approaching troubles and anxiety with your child.

We hope this month’s book recommendations have been helpful. Story time can be the perfect moment to approach specific topics of concern or curiosity with your little one and a great conversation starter to learn more about how they are feeling. We hope you enjoy our recommendations and, happy reading!

Spending even just 10 minutes a day reading and sharing stories with children can make a crucial difference to their future success and – it’s a fantastic learning experience for all involved. Together, let’s help build the bookworms of the future!

Does your little one have a favourite book? Tell us about it! Tag on social media or email [email protected] with a photo of your little one and their favourite book. Let us know why they have loved it so we can share with others.