Summer invites a slower rhythm—later bedtimes, long afternoons, and a little more space to connect. One of our favorite ways to connect and regulate with kids is through stories.
That’s part of what makes bibliotherapy so meaningful. It’s a way to use stories to support emotional growth—helping kids feel seen, understood, and connected. The right book can give language to big feelings, spark insight, or offer comfort simply by showing a character who feels the same way. Research has shown that even without a therapist, when parents use stories with therapeutic messaging at home, kids with anxiety can experience improvement (Rapee, Abbott, & Lyneham, 2006).
Reading builds empathy—and a stronger sense of self
When kids meet characters with big feelings, hard choices, or new perspectives, something powerful happens. They start to imagine what someone else might feel—and they often see pieces of themselves reflected back. That’s how empathy grows. But just as importantly, that’s how self-understanding grows. A child might read a story and think, “That’s like me,” or “I feel that way too.” That moment of recognition builds language, insight, and identity.
Books help us stay present
Reading can also be a powerful practice in mindfulness, for both kids and adults. Often, we read the words while our mind is racing ahead to what we’re doing after bedtime. But pausing to really look at the pictures on each page can bring us back to the moment. Ask your child to spot something small or interesting in the illustration. In Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda, for example, there’s a tiny ladybug on every page. Finding it together becomes a shared moment of stillness and focus—good for our bodies and our brains.
Stories That Support Emotional Growth
🌱 Younger Kids (Ages 3–7)
A Tale of Two Beasts by Fiona Roberton – A clever two-perspective story that helps kids understand that people experience the same event differently.
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang – A reminder that we don’t always have to feel happy—and that’s okay.
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer – A sweet story introducing mindfulness. Try spotting the ladybug on each page together!
Anh’s Anger and Steps and Stones by Gail Silver – A gentle way to talk about anger, helping kids learn to sit with and listen to their feelings instead of pushing them away.
🌿 Early Elementary (Ages 6–9)
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig – A story about feeling overlooked, and how small acts of kindness can shift everything.
Hey Warrior by Karen Young – A kid-friendly explanation of the brain and how the amygdala works during anxiety. Empowering and science-based without being overwhelming.
A three-part series by Erin Frankel: Weird!, Dare!, Tough! – These three books present bullying from three perspectives: the bully, the bullied, and the person who sees the bullying but does not do anything to help. The books teach respect for self and others, and respect for differing perspectives.
🌊 Teens
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green – A raw and real portrayal of living with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.
Wonder by R.J. Palacio – In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope that teaches about kindness, acceptance, and empathy.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo – Told in verse, this novel explores voice, identity, and what it means to speak your truth. Gorgeous and powerful.
Please note, SPT is an Amazon Associate so we earn a small commission from purchases using our Amazon referral links. We use these funds to help us continue to provide free events and offerings for our community. Thank you for your support!
Tips for Bringing Stories Into Emotional Support
- Look at the pictures together. Ask your child to find one detail they like or something surprising. It helps you both stay present.
- Let your child lead. If they want to reread something ten times, go with it. That repetition usually means it’s landing somewhere meaningful.
- Don’t force it. If your child doesn’t want to talk about the story—or doesn’t like the book—that’s okay. Move on and try something else.
- Let the story speak for itself. A quiet “I liked that part too” can be all it takes.
If you’d like extra support putting these ideas into practice, our Parent Coaching services can help you choose stories that fit your child’s unique needs—and guide you in using them to spark meaningful conversations. Together, we can turn everyday moments, like reading time, into powerful tools for connection and growth.
Rapee, R. M., Abbott, M. J., & Lyneham, H. J. (2006). Bibliotherapy for children with anxiety disorders using written materials for parents: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(3), 436–444. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.74.3.436
