A little bit of kindness and understanding can go a long way. So, to celebrate Empathy Day on 8 June, we’ve gathered together the best books that explore what it means to be compassionate towards others.

Here you’ll find a list of the SEL picture books that will spark further conversations and continue to build their emotional literacy foundation.That being said, some books do not support the most current research and are problematic. Some of the books might be problematic because: When children are angry, they can manifest their anger through bad behavior. They might shout, cry, throw things and roll on the floor or all of these things combined. That’s why most parents need help managing their kids emotions and feelings. I absolutely ADORED this book. Perfection from start to finish. I truly felt like I was the one experiencing all the fun things about the start of a new relationship, the small touches, the flirty smiles, the butterflies. I felt it all. All those little moments were written so perfectly I swear I was blushing as if it were happening to me. Both Farley and Meyer rely on each other so much for love, comfort, and support, and their friendship is truly something beautiful. But I also appreciated that they also have moments of growth on their own.

I dont think this was a bad book and I actually feel kind of bad giving it such a low rating because I feel like a lot of people would swoon hard and absolutely love it… but unfortunately i was extremely bored the entire time I read it and couldn’t wait for it to be over. As children become better able to identify emotions, they’ll improve their relationship skills as well. So how can you use the SEL children’s books about feelings on this list? It can be pretty overwhelming for children to learn about feelings. They don’t understand why they are acting a certain way when something happens, so they tend to throw a tantrum or act out physically. These books will be a useful tool for you to teach them the words and actions associated with their feeling so that they can handle them effectively. One study I read also gave the example of an award-winning actor. They would never show emotions like an emoji face. And we often don’t either. Again, be careful with broad generalizations.

Alongside the eye-catching cover, my dear @PbB put this on my radar and she never leads me astray - so this will be joining its frendos on my FFS shelf 🤭 Essentially, social-emotional learning starts with self-awareness and the ability to name your own emotions when you’re feeling them.

Meyer is a 35-year-old, ex comedian who manages Farley and writes for TV shows. He also has a sweet pre-teen daughter, Charlie, who is incredibly mature for her age, deaf, loves to dance, and enjoys attending Farley's comedy shows. Charlie's mother died when she was born, which lead to Meyer quitting stand-up comedy to be a more dedicated, hands-on father. Over the years, he prioritized his daughter and their life together, but in the process, he became isolated until he met Farley. Meyer truly is a grumpy cinnamon roll who puts the ladies (Charlie and Farley) of his life first. So I was so proud of him when he realizes what he wants career and relationship-wise and decides to go for it. BEWARE OF CRANKENSTEIN! He’s a little monster of crankiness that no one can destroy! MEHHRRRR!!! He may look like any ordinary boy, but when faced with a rainy day, a melting popsicle, or an early bedtime, one little boy transforms into a mumbling, grumbling Crankenstein. When Crankenstein meets his match in a fellow Crankenstein, the results could be catastrophic–or they could be just what he needs to brighten his day! This hilarious and relatable tale of grumpiness gone awry will turn toddler tantrums to giggles in no time. This book also teaches the readers to empathize others, to understand why one is feeling the way they are feeling at the moment. Because in the end of the day, we're just humans with feelings. I like that "rainstorms always precede something amazing" and that "jumping in puddles is better than any fancy party." I think that love is so cool thousands of people write about it every day. Millions, even. And I love that this book got published, and that I got to read it, and that it can always bring me comfort when I need it most.

I absolutely adore the main characters, Farley and Meyer. While they are fictional characters, I found them to be incredibly relatable, realistic, and authentic. Honestly, I wish these two existed in the world. A boldly illustrated picture book read-aloud about how everyone gets sad—ninjas, wrestlers, knights, superheroes, everyone . . . even daddies have emotions!Includes a “Note to Parents” to provide more information about emotional awareness, and suggests ways to seamlessly incorporate mindfulness practices into your child and family’s daily routines. This book talks about times when things are scary and times when those same things are not—“ Sometimes I’m scared of dogs // I’m not scared when they give me kisses.” Parr shows how it’s okay to feel scared as well as shifting the perspective to see things in a new way. There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. It’s not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it.

I knew I’d like this and I certainly did!! It was really cute and so disgustingly heartwarming. It honestly had me all misty eyed at the end of the book because Meyer and Farley are just so perfect. Did you know wrestlers have feelings? And knights. Even superheroes and ninjas feel sad sometimes. In fact everyone has feelings—especially dads who love their children!Lena’s Shoes Are Nervous (A First-Day-of-School Dilemma) by Keith Calabrese, illustrated by Juana Medina A former stand-up star himself, Meyer has helped the trajectory of her career take off since he began managing her… Since he became her closest and most treasured friend, in the process. Marcy didn’t want to feel angry or jealous. And she didn’t like feeling sad or embarrassed. Why couldn’t she be happy all the time? Then one day when Marcy’s feelings disappear, she learns that her feelings don’t have to control her, and they might even have a function. And I’m starting to write SEL picture books because I want to see books on emotions that show both/and –and that show kids how to live with uncomfortable emotions, not just try to get rid of them which is a set up for shame. A new book series developed in tandem with teachers and therapists to help children cope with a range of emotions and teach them that they indeed hold the power to choose their actions and reactions.