I LOVE books. With over 500 books in my office I might love them too much. However, here are some of my favorite titles, arranged by Top 3 for various categories I find myself reaching for frequently.
Picture books are wonderful because they can be used in class lessons as well as in small groups and one-on-one. You can bring them to life with apps like Novel Effect and hands-on cooperative activities.
Need an activity to go with a book check out some of my favorites at TPT!
I often get asked about what grade level or age to use a book with. You’ll notice that I did not put an age or grade below because there are so many things to consider – how you will use the book, your students’ reading level, their prior content knowledge, and more.
Plus, I believe that picture books are timeless. Adults can enjoy them as much as kids. I have a whole library of picture books at home.
If you need more books don’t forget to check out my Big Book Database!
Please note that this post contains affiliate links.
Mindfulness
Find my mindfulness activities here.
Alphabreaths: The ABCS of Mindful Breathing
This book guides students through various breathing techniques from A to Z. It provides a fun way to encourage kids to take deep breaths and makes the process less “boring.”
You could practice a new breath at the start of each class or on the morning news.
Author: Christopher Willard and Daniel Rechtschaffen
Illustrator: Holly Clifton Brown
King Calm: Mindful Gorilla In The City
Marvin is not like most gorillas that thump, thump, and roar. No, Marvin likes to take his time, carefully noticing, tasting, and truly being mindful. He serves as a wonderful reminder of the importance of slowing down and using your senses to ground yourself.
Author: Susan D. Sweet PhD
Illustrator: Bryan Langdo
This book is wonderful because it has places to stop and discuss along the way. You can read a section at at time with students one on one or at the start of a small group.
Author: Gabi Garcia
Ilustrator: Ying Hui Tan
Connecting Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior
Find my CBT activities here.
Like many of us, Taco is under a lot of pressure to keep it all together, until he cracks.
This book walks through the thought- feeling- connection with various hilarious characters who help Taco look at things in a different way.
Author: Brenda S Miles
Illustrator: Monika Filipina
In Twitchly’s mind, every opportunity brings the possibility of failure or disaster, so he isolates himself in a cheerless, sealed hut, waiting for his fears to materialize.
Ask students what advice they would give Twitchly!
Author: Helen Lester
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
This story of a girl who is “waiting to be happy WHEN….” reminds us we can wishfully think and wait to be happy or choose to be happy right now.
As you read, discuss with students: “In each example, the situation remained the same, but what changed was her perspective and thoughts. How did this shift in perspective and thoughts improve her mood and actions?”
Author: Julie Berry
Illustrator: Holly Hatam
Sharing/Teamwork
These friends enjoy cookies, but there simply aren’t enough to go around. This book will not only make your kids laugh, but also serve as a great conversation starter for discussing the concept of “fair isn’t equal.”
I love to give my students a laminated paper with a pizza on it and ask them to “cut” (draw with an expo marker) it into slices for 5.
Author: Dan Santat
Friends often disagree, much like these friends!
They couldn’t agree on who should steer the canoe or even how debated how to cross a beaver dam. Eventually a night stranded on a rock reminded them that everything turns out better when they work together.
I like to pair this with my favorite team work game like “Saving Sam.”
Author/Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland
This book is a great pick at the start of the school year or to set the stage for group work expectations.
Not only does it set up what successful teamwork looks like, but it explores the joys and challenges of working in a team.
It also touches on some great themes, including:
- students need to be the team member they want others to be
- having a positive mindset leads to success
- assigning roles can help facilitate the job
Author: Shannon Olsen
Illustrator: Sandie Sonke
Jealousy
Ping and Pong Are Best Friends (Mostly)
Everything Ping can do Pong can do better- everything, well almost everything.
What I love about this book is that Pong is a true friend, not rubbing it in or trying to make his friend feel bad, but Pong still feels jealous.
After reading I like to have students share what they can do well.
Author: Tim Hopgood
Like many of my students Scientist is stuck in the middle of two friends that don’t get along.
Not only is this book great for talking about jealous feelings, but also competitiveness and conflict.
This book is part of a wonderful series with lots of other feelings. This one is all about jealousy.
Yaz is overwhelmed with jealousy. Her drawings go unnoticed while Debby’s art gets all the praise, including a star on the classroom wall. Yaz’s envy is affecting her thoughts and actions.
After reading discuss, “How can she overcome her jealousy and find her own path to recognition?”
Author: Hallee Adelman
Illustrator: Karen Wall
Feelings
Find my activities for feelings exploration here.
This book is exactly what I think of when I say picture books are ageless. If I were still working in a high school, I’d have this book in my office.
The hotel manager in the story takes the reader on a tour of the hotel while explaining complex ideas about feelings. The book is rich with vocabulary, making it a great read for helping students develop a better understanding of their feelings.
Author: Lidia Brankovic
I really love using this book to help students understand that sometimes are feelings get all mixed up and sometimes we have more than one at the same time.
In a small group it’s fun to follow up with a craft and you can also collaborate with your art teacher to do a water color activity afterwards.
Author: Anna Llenas
The Boy With Big, Big Feelings
This book is a wonderful reminder that it’s okay to express our feelings, instead of trying to bury them deep inside.
It’s written in a rhyming verse, making it fun for read alouds.
Author: Britney Winn Lee
Illustrator: Jacob Souva
Grief/Pet Loss
Find my grief, loss, and change activities here.
What I really appreciate about this book is that it can be generalized for many different topics such as, separation anxiety, change, loss, and grief.
There is also a companion workbook you can use with it.
Author: Patrice Karst and Dana Wyss
Illustrator: Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
This book is simple yet poignant and visually captivating.
Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost its companion, The Goodbye Book tells a touching and hopeful story about saying goodbye to someone you love.
Warning: this book is guaranteed to make you cry!
If you have a student with a sick pet, this is a sweet story to help them with their change/loss.
It’s a story of lasting bonds, love, and strength to get through even the hardest times.
Author: Kelly Wu
This book is simple, yet beautiful. A gentle reminder that even when they at our feet our beloved pets are always with us.
Author: Julie Pashckis
Anger Management and Regulation
Find my activities on anger here.
I pull this book out every October, even if it’s just to read aloud as a “bonus” lesson or class visit. Why? It makes me giggle every time.
Early bed times, melting icecream, rainy days? It doesn’t take much for this boy to turn into a Crankenstein.
After reading discuss
- What makes you cranky?
- Where the examples in the story big deals or little deals?
Author: Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Dan Santat
This series really is wonderful to talk about different feelings like, anger.
I like using this book to talk about how anger can build and build and sometimes we inadvertently take it out on others.
Author: Hallee Adelman
Illustrator: Sandra de la Prada
There are a lot of books on anger out there, but I really like how this one explores feelings underneath the anger.
It also reminds the reader that anger doesn’t last forever.
Author: Sandra V. Feder
Illustrator: Rahele Jomepour Bell
This charmingly illustrated anger management workbook takes young readers on a playful journey with three lovable dinos who explore simple, effective ways to stay calm — like deep breathing, counting to 10, shaking it out, and more. This book is great for littles.
Author: Allison Szczecinski
Illustrator: Dean Gray
Coping
Find all of my coping activities here.
Hattie Harmony Worry Detective
Hattie teaches her friends how to use mindful movement, stress balls, facing fear, and mindful breathing, as well as their mantra “Worry, worry, go away! There’s no time for you today!”
Author: Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett
Illustrator: Marissa Valdez
You can use this book to discuss:
- helpful vs unhelpful thinking
- encouraging others
- breathing techniques
- goal setting
- importance of practice
- mindfulness
- resilience
Author: Sujean Rim
This book series is one of my favorites because they are perfect for read alouds and readers theaters.
When he tells his friends, he expects them to comfort him by saying that everything will be okay. Except they don’t. Because it might not be, and that’s okay too.
Author: Michael Ian Black
Illustrator: Debbie Ohi
I love this book because it gives many examples of times where breathing can help. It’s short and to the point, making it a perfect read aloud for the school setting.
Author: Christopher Willard and Wendy O’Leary
Conflict/Bullying/Teasing
Find my activities for bullying and conflict here.
A misunderstanding between friends, twisted words, and gossip among peers- this book tackles a lot!
This book is great for a classroom lessons because it’s a to the point and will resonate with any student whose ever fallen out with their “bestie.”
Author: Liz Rosenber
Illustrator: Matt Myers
I really love Trudy Ludwig’s work, especially for older elementary.
I like to use this book to start a discussion of what is “funny” and what is “hurtful.”
Afterwards have students participate in a socratic seminar or class meeting to talk about how their words have been affecting each other.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
This series is the same story told from 3 different points of view, making it a great way to introduce perspective and foster empathy.
You can find my book companion here.
Author: Erin Frankel
Illustrator: Paula Heaphy
Careers/Jobs/The Future
Find my college and career exploration activities here.
Clothesline Clues To Jobs People Do
We love playing “detective” while reading this story.
Author: Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook
Illustrator: Andy Davies
Although this book isn’t about careers, I love using to to talk about career exploration because we know there many be many careers of the future that haven’t even been created yet.
Follow up by asking students that ideas they have and how that can make that idea a reality.
Author: Kobi Yamada
Illustrator: Mae Besom
Similarly, “Big Plans,” doesn’t talk about specific careers, but this silly book does encourage readers to have big dreams.
Author: Bob Shea
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Consent
Find my personal safety activities here.
This is a great book for counselors and parents to talk about body autonomy.
While most birds love kisses, Rissy is an exception and as a result others think something must be wrong.
Use this book to discuss other ways we can express care and love while honoring personal boundaries.
Author: Katey Howes
Illustrator: Jess Engle
When Miles receives hugs and kisses on his 6th birthday, he learns that he is in charge of his body and can say “No!” even to Grandpa.
This is also animated in the Ruby Studio Safety Video.
I like to pair it with “Boss Of My Body” clip from The Mother Company on YouTube.
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)
This book is wonderful for helping students understand their neurodiverse peers that may not like having their personal space invaded with hugs.
Author: Carrie Finison
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Inclusion
Find my activities on friendship here.
This is one of the most used books in my office, because year after year I find it resonates with students.
Brian feels invisible because is left and and overlooked, but when a new student arrives one small act of kindness brings color to Brian’s world.
You can find my book companion here.
Author: Trudy Ludwig
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Duck has initiated a club with a single rule – all are welcome. In the realm of friendship, being true to oneself is the only thing that matters. This heartwarming message celebrates diversity, inclusion, and camaraderie.
Author: John Kelly
Illustrator: Steph Laberis
Today is Pet Club day, and while it’s set to showcase cats, dogs, and fish, elephants are notably excluded. So the boy and his tiny pet elephant are set to show everyone what real friendship means. I believe this story is a wonderful way to talk to kids about the importance of inclusivity and welcoming others, regardless of their differences.
Author: Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo
Roberta is welcomed by different groups on her first day at a new school, only to be told she does not fit in with them for some reason, but by the next day, members of each group have begun to see that they do not have to be alike in every way.
Author: Peggy Moss
Illustrator: Penny Weber
Self Esteem
Find my self esteem activities here.
This is a book you will want to read again and again, in part because the illustrations are so captivating.
Use this book to talk about:
- invisible scars that words can leave
- finding your special place in the world
- self acceptance and self love
Author: Vashti Harrison
Cupcake isn’t like their brother or sisters, but neither is candle.
This fun tongue in cheek book will make your kiddos laugh- especially the silly ending.
This book also has themes of friendship, so after reading I like to have students create their own cupcake self portraits and have classmates or group members surround their picture with compliments.
Author: Charise Mericle Harper
Tired of being ignored by the other animals, Mouse dreams of roaring like Lion. However, he soon realizes that even the mightiest creatures can be afraid sometimes, while the tiniest ones can be incredibly brave. This book is written in rhyme and is perfect for a fun read-aloud.
Author: Rachel Bright
Illustrator: Jim Field
Responsibility
The Pigeon Has To Go To School
Start of the school year by talking about the importance of going to school, even if we don’t want to!
Author/Illustrator: Mo Willems
This book is great to get kids thinking about:
- how small actions can have big consequences
- good vs bad consequences
- ripple effects of their actions
After reading I let the kids make their own page (both good and bad.) Find my book companion here.
Author: Ellen Javernick
Illustrator: Colleen M. Madden
This book follows Amera, who says whatever she is thinking when she feels a strong emotion. The book reminds us that we need to be responsible with our words, as they can impact how we and others feel.
Author: Bonnie Clark
Illustrator: Todd Bright
Problem Solving/Mindset/Perseverance
Find my perseverance and mindset activities here.
A choose your own adventure that helps students think about the consequences of their choices.
As you read discuss:
- What are the choices you get to make every day?
- What are the consequences?
- Are all consequences good or bad?
- How did the story change based on the choices we made as readers?
Author: Ganit and Adir Levy
Illustrator: Doro Kaiser
This story follows three siblings, each determined to get rid of the wolf, who’s a real bully. The brothers get bored and stop their training, while the sister pig stays focused and determined, ultimately leading her to success.
Use this book to talk about study skills, perseverance, and supporting each other.
You can find my book companion here.
Author: Corey Rosen Scwartz
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Based on Ron McNair’s life, this story follows nine-year-old Ron who loves exploring airplane books at the Lake City Public Library. In 1950s South Carolina, getting his own library card is more than a rite of passage; it’s a courageous stand against segregation.
Author: Rose Blue and Corinne J. Naden
Illustrator: Don Tate
Other books I can’t live without!
I love the Food Group series by Jory John and Pete Oswald.
Here are the books and what I use them to discuss.
The Bad Seed– how people change and we are in control of our actions
The Good Egg– what is in and out of our control
The Cool Bean– talk about fitting in and staying true to yourself
The Couch Potato– talk about balancing tech time and outside time.
The Big Cheese– good sportsmanship
The Sour Grape– holding a grudge, jealousy, and gratitude
The Smart Cookie-individuality and different ways to be “smart.”
The Humble Pie– sharing the spotlight and gratitude.
Don’t forget to pick up your book partner activities here!
Looking for more great titles? Check out my book list here.
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Pawsitive School Counselor 
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