Picture books about emotional resilience
Children all face different obstacles through their lives, whether it’s an internal hurdle, a one-off catastrophe, or the routine struggle that is heading back to school. Kids' books are a helpful way to show them they’re not alone in the hardships they experience, or to display the tools children can use to tackle whatever obstacles they may face.
Here are some of my favourite picks for picture books that focus on resilience, perseverance, or overcoming adversity.
Grey by Laura Dockrill, illustrated by Lauren Child
Sometimes there are days where you just feel grey. As our protagonist contemplates the ‘meh-ness’ of her mood, she feels as though she may never feel anything but grey ever again. With the guidance of her mother, she learns that feeling grey does not remove your colours – they might be quiet but they’re still inside you – and that the grey never lasts forever.
Most importantly she learns that they will always love each other, even when that love feels grey.
Weather Together by Jessie Sima
Nimbus is desperate to hide the storm cloud that’s been following them. But as her shame grows so does the cloud, and hiding it is becoming more and more impossible.
Feeling overwhelmed she runs away, but Kelp follows close behind. After a vulnerable chat, Nimbus discovers that pushing down negative emotions only helps them grow, and that feelings become lighter when you share the load with those you love.
Business Chickens by Jess McGeachin
Fran is a terrible business chicken – she is not organised, not timely, and deeply unserious. Struggling to keep up at her office job, Fran gets laid off and feels as though her world is crumbling.
It’s only when Fran embraces her differences as assets not weaknesses that she finds the job for her. And as the best bakery owner in town she makes a great business chicken!
Be Careful, Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung & Sher Rill Ng
Xiao Xin is always looking for an adventure and trying new things – he’s not just brave, he’s a warrior. He knows what he’s capable of, but his family haven’t realised it. Caught up trying to protect him, Xiao Xin’s family won’t risk him hurting himself and so, feeling discouraged and frustrated, Xiao Xin runs away.
When he is found, he stands his ground, and together he and his family learn that falling and failing is the way we learn how to get back up.
The Shadow Elephant by Nadine Robert
As an elephant lies amongst the shadows, a collection of animals come along, taking turns in attempting to cheer Elephant up.
Trying all their best tricks and gags, each one leaves feeling unsuccessful, as the elephant remains entirely still and entirely solemn.
It’s only when Little Mouse sits and shares his own sad story, crying as he does, that Elephant begins to open up. At first, they both just cry and then, feeling stronger, they venture out of the shadows and take on their next challenge together.
Last-Place Lin by Wai Chim, illustrated by Freda Chiu
Lin was excited for sports day, and despite repeatedly coming last she is keenly participating. That is until she’s given the nickname ‘Last Place Lin.’ Feeling picked on and distraught, Lin no longer wants to compete, but after an encouraging chat from her house captain she realises that it’s not what place you come that matters, what’s most important is finishing the race.
As she competes in her final race of the day, she’s coming in last again, but she proudly pushes through as the crowed cheers ‘LAST PLACE LIN’ – and she starts to wear the title with pride.
The Wilderness by Steve McCarthy
Oktober has eleven adventurous siblings and two fearless parents, who venture into the wilderness daily. Oktober would like to adventure too, but chooses to do so between the pages of a book.
One day his parents insist that he joins them in the woods, and naturally that’s the day that Oktober gets lost. Deep in the wilds, he finds himself facing an enormous being, named the Wilderness. Of course he is absolutely terrified, until he realises the creature is too!
Overcoming their fears together, the Wilderness guides Oktober safely through the wilds, eventually returning safe back home with the knowledge that even giants beasts feel fear.
Knight Owl by Christopher Denise
Despite his small stature, Owl has always dreamt of being a knight. Everyone tells him this is impossible, he’s far too small and far too gentle. But when knights start going missing, the kingdom is desperate and Owl is accepted into knight school. He persists despite the difficulties of being the only owl in class and successfully graduates to the Knight Watch, where he discovers the ghastly cause for the missing knights. But in spite of his training, Owl manages to use kindness and communication to quell the beast, doing what no other knight could, but what he always knew he was capable off.
