READING LIST JUST FOR KIDS
THE GOAL OF THIS LIST IS TO PROVIDE TOOLS THAT PARENTS or caregivers Might NEED TO BROACH CONCEPTS AROUND CONSENT, BODILY AUTONOMY, mental health AND OTHER TOPICS THAT CAN HELP WITH PHYSICAL AND MENTAL SAFETY.
physical safety & consent for kids
Don't Touch My Hair
Reading Age: 4-8
Asking for permission to touch someone means any part of them—hair included! And it’s fully within everyone’s rights to set limits just like young African-American girl Aria does in this imaginative story with a purpose. Aria has a beautiful head of hair “that grows up toward the sun like a flower,” and often, people are so curious about her fluffy curls that they reach out and touch without even asking Aria if it’s OK. And it’s not just humans who are taken with her ’do in the story as she encounters touchy-feely mermaids, monkeys, and even aliens. But finally, Aria loses her patience, as she shouts, “DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR!”—which is exactly what she needs to do to feel in charge of her own body.
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Asking for permission to touch someone means any part of them—hair included! And it’s fully within everyone’s rights to set limits just like young African-American girl Aria does in this imaginative story with a purpose. Aria has a beautiful head of hair “that grows up toward the sun like a flower,” and often, people are so curious about her fluffy curls that they reach out and touch without even asking Aria if it’s OK. And it’s not just humans who are taken with her ’do in the story as she encounters touchy-feely mermaids, monkeys, and even aliens. But finally, Aria loses her patience, as she shouts, “DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR!”—which is exactly what she needs to do to feel in charge of her own body.
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR
Reading Ages: 4-8
Miles is the Boss of his Body
Reading Age: 8-12
Miles Is The Boss Of His Body is a fun, engaging way to explore the potentially difficult topic of kids’ personal safety. On his 6th birthday, Miles’ excitement is dimmed when he finds himself being pinched, noogied, hugged too tight, picked up and tickled by his well-intentioned family and decides he’s had enough! When Miles decrees that he is the “Boss of his body,” his whole family expresses support and respect for his personal boundaries.
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Miles Is The Boss Of His Body is a fun, engaging way to explore the potentially difficult topic of kids’ personal safety. On his 6th birthday, Miles’ excitement is dimmed when he finds himself being pinched, noogied, hugged too tight, picked up and tickled by his well-intentioned family and decides he’s had enough! When Miles decrees that he is the “Boss of his body,” his whole family expresses support and respect for his personal boundaries.
MILES IS THE BOSS OF HIS BODY
Reading Ages: 8-12
My Body Belongs to Me
Reading Age: 3-6
It can be a challenge as a kid when so many adults around you—even the most well-meaning ones—want to hug you, pick you up, or tickle you. This effective picture book from the International Center for Assault Prevention takes kids through the basics of appropriate and inappropriate touching, tips for avoiding touch when you don’t want it, and encouragement to speak up if you feel uncomfortable. In the story, young Clara knows she’s in charge of her body—sometimes she likes being hugged by her dad or tickled by a friend, and other times she’d rather people keep their hands to themselves. Clara has the confidence to stand up for herself and set limits, and she imparts that to young readers in a clear and supportive way.
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It can be a challenge as a kid when so many adults around you—even the most well-meaning ones—want to hug you, pick you up, or tickle you. This effective picture book from the International Center for Assault Prevention takes kids through the basics of appropriate and inappropriate touching, tips for avoiding touch when you don’t want it, and encouragement to speak up if you feel uncomfortable. In the story, young Clara knows she’s in charge of her body—sometimes she likes being hugged by her dad or tickled by a friend, and other times she’d rather people keep their hands to themselves. Clara has the confidence to stand up for herself and set limits, and she imparts that to young readers in a clear and supportive way.
MY BODY BELONGS TO ME FROM MY HEAD TO MY TOES
Reading Ages: 3-6
DON’T TOUCH MY HAIR
Reading Ages: 4-8
MILES IS THE BOSS OF HIS BODY
Reading Ages: 8-12
MY BODY BELONGS TO ME FROM MY HEAD TO MY TOES
Reading Ages: 3-6
ABC of Body Safety and Consent
Reading Age: 4-10
The 26 ‘key’ letters and accompanying words will help children to learn and consolidate age-appropriate, crucial and life-changing body safety and consent skills. Designed as a ‘dip in and dip out’ book, the text, the child-centred questions and the stunning illustrations will reinforce key skills such as consent, respect, body boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, Early Warning Signs, Safety Network, private parts, and the difference between secrets and surprises. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators. Suitable for children 4 to 10 years.
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The 26 ‘key’ letters and accompanying words will help children to learn and consolidate age-appropriate, crucial and life-changing body safety and consent skills. Designed as a ‘dip in and dip out’ book, the text, the child-centred questions and the stunning illustrations will reinforce key skills such as consent, respect, body boundaries, safe and unsafe touch, Early Warning Signs, Safety Network, private parts, and the difference between secrets and surprises. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators. Suitable for children 4 to 10 years.
ABC OF BODY SAFETY & CONSENT
Reading Ages: 4-10
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
Reading Age: 3-12
A beautifully illustrated children's picture book that sensitively broaches the subject of keeping children safe from inappropriate touch. We teach water and road safety, but how do we teach Body Safety to young children in a way that is neither frightening nor confronting? This book is an invaluable tool for parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals to broach the subject of safe and unsafe touch in a non-threatening and age-appropriate way. The comprehensive notes to the reader and discussion questions at the back of the book support both the reader and the child when discussing the story. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years.
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A beautifully illustrated children's picture book that sensitively broaches the subject of keeping children safe from inappropriate touch. We teach water and road safety, but how do we teach Body Safety to young children in a way that is neither frightening nor confronting? This book is an invaluable tool for parents, caregivers, teachers and healthcare professionals to broach the subject of safe and unsafe touch in a non-threatening and age-appropriate way. The comprehensive notes to the reader and discussion questions at the back of the book support both the reader and the child when discussing the story. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years.
SOME SECRETS SHOULD NEVER BE KEPT
Reading Ages: 3-12
C is for Consent
Reading Age: 3-5
The book teaches that it is okay for kids to say no to hugs and kisses, and that what happens to a their body is up to them. This helps children grow up confident in their bodies, comfortable with expressing physical boundaries, and respectful of the boundaries of others.
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The book teaches that it is okay for kids to say no to hugs and kisses, and that what happens to a their body is up to them. This helps children grow up confident in their bodies, comfortable with expressing physical boundaries, and respectful of the boundaries of others.
C IS FOR CONSENT
Reading Ages: 3-5
ABC of Body Safety & consent
Reading Ages: 4-10
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
Reading Ages: 3-12
C is for consent
Reading Ages: 3-5
Where Hands Go
Reading Age: 3-7
As part of the Kids Again Foundation, this easy-to-read, colorfully illustrated book aims to help children understand the importance of consent and when it is not ok to be touched. The book features a diverse group of characters and colorful, creative artwork to educate and entertain children about the importance of safety. You’ll find this book is a beautiful read for parents, teachers, therapists, and guardians who want to discuss this critical topic with younger children. It’s an excellent introduction for kids to recognize when touch can be harmful and how to talk about it with confidence and understanding.
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As part of the Kids Again Foundation, this easy-to-read, colorfully illustrated book aims to help children understand the importance of consent and when it is not ok to be touched. The book features a diverse group of characters and colorful, creative artwork to educate and entertain children about the importance of safety. You’ll find this book is a beautiful read for parents, teachers, therapists, and guardians who want to discuss this critical topic with younger children. It’s an excellent introduction for kids to recognize when touch can be harmful and how to talk about it with confidence and understanding.
WHERE HANDS GO
Reading Ages: 3-7
Yes! No!
Reading Age: 2-5
A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
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A picture book edition of the bestselling board book about consent, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way.
YES! NO!
Reading Ages: 2-5
My Yucky Feeling
Reading Age: 4-8
My Yucky Feeling addresses the fact that we have an internal alarm system when danger is near. A feeling that can be described as “My Yucky Feeling” can help keep us safe when in harm’s way. This book can be used as a teaching tool and as a therapeutic aid.
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My Yucky Feeling addresses the fact that we have an internal alarm system when danger is near. A feeling that can be described as “My Yucky Feeling” can help keep us safe when in harm’s way. This book can be used as a teaching tool and as a therapeutic aid.
MY YUCKY FEELING
Reading Ages: 4-8
where hands go
Reading Ages: 3-7
Yes! no!
Reading Ages: 2-5
my yucky feeling
Reading Ages: 4-8
Don’t Hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)
Reading Age: 3-7
Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent.
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Meet Doug, an ordinary kid who doesn't like hugs, in this fun and exuberant story which aims to spark discussions about bodily autonomy and consent.
don’t hug doug
Reading Ages: 3-7
No Hugs!
Reading Age: 5-8
Zara loves hugs, so she is confused and upset when her friend Alice doesn't want a hug. When the tables are turned, she appreciates her friend's perspective and realizes that a hug takes two willing individuals.
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Zara loves hugs, so she is confused and upset when her friend Alice doesn't want a hug. When the tables are turned, she appreciates her friend's perspective and realizes that a hug takes two willing individuals.
NO HUGS!
Reading Ages: 5-8
My Body! What I Say Goes!
Reading Age: 3-10
The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, "This is my body! What I say goes!"
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The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, "This is my body! What I say goes!"
MY BODY! WHAT I SAY GOES!
Reading Ages: 3-10
don’t hug doug
Reading Ages: 3-7
no hugs!
Reading Ages: 5-8
my body! what i say goes!
Reading Ages: 3-10
MENTAL SAFETY, BIG EMOTION AND ANXIETY
The Breathing Book
Reading Age: 4-8
With The Breathing Book, young readers discover the power of mindful awareness through a series of breathing practices and engaging activities designed to calm the mind and body, set positive intentions, and spark creativity and imagination.
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With The Breathing Book, young readers discover the power of mindful awareness through a series of breathing practices and engaging activities designed to calm the mind and body, set positive intentions, and spark creativity and imagination.
The Breathing Book
Reading Ages: 4-8
I Feel... Anxious
Reading Age: 4-8
With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Anxious addresses the common feelings that come with being a child. This book makes it easy for kids to identify how they're feeling―and have fun too.
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With fun, witty illustrations and simple, straightforward text, I Feel...Anxious addresses the common feelings that come with being a child. This book makes it easy for kids to identify how they're feeling―and have fun too.
I Feel… Anxious
Reading Ages: 4-8
Catching Thoughts
Reading Age: 4-8
For every child who has been weighed down by sadness or anxiety, this story teaches kids how to acknowledge unwanted thoughts, show them compassion, then actively replace them with positive thoughts instead. Catching Thoughts is a quiet, thoughtful story that teaches readers how to practice mindfulness, focusing on thoughts that bring beauty, joy, and calm into their lives.
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For every child who has been weighed down by sadness or anxiety, this story teaches kids how to acknowledge unwanted thoughts, show them compassion, then actively replace them with positive thoughts instead. Catching Thoughts is a quiet, thoughtful story that teaches readers how to practice mindfulness, focusing on thoughts that bring beauty, joy, and calm into their lives.
Catching Thoughts
Reading Ages: 4-8
The Breathing Book
Reading Ages: 4-8
I Feel… Anxious
Reading Ages: 4-8
Catching Thoughts
Reading Ages: 4-8
Breathing Makes it Better
Reading Age: 3-7
Read aloud and breathe along with this sweet story teaching children how to navigate powerful emotions like anger, fear, sadness, confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. With rhythmic writing and engaging illustrations, Breathing Makes It Better guides children to breathe through their feelings and find calm with recurring cues to stop and take a breath. Simple guided practices, like imagining you are a tree blowing in the wind, follow each story to teach children how to apply mindfulness techniques when they need them the most.
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Read aloud and breathe along with this sweet story teaching children how to navigate powerful emotions like anger, fear, sadness, confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. With rhythmic writing and engaging illustrations, Breathing Makes It Better guides children to breathe through their feelings and find calm with recurring cues to stop and take a breath. Simple guided practices, like imagining you are a tree blowing in the wind, follow each story to teach children how to apply mindfulness techniques when they need them the most.
Breathing Makes it Better
Reading Ages: 3-7
Just a Though
Reading Age: 4-8
Through playful rhyming text and vivid, fun illustrations, Just a Thought introduces kids 4–8 to the way our lives are shaped by our thoughts. The story helps to teach self-awareness by recognizing negative self-thought and recurring thought patterns. Regardless of whether you have happy, weird, or mean thoughts—they are all just thoughts, and no single thought can define you. The magic of mind is that it's a space where anything is possible!
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Through playful rhyming text and vivid, fun illustrations, Just a Thought introduces kids 4–8 to the way our lives are shaped by our thoughts. The story helps to teach self-awareness by recognizing negative self-thought and recurring thought patterns. Regardless of whether you have happy, weird, or mean thoughts—they are all just thoughts, and no single thought can define you. The magic of mind is that it's a space where anything is possible!
Just a Though
Reading Ages: 4-8
It's OK to Make Mistakes
Reading Age: 3-6
From coloring outside the lines and creating a unique piece of art to forgetting an umbrella but making a new friend, each page offers a kid-friendly take on the importance of taking chances, trying new things, and embracing life, mistakes and all.
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From coloring outside the lines and creating a unique piece of art to forgetting an umbrella but making a new friend, each page offers a kid-friendly take on the importance of taking chances, trying new things, and embracing life, mistakes and all.
It’s OK to Make Mistakes
Reading Ages: 3-6
Breathing Makes it Better
Reading Ages: 3-7
Just a Though
Reading Ages: 4-8
It’s OK to Make Mistakes
Reading Ages: 3-6
I Can Do Hard Things: Mindful Affirmations for Kids
Reading Age: 5-10
What kids tell themselves matters! It becomes their inner voice. It can help them connect with their power within. Help your child tap into their inner strength and resilience when challenges arise. I Can Do Hard Things introduces children to the practice of using mindful affirmations for support and encouragement when they need it.
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What kids tell themselves matters! It becomes their inner voice. It can help them connect with their power within. Help your child tap into their inner strength and resilience when challenges arise. I Can Do Hard Things introduces children to the practice of using mindful affirmations for support and encouragement when they need it.
I Can Do Hard Things
Reading Ages: 5-10
The Not-So-Perfect Princess and the Not-So-Dreadful Dragon
Reading Age: 4-10
Princess Petal is NOT what you would expect the ‘perfect’ princess to be. In fact, she is quite the opposite. Her princess dresses are torn and scruffy, she wears an old woolly hat instead of a golden crown and she is very (very) loud. So when Princess Petal meets a fire-breathing dragon while out hiking in the forest, both are in for a bit of a shock! An enchanting tale about friendship, diversity, acceptance and being exactly who we are meant to be. The moral behind this story is imperative yet simple: we are all different and that’s okay, making judgements and assumptions about people is not okay, all genders should be treated equally. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators.
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Princess Petal is NOT what you would expect the ‘perfect’ princess to be. In fact, she is quite the opposite. Her princess dresses are torn and scruffy, she wears an old woolly hat instead of a golden crown and she is very (very) loud. So when Princess Petal meets a fire-breathing dragon while out hiking in the forest, both are in for a bit of a shock! An enchanting tale about friendship, diversity, acceptance and being exactly who we are meant to be. The moral behind this story is imperative yet simple: we are all different and that’s okay, making judgements and assumptions about people is not okay, all genders should be treated equally. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators.
The Not-So-Perfect Princess and the Not-So-Dreadful Dragon
Reading Ages: 4-10
Resilience
Reading Age: 4-9
Meet Emmi! She is resilient, independent and courageous. She always tries her best, and even when the going gets tough, Emmi never gives in. This charming story uses verse and beautiful illustrations to model resilience, persistence, and the ability to face challenges with tenacity. Children who are resilient are brave, curious, confident and problem solvers. Nurturing these traits in our children will go a long way in helping them face the many challenges they will encounter throughout their lives. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators, and suggested activities to promote children’s resilience.
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Meet Emmi! She is resilient, independent and courageous. She always tries her best, and even when the going gets tough, Emmi never gives in. This charming story uses verse and beautiful illustrations to model resilience, persistence, and the ability to face challenges with tenacity. Children who are resilient are brave, curious, confident and problem solvers. Nurturing these traits in our children will go a long way in helping them face the many challenges they will encounter throughout their lives. Also included are Discussion Questions for parents, caregivers and educators, and suggested activities to promote children’s resilience.
Resilience
Reading Ages: 4-9
I Can Do Hard Things
Reading Ages: 5-10
The Not-So-Perfect Princess and the Not-So-Dreadful Dragon
Reading Ages: 4-10
Resilience
Reading Ages: 4-9
My Safe Place
Reading Age: 4-8
My Safe Place is a delightful sing-songy story for children of all ages which guides the reader on a journey into one’s mind, leading to a place of emotional safety and comfort. From this “place” and with a great big breath or 2, the reader finds oneself in their Safe Place.
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My Safe Place is a delightful sing-songy story for children of all ages which guides the reader on a journey into one’s mind, leading to a place of emotional safety and comfort. From this “place” and with a great big breath or 2, the reader finds oneself in their Safe Place.
my safe place
Reading Ages: 4-8
My Body Sends a Signal
Reading Age: 3-6
How to teach kids about emotions and feelings?Like teaching them everything else - using clear words, familiar situations, exciting pictures and a lot of hands-on activities (games, puzzles, coloring pages, etc.) One can, of course, spend time and find various resources online. Or one can get just one book.This book is an excellent educational source that has is all. The book includes a cute story that kids can relate to, beautiful illustrations that capture children's attention, calming-down activities for kids, instructions to adults on the follow-up activities, emotions cards, feelings cards, coloring pages and related short stories to teach kids empathy.
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How to teach kids about emotions and feelings?Like teaching them everything else - using clear words, familiar situations, exciting pictures and a lot of hands-on activities (games, puzzles, coloring pages, etc.) One can, of course, spend time and find various resources online. Or one can get just one book.This book is an excellent educational source that has is all. The book includes a cute story that kids can relate to, beautiful illustrations that capture children's attention, calming-down activities for kids, instructions to adults on the follow-up activities, emotions cards, feelings cards, coloring pages and related short stories to teach kids empathy.
my body sends a signal
Reading Ages: 3-6
Pilar’s Worries
Reading Age: 3-5
Pilar loves to dance. She pliés while brushing her teeth.She leaps when hurrying to ballet class. But when tryouts for her favorite ballet are held, Pilar is anxious. Auditioning makes her whole body feel scared. But by using some of the coping techniques she's learned and focusing on her love for ballet, she is able to persevere.
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Pilar loves to dance. She pliés while brushing her teeth.She leaps when hurrying to ballet class. But when tryouts for her favorite ballet are held, Pilar is anxious. Auditioning makes her whole body feel scared. But by using some of the coping techniques she's learned and focusing on her love for ballet, she is able to persevere.
pilar’s worries
Reading Ages: 3-5
my safe place
Reading Ages: 4-8
my body sends a signal
Reading Ages: 3-6
pilar’s worries
Reading Ages: 3-5
You’ve Got Dragons
Reading Age: 6-10
Worries, fears, and anxieties are all dragons that sneak up on most of us at one time or another. Lots of people get dragons. And sometimes they’re hard to get rid of. So what can a young boy with a bad case of the dragons do? You’ve Got Dragons provides real, actionable, kid-friendly advice on handling stress and is ideal for students exploring SEL themes. Get ready to tear down barriers to conversation and inspire creative coping.
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Worries, fears, and anxieties are all dragons that sneak up on most of us at one time or another. Lots of people get dragons. And sometimes they’re hard to get rid of. So what can a young boy with a bad case of the dragons do? You’ve Got Dragons provides real, actionable, kid-friendly advice on handling stress and is ideal for students exploring SEL themes. Get ready to tear down barriers to conversation and inspire creative coping.
You’ve Got Dragons
Reading Ages: 6-10
A Feel Better Book for Little Sports
Reading Age: 4-8
An upbeat rhyming story that tackles the fun and the not-so-fun parts of sports: winning, losing, being a good sport, and even resilience. This is a helpful book for little ones who are just entering the world of competitive play, so that they can get the most out of their activities. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about ways to help kids get the most out of sports.
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An upbeat rhyming story that tackles the fun and the not-so-fun parts of sports: winning, losing, being a good sport, and even resilience. This is a helpful book for little ones who are just entering the world of competitive play, so that they can get the most out of their activities. Includes a Note to Parents and Caregivers with more information about ways to help kids get the most out of sports.
A Feel Better Book for Little Sports
Reading Ages: 4-8
You’ve Got Dragons
Reading Ages: 6-10
A Feel Better Book for Little Sports
Reading Ages: 4-8
