It’s currently Mental Health Awareness Week in the U.K.  With record rates of mental health referrals amongst children, this seems like the perfect time to introduce you to two books which might help children express and regulate their emotions.

Mind Hug by Emily Amber and Vanessa Lovegrove (Circus House)

This story was developed to help introduce the concept of mindfulness to young children. When thoughts and feelings became too loud in Jack’s head, putting him in a terrible mood, Dad suggested that he try sitting still and taking deep, slow breaths.  Slowly, Jack gained control of his emotions and felt much calmer and lighter. Jack was then very keen to share his new superpower with a friend who’s also feeling overwhelmed.

A calming and non-threatening read for children who need some support regulating their emotions and coping with the deluge of thoughts which come throughout the day.

Sometimes I Feel Sad by Tom Alexander (Jessica Kingsley Publishers)

This simple and thought-provoking book provides a safe way for young children to explore the emotion of sadness. It gently reassures them that it’s okay and completely normal to feel sad – that everybody gets sad at times. The neutral colour palette and uncluttered pages make this book particularly non-threatening.

Excellent for starting conversations with those children who can struggle to express their emotions, such as those with attachment issues or autism. It would be suitable to use at home or in the classroom as a discussion text. An important book.

Library Girl.

*Many thanks to Circus House and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for sending me these titles to review*