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Children’s Mental Health Week 2023

A selection of books that centre on themes of children's mental health
By Nils Jones
Related Categories: Hachette Schools Posts, Hachette Schools Resources, Non Fiction, Primary School, Secondary School

This year’s Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 6th – 12th February, and follows the theme of Let’s Connect.

We’ve put together some fantastic book suggestions for ages 4-18 that support mental health and can help you discuss this topic with your class.

A collection of children's picture books that cover themes of mental health

Picture Books

From touching tales that help children who are struggling with worries or new experiences to books full of easy tips and tricks to keep yourself feeling happy, this collection of vibrant picture books make for perfect primary school classroom companions.
For children aged 3-5.

My Monster and Me Teaching Resources
Elephant Me Teaching Resources
I am Not a Prince Teaching Resources
When the Sun Goes Home Colouring Sheets and Postcard

DinoFeelings by Rachel Bright and Chris Chatterton

Teach little ones about big feelings with the DinoFeelings picture book series. This comprehensive resource pack will give you lesson plan ideas and activity sheets to help start conversations about feelings and aid teaching emotional literacy. 
For children aged 3-5.

Find out more

Non Fiction for Children, Teens and YA

Cover every mental health and wellbeing topic with industry experts, including Dr Alex George, Matthew Syed, Dr Ranj, Clare Balding, Bryony Gordon, Dr Camilla Pang and more.

A Better Day Teaching Resources
Break The Mould Teaching Resources
Dare To Be You Resources
You Are Awesome Teaching Resources
Perfectly Weird, Perfectly You Teaching Resources
You Got This Teaching Resources
This Book Will Make You Happy Teaching Resources
You Will Be Okay Teaching Resources
Brain Power Teaching Resources
The Worry Less Book Video and Poster
Fall Off, Get Back On, Keep Going Teaching Resources

Middle Grade 

Learn to overcome worries with Kiki Kallira and Ivy the Worry Fairy, or explore mental health as a family with Julia and the Shark, a beautiful, uplifting story about a mother, a daughter and love. 

For children aged 7+.

Julia and the Shark Teaching Resources
Kiki Kallira Teaching Resources 

Teen and YA

These fantastic teen and YA reads deal with real life teen issues such as anxiety, burn-out and self-confidence, with a cast of inclusive characters you’re class will love.
For teens aged 12+.

Heartstopper Teaching Resources, Posters and More
The Sad Ghost Club Teaching Resources