Build a Kinder Bookshelf – FREE PDF GUIDE
A curated list of children’s books that build emotional intelligence, empathy, and social awareness.
Emotional intelligence helps children navigate friendships, handle frustration, express themselves clearly, and understand the people around them. It’s a foundational skill — not just for mental health, but for life in a shared world. And like any skill, it grows with practice, reflection, and the right tools.
So I created this list to make it easier — for parents, teachers, or anyone who works with children — to find the kinds of books that open those doors. It’s organized by age, with a mix of classics and newer titles, and it’s not tied to any particular approach or theory. Just books that help kids build emotional intelligence and grow into decent people.
You can download the full EQ Bookshelf here — and I hope it’s something you’ll return to, share, or build on in your own way.
Stories That Help Raise Kind, Brave, Emotionally Aware Kids
This free resource includes 20+ book recommendations for toddlers to teens, organized by age group. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, homeschooler, or simply looking for thoughtful stories that spark meaningful conversations, the EQ Bookshelf is designed to help children:
- Identify and name emotions
- Develop self-awareness and empathy
- Understand others’ perspectives
- Build resilience, compassion, and communication skills
If you’d like to learn more about how art and creativity support emotional growth, you might enjoy my series on how art builds emotional intelligence in children.
Want to know why this matters? Read Why STEAM, Not STEM? or explore the The WHY Behind Teaching Art History to Kids
Free printable PDF – with over 20 titles curated by age group
What’s inside:
✅ Thoughtfully chosen titles, from picture books to middle-grade fiction
✅ A focus on empathy, resilience, and emotional intelligence — not just reading skills
✅ A printable guide you’ll come back to again and again
Want the guide? It’s free!
Drop your email below and I’ll send it your way
Some of the book links on this resource are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to buy a book through one of those links, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support this site and the work I do, and I only ever recommend books I genuinely believe in. So thank you!
You’ll also get occasional emails with booklists, thoughtful resources, and creative ideas to bring stories into your everyday life. No spam — ever. Just what’s useful and heartfelt.
