Purpose

This manual exists to help kids feel less alone, not to “fix” them.

• Every child experiences big feelings—sadness, fear, anger, worry, jealousy—and those emotions are a natural, healthy part of growing up. But too often, children internalize the message that these feelings are “bad” or “wrong.” This resource is designed to do the opposite: to let kids know their feelings are valid, they’re not alone, and they’re deeply loved just as they are.

Books help children name, normalize, and navigate emotions.

• Each story in this guide was carefully chosen to reflect real feelings kids might have. When children see their experiences in a story, they realize, “I’m not the only one who feels this way.”

We’re not here to change your child’s personality—we’re here to build emotional tools.

• Some children are naturally sensitive, anxious, intense, or deeply observant. Those aren’t flaws—they’re traits. This manual isn’t about making your child “less dramatic” or “less emotional.” Instead, it helps you support them in learning what to do with those big feelings in a healthy, connected way.

Parents become emotional coaches through stories.

• Using stories as conversation starters, you can gently guide your child to reflect on their feelings, learn calming strategies, and build insight into others’ perspectives—all while snuggled up reading together.

The goal is emotional connection, not correction.

• Ultimately, this manual empowers both kids and parents to connect through books, so kids feel supported, safe, and understood. Big fee

Bibliotherapy

Bibliotherapy is the use of books and stories to support emotional, behavioral, and mental well-being.

 Helps children process feelings, develop empathy, and gain coping tools through characters and storytelling.

 Two Types:

• Clinical Bibliotherapy: Used by therapists to support mental health treatment.
• Developmental Bibliotherapy: Used by parents, teachers, and caregivers to support emotional growth and learning.

Why It Works:

• Normalizes and validates children’s feelings.
• Builds vocabulary for talking about emotions.
• Encourages empathy by seeing others’ perspectives.
• Models healthy emotional regulation and problem-solving.

When to Use It:

• To prepare for transitions (e.g., starting school, moving).
• When facing big emotions (anger, sadness, fear, jealousy).
• After a difficult event (loss, conflict, trauma).
• To support social skills (friendship, kindness, inclusion).
• As part of daily reading to build emotional literacy.

How to Use It:

• Choose books that reflect your child’s needs or challenges.
• Read together and pause to ask questions or reflect.
• Use open-ended questions before, during, and after reading.
• Follow up with related activities (drawing, journaling, calm-down strategies, role-play).
• Revisit the story often—repetition deepens understanding.

What is CBT

CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy—a research-based approach that helps people understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. It teaches kids (and adults!) to recognize unhelpful thought patterns and gently shift them into more helpful ones.

In this guide, each activity has been carefully created by a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience working with children and families. These aren’t generic strategies—you’ll find thoughtful, age-appropriate activities that pair directly with the themes in each book.

 Why Pair CBT with Picture Books?

Stories give children a safe space to see themselves. When a character faces fear, frustration, or sadness, a child can say, “That’s how I feel too.” Books lower defenses and open hearts—and that’s the perfect moment to introduce a small, supportive CBT activity that helps your child process what they’re feeling.

By combining stories and CBT, your child learns:

• Self-awareness: Naming their emotions and where they feel them in their body.
• Flexible thinking: Challenging “stuck” thoughts like “I’m bad at this” or “No one likes me.”
• Coping strategies: Tools like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and problem-solving.
• Empathy and perspective-taking: Understanding how others think and feel, too.

These activities are simple enough to do at home, and powerful enough to make a difference. Whether your child is feeling anxious, angry, discouraged, or confused, you’ll have a book to read and an activity to try—together.