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  emotional literacy resources: books for young children  
 
     
     
     
    List compiled by Chris Thomas of the Southampton School Library Service.

An updated version of this list is available in the latest version of the SELIG Emotional Literacy Guidelines document.
     
     
   
AUTHOR TITLE THEME
     
ANGER
     
Amos, J. Angry Easy Non Fiction: 150
Carle, E. Bad Tempered Ladybird Even Ladybirds can suffer from anger
Hewitt, S. Feeling Angry Easy Non Fiction: 150
Macdonald, A. Beware Of The Bears Revenge is not a good idea, it could lead to a nasty surprise
Northway, J. Lucy’s Quarrel Saying sorry can be difficult.
Oram, H. Angry Arthur Anger can be a destructive force.
Oram, H. Badger’s Bad Mood Badger is feeling old, cross and left out.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish And The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous
Richardson, J. Bad Mood Bear An overtired bear becomes rude and angry.
Sendak, M. Where The Wild Things Are Max is sent to bed and dreams of wild things.
Shipton, P. Busy! Busy! Busy! Mum is cured of her bad mood by an understanding small boy.
Silver, N. Temper Temper Controlling your temper make life more enjoyable.
     
BOREDOM
     
Baum, L. Are We Nearly There Travelling home takes a long time
Bryant-Mole, K I’m Bored Easy Non Fiction: 150
Fenwick. J. Queen Clarissa & Cream Cake Comfort eating our of boredom.
Spiers, P. Bored? Nothing To Do All kinds of things are better than boredom.
Wilkins, V. Are We There Yet? A surprise day out, but getting there requires patience.
     
BRAVERY/COURAGE
     
Armitage, R. Lighthouse Keeper’s Catastrophe The Lighthouse Keeper must keep his light going despite his fear.
Amos, J Brave Easy Non Fiction: 150
Beck, I. Home Before Dark A lost Teddy makes his own way home.
Browne, A. Tunnel A brave little sister saves her foolhardy brother.
Browne, A. Willie The Wimp You don’t have to be big to be brave.
Browne, A. Willy The Champ You don’t have to be big to be brave.
Donaldson, J. Gruffalo Mouse outwits all kinds of possible predator.
Furchgott, t. Phoebe & The Hot Water Bottles Phoebe copes in a crisis, (not necessarily the best way!)
Grimm Brave Little Tailor Terrors of the graveyard don’t overcome the Tailor. (Folktale in a number of anthologies)
Henkes, K. Sheila Rae The Brave Sheila overcomes her fears.
Mahy, M. Beaten By A Balloon Quick wits are better than weapons in an emergency.
Munsch, R. Paperbag Princess Elizabeth outwits a dragon to rescue he fiancé.
Northway, J. Lucy’s Quarrel Saying sorry can be difficult.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish And The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish To The Rescue Helping someone can take courage.
Seegar, P. Abiyoyo Father and son rescue the village from a Giant.
Stimson, J. Oscar Needs A Friend Friendship is a two way trade.
Troughton, J. How Rabbit Stole Fire Courage of the animals give the earth fire.
Wells, R. Shy Charles Charles responds to a crisis.
     
CALMNESS/Keeping Your Head
     
Donaldson, J. Gruffalo Mouse outwits all kinds of possible predator.
Furchgott, T. Phoebe & The Hot Water Bottles Phoebe copes in a Crisis.
Rogers, P. Zoe’s Tower Serenity. At one with nature.
Small, D. Ruby Mae Has Something To Say Confidence engendered by a remarkable hat.
Wells, R. Shy Charles Charles comes into his own Crisis.
     
CITIZENSHIP
     
Aesop Boy Who Cried Wolf Fable about false alarms.
Armitage, R. Lighthouse Keeper’s Catastrophe The Lighthouse Keeper must keep his light going despite his fear.
Fox, M. Wilfred Gordon Macdonald Partridge Small boy making friends with old people.
Hoffman, M. Leon’s Lucky Lunch-Break Friends share to give Leon a lunch.
Hughes, S. Alfie Gives A Hand Alfie helps a shy girl in a party.
Knowles, A. Mice Next Door You can be friends despite different cultures
Oram, H. Badger’s Bad Mood Badger is feeling old and left out, but Mole demonstrates how he is valued by friends.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish To The Rescue Making people feel left out can be selfish.
Ross. T. Boy Who Cried Wolf Pastiche of Aesop’s Fable with an extra moral.
Ross T. Oscar Got The Blame Better to own up than blame things on imaginary friends.
Seegar, P. Abiyoyo Father & Son rescue the village from a Giant
Small, D. Ruby Mac Has Something To Say Confidence engendered by a remarkable hat, and Ruby Mae has a message for all.
     
CONFIDENCE
     
Allen, J. Wolf Academy Not everyone is cut out to be a big bad wolf!
Amos, J. Confident Easy Non Fiction: 150
Ashley, B. Cleversticks Having a unique skill helps to break barriers.
Brott, A. Jeremy’s Decision Jeremy is honest about his wishes even if he risks disappointing other people.
Browne, A. Tunnel A brave little sister saves her foolhardy brother.
Bryant-Mole, K. I Feel Bullied Easy Non Fiction: 362.7
Bryant-Mole, K. I’m Shy Easy Non Fiction: 150
Carlson, N. Harriet’s Recital Until the moment she starts her recital Harriet is nervous, but then adrenalin kicks in!
De Paola, T. Art Lesson Natural talent should not be curbed by education
Donaldson, J. Gruffalo Mouse outwits all kinds of possible predator.
Henkes, K. Chrysanthemum A long name can cause a crisis in confidence.
Hewitt, S. Feeling Shy Easy Non Fiction: 150
Hewitt, S. Feeling Worried Easy Non Fiction: 150
Hoffman, M. Amazing Grace Lack of confidence nearly spoils Grace’s chance.
Ironside, V. Huge Bag Of Worries You can get bowed down by things over which you can have no control.
Moses, B. I’m Worried Easy Non Fiction: 150
Munson, R. Paperbag Princess Elizabeth outwits a dragon to rescue he fiancé.
Oram, H. Happy Frog How a happy frog became an unhappy princess.
Oram, H. Jenna & The Troublemaker Jenna’s problems are too heavy, or are they?
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish And The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous.
Seegar, P. Abiyoyo Father and Son rescue the village from a Giant.
Simmons, J. Come On, Daisy Daisy gets lost when she wanders off.
Small, D. Ruby Mae Has Something To Say Confidence engendered by a remarkable hat.
Stimson, J. Oscar Needs A Friend Friendship is a two way trade.
Waddell, M. Owl Babies Even baby owls can be scared when Mum is late.
Wells, R. Shy Charles Charles comes into his own in a crisis.
Wishinsky, F. Oonga Boonga Only Daniel can stop his baby sister crying
     
CO-OPERATION
     
Butterworth, N. Rescue Party Friends help when someone is in trouble.
Cooper, H. Pumpkin Soup The best soup is made when everyone is happy and co-operates.
Foreman, M Little Red Hen New version of the folk tale, with a twist.
Foreman, M. Rock-A-Doodle-Doo Musicians of Bremen with a modern twist.
Hoffman, M. Leon’s Lucky Lunch Break Friends share to give Leon a lunch.
Lloyd, E. Nini At Carnival Happiness as a result of friends co-operating.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish And The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous, but asked nicely they can be a great help.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish To The Rescue Many friends help someone on his own.
Seegar, P. Abiyoyo Father and Son rescue the village from a Giant.
Troughton, J. How Rabbit Stole Fire Courage of the animals give the earth fire.
Waddell, M. Farmer Duck An overworked Duck is helped by his friends.
     
COURTESY
     
Gretz, S. Its Your Turn, Roger Differences between sharing family jobs and being a guest.
Hawkins, C. Max & The Magic Word Please and thank you
Moses, B. "Excuse Me" Learning About Politeness Easy Non Fiction: 150
Northway, J. Lucy’s Quarrel Saying sorry can be difficult.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish And The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous, but asked nicely and they can be a great help.
Root, P. Aunt Nancy & Cousin Lazybones How to get rid of a lazy good for nothing.
Vipont, E. Elephant & The Bad Baby Bad manners cause chaos.
     
DISAPPOINTMENT
     
Allen, J. Wolf Academy Not everyone is cut out to be a big bad wolf!
Amos, J. Hurt Easy Non Fiction: 150
Brott, A. Jeremy’s Decision Jeremy is honest about his wishes
Browne, A. Gorilla Hannah’s disappointment is assuaged when a Gorilla takes her to the Zoo instead of her Dad.
Haughton, E. Rainy Day A promised visit is cancelled through rain.
Lloyd, E. Nini At Carnival Happiness as a result of friends co-operating.
Oram, H. Happy Frog How a happy frog became an unhappy princess.
Richardson, J. Dog For Ben Ben is shamed of the dog he has to look after.
     
ENJOYMENT
     
Browne, A. Voices In The Park 4 viewpoints of the same park visit.
Daly, N. Boy On The Beach A day on the beach which high and low points.
Haughton, E. Rainy Day A promised visit is cancelled through rain, but there are other forms of enjoyment.
Silver, N. Temper Temper Controlling your temper makes life more enjoyable
Stimson, J. Oscar Needs A Friend Friendship is a two-way trade.
Stinson, K. Red Is Best The colour red makes everything more enjoyable.
Wilkins, V. Are We There Yet? SA surprise day out, but getting there requires patience.
     
ENVY (See also Jealousy)
     
Alborough, J. Grass Is Greener Sheep who follow the greener grass back home.
Browne, A. Look What I’ve Got Showing off is rarely comfortable for others.
Oram, H. Jenna & The Troublemaker Jenna’s problems are too heavy, or are they?
     
FEAR
     
Amos, J. Afraid Easy Non fiction: 150
Beck, I. Home Before Dark A lost Teddy make his own way home
Browne, A. Tunnel A brave little sister saves her foolhardy brother
Bryant-Mole, K. I’m Worried Easy Non Fiction: 150
Galdone, P. Tailypo A scary voice in the dark (Folk tale)
Grindley, S. Little Elephant Thunderfoot When the "Old Wise Elephant" dies the whole group is sad and worried.
Hewitt, S. Feeling Worried Easy Non Fiction: 150
Impey, R. Flat Man Scaring yourself is both fun and horrid.
Ironside, v. Huge Bag Of Worries You can get bowed down by things over which you can have no control.
Kasza, K. When The Elephant Walks Everybody is scared of something.
Mayer, M. There’s A Nightmare In My Cupboard Night time fears.
Oram, H. Jenna & The Troublemaker Jenna’s problems are too heavy, or are they?
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish & The Big Blue Whale Left out and angry whales can be dangerous, but asked nicely and they can be a great help.
Simmons, J. Come On, Daisy Daisy gets lost when she wanders off.
Snape, J. I’m Not Frightened Of Ghosts Imagination can scare as much as the real thing
Stimson, J. Oscar Needs A Friend Friendship is a two way trade.
Waddell, M. Owl Babies Even Baby Owls can be scared when Mum is late.
Willis, J. Monster Bed Even monsters can be afraid of something.
     
FRIENDSHIP
     
Alborough, J. My Friend Bear You can be friends n9o matter what your size!
Allen, J. Wolf Academy Not everyone is cut out to be a big bad wolf!
Amos, J. Friendly Easy Non Fiction: 150
Bradman, T. Through My Window Neighbourhood friends when a child is ill.
Browne, A. Willy And Hugh Friendship comes in all shapes and sizes.
Cave, K. Something Else An outsider finds some friends despite prejudice.
Dickinson, M. Alex And Roy Good friends enjoy all sorts of things together.
Foreman, M. Little Red Hen New version of the folk tale, with a twist.
Foreman, M. Rock-A-Doodle-Doo Musicians of Bremen with a modern twist
Gilori, D. Snow Child Some things that friends can’t share.
Havill, J. Jamaica’s Find Jamaica’s honesty leads to a new friend.
Hoffman, M. Leon’s Lucky Lunch Break Friends share to give a lunch
Hughes, S. Alfie Gives A Hand Alfie helps a shy girl in a party.
Hutchins, P. Doorbell Rang Dividing cookies between friends.
Kellog, S. Best Friends You can be lonely and jealous even of your friend
Knowles, A. Mice Next Door You can be friends despite different cultures.
Levette, S. Loneliness And Making Friends Junior Non Fiction: 150
Lloyd, E. Nini At Carnival Happiness as a result of friends co-operating.
MacDonald, A. Little Beaver & The Echo In searching for the echo Beaver makes friends.
Mitchell, R. Gotcha Smile Clarine learns that a smile helps to make friends.
Northway, J. Lucy’s Quarrel Saying sorry can be difficult.
Oram, H. Badger’s Bad Mood Badger is feeling old and left out, but Mole demonstrates how he is valued by friends.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish Sharing can help create friends.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish To The Rescue Making people feel left out can be selfish.
Stimson, J. Oscar Needs A Friend Friendship is a two way trade.
Waddell, M. Farmer Duck An overworked Duck is helped by his friends.
     
FRUSTRATION
     
Gretz, S. Roger Loses His Marbles Loss and frustration due to untidiness.
Hitchins, P. Goodnight Owl Owl’s sleep is disturbed by his daytime neighbours.
Kazea Tiger And The Rat Rat gets upset when Tiger gets the best of everything.
MacDonald, A. Beware Of The Bears Revenge is not a good idea, it could lead to a nasty surprise.
McKee, D. Not Now, Bernard Everyone is too busy to listen to Bernard.
Maht, M. Beaten By A Balloon Quick wits are better than weapons in an emergency.
Murphy, J. Peace At Last Mr Bear fails to get to sleep.
Oram, H. Badger’s Bad Mood Badger is feeling old and left out, but Mole demonstrates how he is valued by friends.
Richardson, J. Bad Mood Bear An overtired bear becomes rude and angry.
Shipton, P. Busy! Busy! Busy! Mum is cured of her bad mood by an understanding small boy.
Wishinsky, F. Oonga Boonga Only Daniel can stop his baby sister crying.
     
GENEROSITY
     
Browne, E. Handa’s Surprise Handa’s gift changes much to he surprise.
Curry, J. Christmas Cherries Generosity can bring rewards. Greed doesn’t.
Foreman, M. Little Red Hen New version of the folk tale, with a twist.
Hughes, S. Dogger Bella saves the day for Dave when Dogger is lost and found.
Kasza, K. Tiger And Rat Rat gets upset when Tiger gets the best of everything.
Offen, H. Good Girl, Gracie Growler Gracie is a good sister despite being ignored by the adults.
Pfister, M. Rainbow Fish Sharing is more rewarding than selfishness.
     
GREED
     
Biro, V. Donkey That Sneezed Grimm’s tale of magic donkey, stick and table
Curry, J. Christmas Cherries Generosity can bring rewards. Greed doesn’t.
Fearnley, J. Mr Wolf’s Pancakes Mr Wolf’s neighbours let greed outweigh common sense.
Foreman, M. Little Red Hen New version of the folk tale, with a twist.
Hadithi, M. Greedy Zebra Zebra’s greed is too much for his new clothes.
Hawkins, C. Greedy Goat Turning greed into a good tool for work.
Hutchins, P. One Eyed Jake Greed can have disastrous results.
Kasza, K. Rat And The Tiger Rat gets upset when Tiger gets the best of everything.
Kent, J. Fat Cat Greedy Cat eats everyone he comes across. (Folk tale in a number of different forms)
Rankin, J. Little Cat & The Greedy Old Woman Turnaround on the usual greed tale.
Troughton, J. What Made Tiddalik Laugh Selfish Frog swallows all the water
     
HAPPINESS
     
Allen, J. Wolf Academy Not everyone is cut out to be a big bad wolf!
Amos, J. Happy Easy Non Fiction: 150
Brott, a. Jeremy’s Decision Jeremy is honest about his wishes even if he risks disappointing other people.
Browne, A. Voices In The Park 4 Versions of the same park visit.
Fox, M. Wilfred Gordon Macdonald Partridge Small boy making friends with old people.
Hoffman, M. Amazing Grace Lack of confidence nearly spoils Grace’s chance.
Lloyd, E. Nini At Carnival Happiness as a result of friends co-operating.
Mitchell, R. Gotcha Smile Clarine learns that a smile helps to make friends.
Moses, B. I’m Happy Easy Non Fiction: 150
Offen, H. Good Girl, Gracie Growler Gracie is a good sister despite being ignored by the adults.
Oram, H. Happy Frog How a happy frog became an unhappy princess.
     
HONESTY/TRUTHFULNESS