With the recent disruption to many of our schedules due to the ongoing CoVid-19 pandemic, children may feel scared or anxious. Here are some picture books to read with children to open up discussion about feelings, let children know they are loved and that we will get through this together.
Overdrive
All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold
Follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. This heartwarming story is good for discussing what children liked about school, how school is different online, and what they are looking forward to once schools reopen.
I Love You More Than . . . by Taye Diggs
Some families look different than others. A father who doesn’t live full-time with his son tells him all the ways he misses and loves him.
I Am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde
A hopeful meditation on all the great (and challenging) parts of being human, I Am Human shows that it’s okay to make mistakes while also emphasizing the power of good choices by offering a kind word or smile or by saying “I’m sorry.”
I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët
This simple yet powerful picture book tells the story of one girl who inspires a community to stand up to bullying. Children may feel isolated right now; this wordless picture book will open up conversation about simple ways to connect with others. Parents can guide the conversation and ask how to connect with others virtually.
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it’s how you look or talk, or where you’re from; maybe it’s what you eat, or something just as random. This story reminds us that we all feel like outsiders sometimes-and how brave it is that we go forth anyway. And that sometimes, when we reach out and begin to share our stories, others will be happy to meet us halfway.
The Wall in the Middle of the Book by Jon Agee
There’s a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero—a young knight—is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side—like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! This humorous book can open up conversation about fears about the outdoors right now (which are real) and what precautions we take when going outside is necessary.
You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood by Aimee Reid
A heartwarming picture book that celebrates the work of Mister Rogers and carries on his legacy of kindness.
Hoopla
Pete the Cat’s Groovy Guide to Life
Pete’s glass-half-full outlook on life shines through as he adds his fun take on well-known classics attributed to luminaries from Albert Einstein to Confucius to Abraham Lincoln to Shakespeare and more! These feel-good quotes will comfort kids and adults alike.
Through gentle rhymes and colorful photographs of adorable children, Pride Colors is a 
celebration of the deep unconditional love of a parent or caregiver for a young child.
Star Wars: Search Your Feelings
Explore the feelings excited, afraid, hopeful, confused, confident, and more with the Star Wars universe.
Enjoy this storytime reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar! Be sure to follow our YouTube Channel for more storytime videos.
-Anna, Head of Youth Services