A Play Therapist's 5 Most-Recommended Children's Books
As a play therapist and someone who loves to read, one of my go-to suggestions for parents is to introduce books at home that relate to an issue their child is working on in therapy. Reading together is great for parent-child attachment and is already part of many families’ daily routines, making it an easy-to-implement strategy for supporting your child’s emotional well-being.
As with so many resources these days, there’s an abundance of children’s books covering a range of social-emotional topics. It can be tricky to narrow down which books teach important lessons while also keeping a young child’s attention.
Below are the five books I find myself recommending to clients most often. But first, here are two tips for making reading about potentially sensitive topics as supportive as possible for your little one.
Two tips for reading books about sensitive topics
I always recommend that parents and caregivers read the story first before reading it with their child. This helps make sure it’s a good fit and gives you space to process any emotions that may arise. Your child will notice if you feel anxious or uncomfortable while reading. Most of the books I recommend below are available on YouTube, so you can check them out before buying or renting.
Another tip is to read the story as you would any other children's book. You don’t need to explain that the book is meant to help with a challenge your child is having. Some kids will point out the connection on their own, in which case you can follow their lead. Other children may feel emotionally safer without directly acknowledging any connection to the story, but they can still receive the message. Similarly, you don't need to 'quiz' your child or ask follow-up questions after reading. Allow your child to take the lead in how, or if, they discuss the story with you. Many children's books will have discussion questions available should your child express interest in further processing what they read.
Now, back to the books I most often recommend to families as an easy, accessible way to complement what their child is working on in therapy.
1. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst Recommended ages: 4–8
This book emphasizes that we are always connected to those we love, even when we’re not physically together. It’s applicable to everyday separations, such as school drop-offs and bedtime, as well as longer or more complicated separations related to divorce, parental absence, and even death. (There is also a book by the same author about the loss of a pet called The Invisible Leash.)
2. Breathe Like a Bear by Kira Willey Recommended ages: 4–8
This is a great book for introducing younger children to mindfulness and breathing techniques. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, making what might otherwise seem like boring breathing practices feel playful yet relaxing. I often recommend this book for kiddos who have a hard time winding down at night, but the practices can be useful for all kinds of dysregulation or big emotions.
3. My Body! What I Say Goes! by Jayneen Sanders Recommended ages: 3–9
This book is my go-to recommendation for teaching kids about bodily autonomy, boundaries, and consent. It covers topics such as feeling safe versus unsafe, recognizing and listening to body signals, identifying trusted adults, and the difference between a secret and a surprise. These are important concepts that should be taught to all children.
*If there is any concern that a child has been abused or touched inappropriately, I recommend using this book with the guidance of a child therapist.
4. A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M. Holmes Recommended ages: 4–8
This story normalizes common reactions children may have after experiencing a trauma or distressing event, and shows how therapy can help them process their experiences and find relief. No specific event is named in the book, making it applicable to a wide range of potentially traumatic experiences. The main character is a school-aged animal, which makes the story relatable while offering enough emotional distance to help minimize the chances of a child feeling overwhelmed while reading.
5. Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia Recommended ages: 4–8
An important component of Synergetic Play Therapy is supporting children in tuning in to what their bodies are telling them, which is a foundation of self-regulation. This might not sound like the most exciting subject for young kids, but this book skillfully introduces children to the connection between their physical sensations and emotions through easy, playful somatic practices. I recommend this book for children who have difficulty recognizing body cues such as feeling tired or hungry, which, when overlooked, can lead to irritability or meltdowns that often become a focus of therapy.
While books can be very helpful for normalizing childhood challenges, providing education, and teaching coping skills, they are not a replacement for therapy. If your child has been struggling with big emotions or behaviors that go beyond the scope of a children’s book, play therapy can help!
Reach out today for a free consultation to learn more about my work and see whether I might be a good fit for your child and family. I look forward to hearing from you!
