Best books for 0-5-year-olds for Mental Health Awareness Week

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Now more than ever we need to look after our mental health and books can provide a brilliant way of helping children and young people to understand the world around them as well as what’s going on in their heads. Here are our picks of the best books for 0-5 year-olds to keep young minds healthy.

Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all. Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and taking place from 18-24 May, this year’s theme is kindness, the perfect antidote to isolation and stress. Find out more

[See our book lists for 5-8s, 8-12s and 12+]

The Worrysaurus, by Rachel Bright and illustrated By Chris Chatterton, published by Orchard Books

A fun and reassuring tale about dealing with worries from the author of the bestselling The Lion Inside.

It’s a beautiful day and Worrysaurus has planned a special picnic. But it isn’t long before a small butterfly of worry starts fluttering in his tummy . . .
What if he hasn’t brought enough to eat?
What if he gets lost in the jungle?
What if he trips and falls?
What if it rains?!
Can Worrysaurus find a way to chase his fears away and have fun?

The perfect book to help every anxious little dinosaur let go of their fears and feel happy
in the moment.

Blue, by Britta Teckentrup, published by Orchard Books

A beautiful story about sadness, depression and hope. From Global Illustration Excellence Award winner, Britta Teckentrup. A beautiful story about sadness, depression and hope.

Blue lives in the darkest depths of the forest. He has long forgotten how to fly, sing and play. The other birds swoop and soar in the sky above him, the sun warming their feathers. But Blue never joins in.
Until, one day, Yellow arrives. Step by step, Yellow reaches out to Blue. With patience and kindness. And little by little, everything changes…

A thoughtful and uplifting story. Perfect for helping children learn how to deal with and understand sadness, and how to be there for people in their lives struggling with depression.

My Monster and Me by Nadiya Hussain and illustrated by Ella Bailey, published by Hodder Children’s Books

A touching story about overcoming anxiety, written by the national treasure, Nadiya Hussain. The very first picture book from the winner of The Great British Bake Off and national treasure, Nadiya Hussain, beautifully illustrated by Ella Bailey.

A touching story about a little boy whose worry monster follows him everywhere he goes. It’s there when he gets dressed, when he wants to play with his toys, and even when his friends come over to visit. How can he escape his worries?

Having suffered with panic disorder herself for as long as she can remember, Nadiya
wrote this heartfelt story to help give children and parents the tools they need to talk
about worries and anxiety, to ensure that no child suffers in silence.

Tibble and Grandpa, written by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Daniel Egneus, published by Oxford University Press

Grandpa is grieving, he hides away in his garden. He needs time. But he also needs love. Tibble is full of love and shows Grandpa that remembering the people we love can be a wonderful, funny, poignant thing.

Big Steps: I’m Not Sleepy, illustrated by Marion Cocklico, published by Campbell Books

The Big Steps series is designed to help little ones (and their parents) cope with everyday experiences. In I’m Not Sleepy, watch little Ned and his mummy go through their bedtime routine even though Ned is “not a bit sleepy”. See Ned clear away his toys, have a bath, a story and then a song in this fun-filled novelty book with flaps and mechanisms.

Each page has really helpful bedtime tips for parents and carers that are endorsed by leading Early Years Consultant, Dr Amanda Gummer. With delightful illustrations from Marion Cocklico, I’m Not Sleepy is the perfect bedtime book to share with even the most reluctant little sleeper!

Wiggle and Giggle: Little Owl, Little Owl Can’t You Sleep?, by Jo Lodge, published by Campbell Books

Find out who is keeping little owl awake with their noisy habits and who is keeping very quiet.

Wiggle the sliding tabs and giggle as the noisy animals come to life! With brilliantly bold, bright pictures by the wonderful Jo Lodge, plus a funny rhyming story, Little Owl, Little Owl, Can’t You Sleep? is sure to put a big smile on your toddler’s face and with any luck, a big yawn too! The perfect bedtime book to read with your toddler.

Everybody Has a Body, written and illustrated by Jon Burgerman, published by Oxford University Press

Everyone’s body is different in some way – and that’s okay!

Whether your body is big, small, short or tall – Jon Burgerman’s hilarious and joyful book shows us that it is something to celebrate and be proud of.

 

Everybody Worries, written and illustrated by Jon Burgerman, published by Oxford University Press

In this bright and friendly picture book, children learn that it’s okay to worry about coronavirus. Fun rhyming couplets keep the tone gentle and supportive, and you will find plenty of ideas for dealing with coronavirus in a positive way.

Everybody Worries offers your child the reassuring message that this crisis will pass, we are there for them, and we will get through this together.