Picture Books for a Pick-Me-Up
Some days you just need a pick-me-up, and my personal favorite pick-me-ups all come in book form! Below I have pulled together a list of books that are sure to bring a smile to your and your child’s faces as you read them. Whether you are in need of a silly story, or something to put the tough times into perspective we have a book for it all! So, sit down and pull out one (or all) of these books that are sure to add a little joy to your day🩷
Two capybara friends are ready to embark on a trip to Alaska! One capybara couldn’t be happier packing, flying, and launching into a wide array of activities, while the other capybara … struggles. Will Unhappybara be able to stop feeling anxious and find the silver lining in this exciting adventure? (Spoiler alert: YES!)
Whether it’s planting a seed, dancing in the rain, blowing out birthday candles, or playing with a puppy, there are so many little things to smile about! From award-winning author-illustrator Emma Quay comes a vibrant, lyrical celebration of the small joys to be found in the everyday.
Jackson has always been chock-full of joy and vibrant colors. But now his joy has dimmed and his colors are fading. It happens so slowly at first that Jackson barely seems to notice. But without all his colors, he feels gray and empty inside. Until one day when someone offers a few words of advice that changes everything: Each day, look for one color you see outside, and think about how it makes you feel.
Patrice Karst, author of the modern classic The Invisible String, shows readers how step by step, color by color, joy can return—and shine even more brightly than before—if we pay close attention to the world around us. Additional notes from Dr. Dana Wyss, PhD provide further guidance toward a path to recovery.
During a rainy morning in the city when everybody is in a rush, a child sees something unexpected—a smile! Once he catches it, he can’t stop sharing it. The smile moves from person to person through the city—and maybe around the whole world.
Maya Shleifer’s beautiful celebration of the infectious and healing power of joy will leave readers smiling.
Search with your eyes, keep your heart open too,
and look for the glimmers that shine their way through.
You can find a glimmer anywhere: a flower growing out of the sidewalk, a rainbow after a storm, a whiff of something delicious—even a puppy licking your nose. When you’re feeling anxious or gloomy, spotting a glimmer can calm racing thoughts or put a smile on your face. And once you begin looking, you’ll find more and more glimmers, and start sharing their magic with friends! This lyrical ode to making time for tiny moments of tranquility is a gentle introduction to mindfulness for young readers, or the perfect gift to brighten anyone’s day.
With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible.
If your head feels too full…
Think about something that tastes good.
Stretch all the way up to the sky to pet a giraffe.
Laugh out loud for no reason!
What’s On Your Mind?: A Calming Book for Busy Brains helps little ones sift through overwhelming thoughts, identify feelings, and calm anxiety. Colorful bird characters lead the reader through the book, and interactive pages offer specific tools—such as deep breathing, stretching, and sensory exploration—to relax the mind in a fun and silly way. With Todd’s signature simple text and bold art, this is the perfect first book on mindful thinking for the youngest readers.
Maxine Louise is super excited about the extra special gift her Uncle Dave sent her. Her mom? Not so much. But Maxine Louise insists that there is nothing to worry about—ponies love apartments! After all, the apartment is the pony’s natural habitat. They love elevators and bunkbeds and the late-night news. And feeding the pony will be a breeze since ponies famously love leftovers.
Can Maxine Louise convince her mom to let her keep her new pet?
It’s a beautiful day in Skeletown, and Skully has a mission: He is going to have the best. Day. EVER! Inhaling the sweet scents of fresh-baked goodies at the panaderia … rescuing a gatito from a tree … and getting the best seat to watch lucha libre. But wherever Skully goes, trouble always follows close behind. Will Skully still find the fun in Skeletown, or will he lose his head?
