Mental Health Awareness Month - Picture Books

Each May, the National Council observes Mental Health Awareness Month, a national event to bring attention to the importance of mental health.  While our mental health matters every month of the year, May is a time for us to be especially aware of those who deal with mental health issues on a regular basis and is also a chance for us all to stop and practice mental health self care regularly. 

Books can do so much for us and help even the youngest of us work towards better mental health.  So we have chosen a list of picture books that can help us all, big and small, be kinder and gentler to ourselves as we travel the roads of life. 

• Annie's Cat is Sad by Heather Smith

A little girl navigates her cat's bad day in this picture book about exploring sadness and how we find comfort.

• The Most Magnificent Idea by Ashley Spires

This is the story of a girl who, with her dog at her side, loves to make things. Her brain is an "idea machine," always so full of ideas, she can hardly keep up! But then, one day ... it isn't. All of a sudden, the girl can't think of anything to make. She tries brainstorming, gathering new supplies, even jumping up and down on one foot to shake an idea loose. Nothing. What if she never has another idea again? Readers everywhere will be rooting for their favorite thing-maker to get her mojo back!

• BIG by Vashti Harrison

The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.

• Fish and Crab by Marianna Coppo

A humorous and clever picture book about the importance of sharing big feelings with someone you trust.

• What Feelings Do When No One is Looking by Tina Oziewicz

A beautifully illustrated book about all the feels that we have, big and small.  

• Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster by Manka Kasha

An adorable, heartfelt picture book debut from Manka Kasha, Small Knight and the Anxiety Monster follows the magical quest of a knight finding the courage to confront an ever growing monster.

• Pineapple Princess by Sabina Hahn

Pineapple Princess is a laugh-out-loud funny debut, perfect for every intrepid, young megalomaniac in the making. Perfect for fans of Eloise and Olivia. 

• The Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford

With luminous illustrations, this original folktale about the discovery of a lifeless bird offers a sympathetic exploration of grief, loss, and hope.

• The Seasons within Me by Bianca Pozzi

A girl takes a journey through the good and not-so-good seasons in life.

• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang

The hilarious #1 New York Times bestselling picture book about a chimpanzee in a very bad mood--perfect for young children learning how to deal with confusing feelings. Suzanne and Max Lang bring hilarity and levity to this very important lesson on emotional literacy, demonstrating to kids that they are allowed to feel their feelings.