Why use picture books for SEL?
Because sometimes a 32-page story does more than a 3-week unit.
You’ve seen it. That kid with the slumped shoulders, the plastered-on “I’m fine” smile, and the eyes that say otherwise. Maybe there was a meltdown at recess.
Or a new sibling.
Or they just moved.
Or something much heavier that they’ll never say out loud.
TL;DR
Teaching Challenge: Activities to help students process grief, anxiety, change, and identity without overwhelming them—or you.
Solution: Simple how to instructions for using emotionally rich picture books to spark safe, relatable conversations.
Bonus: Includes a free download of the “Big Ideas Teaching Pack.”
👉 Jump to Book List | Classroom Ideas | Free Resources
“I’m Fine” and Other Classroom Lies
Let’s get back to discussing the student mentioned above. The one with ‘big feelings’. But, it’s 9:03 a.m. and you’re supposed to teach contractions.
Let’s be real: most teachers didn’t go to school to become part-time therapists. But the best teachers do become an adult your students trust. The one who reads to them. Who listens. And guess what? That’s quite often enough—especially when you have the right stories in your toolbox.
In this post, I’ll show you how to use four powerful picture books for SEL that navigate emotional topics in class (grief, anxiety, identity, change) without turning it into a therapy session. Just real conversations, sparked by really good books.
1. THE HOLE IN HER HEART: Teaching Grief with There Was a Hole
The Problem
Grief shows up in classrooms wearing different masks: tantrums, silence, perfectionism. And unless you’re teaching a full-blown psychology unit (spoiler: you’re not), grief can be hard to talk about without getting awkward, too heavy, or off-topic.
The Picture Book Solution
Book: There Was a Hole by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Carrie O’Neill
A metaphorical, heartfelt story about a girl named Lily who carries an emotional “hole” with her wherever she goes.
Out-of-the-Box Activity
💡 Metaphor Creation Project
Have students invent their own emotional metaphors:
- What does their sadness look like? A storm? A monster? A black balloon?
- What does joy look like? Sunshine? A dance party? Dinosaurs in capes?
Younger kids can draw. Older students can write metaphors or entire short stories. Bonus: Pair older and younger students to share their creations and build empathy.
Curriculum Connection
- ELA: Narrative writing, metaphor/literary devices
- SEL: Emotional literacy, emotional regulation
- Art: Visual representation of emotions
🔗 Authority Link: Using Picture Books for Emotional Literacy – Reading Rockets
Real Talk
This is a low-prep, high-reward activity that creates safe emotional distance. It’s not a therapy session—but it opens doors.
Adam’s Pro Tip
Let kids imagine. Don’t force personal disclosure. Emotional metaphors let them explore feelings without oversharing.
2. LEAVING THE SAFE PLACE: Change, Displacement & The Blue House
The Problem
Transitions are tough. Moving. Divorces. New teachers. Losing a favorite desk. You name it. Change = chaos for kids. But most classroom change discussions stop at “Who’s got questions?”
The Picture Book Solution
Book: The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl
A quietly powerful story about a boy and his father who are forced to leave their beloved home.
Out-of-the-Box Activity
🏠 Safe Space Writing Prompt:
“What’s a place that makes you feel safe? What would it be like to leave it?”
Let students write or illustrate their answers. Use follow-ups:
- “What helps you feel safe in new places?”
- “What do you miss when summer ends?”
Bonus: Turn this into a class book called When I Left the Blue House.
Curriculum Connection
- ELA: Personal narrative
- Social Studies: Community & home
- SEL: Coping with change, resilience
🔗 Authority Link: SEL Through Literature – CASEL
Real Talk
This is a stealth way to address big change without triggering big emotions. You’re building narrative skills and resilience. It’s one of those sneak attack picture books for SEL
Adam’s Pro Tip
Don’t limit this to sad stuff. Talk about vacations ending. Start-of-school jitters. Changes that are bittersweet.
3. WORRY WALLS & WHAT-IFS: Tackling Anxiety with What If Pig?
The Problem
You’ve got worriers. Perfectionists. Kids afraid to make mistakes. They freeze. Or melt down. Or both.
The Picture Book Solution
Book: What If Pig? by Linzie Hunter
Pig worries about everything. Luckily, Mouse helps him reframe his fears.
Out-of-the-Box Activity
😰 What-If Wall
- Students write down worries on sticky notes.
- Classmates can take a worry, flip it over, and write something hopeful or encouraging.
Ex: “What if I fail the test?” → “You studied. You’re ready.”
Create a classroom display of courage.
Curriculum Connection
- SEL: Anxiety, self-regulation, perspective-taking
- ELA: Writing with tone and empathy
- Character Ed: Kindness, peer support
🔗 Authority Link: Managing Student Anxiety – NEA
Real Talk
This is community building in disguise. It also teaches students how to support each other emotionally—a core life skill.
Adam’s Pro Tip
Take a turn yourself. Model a “what if” from your own life and how you reframe it. Picture books for SEL are just the start. Adding in a personal connection levels everything up.
4. THE PROUDEST PART OF ME: Exploring Identity with The Proudest Blue
The Problem
Kids often struggle to express who they are—especially parts that aren’t visible. Culture. Language. Religion. Family structure. Neurodiversity.
The Picture Book Solution
Book: The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad & S.K. Ali, illustrated by Hatem Aly
A girl watches her older sister wear a hijab for the first time and navigates pride, identity, and judgment.
Out-of-the-Box Activity
🌟 Gallery Walk: “The Great Things About Me”
Students draw or write one thing that makes them proud of who they are. Display them together. Option to turn into a keepsake booklet.
🎨 Follow-up Story Spark Prompt:
“What’s one thing about you people might not see, but that really matters to you?”
Curriculum Connection
- ELA: Descriptive writing, identity poems
- Art: Self-expression
- SEL: Confidence, inclusion, empathy
🔗 Authority Link: Using Diverse Books to Build Identity – Lee & Low
Real Talk
This is one of those activities that hits everyone—quiet kids, ELLs, kids navigating big questions about who they are.
Adam’s Pro Tip
Include options: sports, hobbies, languages spoken, family heritage. Keep it broad. Keep it safe.
BONUS IDEAS 💡
Don’t limit your lessons to just these lessons and picture books for SEL. There’s tons of other great options.
- Cross-Age Pairing: Have older students share their emotional metaphor stories with younger students after reading There Was a Hole or a similar story.
- Digital Extensions: Use Flipgrid to record student reflections on identity or “What If” stories.
- Family Engagement: Send home “family safe space” prompts or invite parents to contribute to the Great Things gallery.
- Music Tie-In: Ask students to pick a “theme song” for each book and explain why.
CONCLUSION: Picture Books Are Emotional Power Tools
You don’t need to be a therapist. Or have a perfectly prepped SEL curriculum. You just need a great book, a few good questions, and some space for honesty.
Books like There Was a Hole, The Blue House, What If Pig?, and The Proudest Blue give kids emotional language, shared experiences, and the chance to say “me too.”
Try one activity this week. And if it flops? That’s okay. Because next time, Pig will still be worrying, Lily will still have her hole, and your students will still need someone to help them make sense of it all. The picture books for SEL library is always open.
🙋♀️ FAQ – Real Teacher Questions, Real Answers
Q: What if I only have 15 minutes?
A: Perfect! Picture books are short. Choose one, read aloud, and do a 1-question discussion or quick-write. Using picture books for SEL doesn’t need to be a full day project. You can keep it simple, too.
Q: What if a student gets emotional?
A: That’s okay. Keep space safe and optional. Provide tissues and reassurance, not therapy.
Q: Can I use these books with older students?
A: Yes! Emotional metaphor and identity work scale beautifully through 8th grade.
Q: How can I tie this into standards?
A: ELA (narrative writing, metaphor, theme), SEL (emotional literacy, regulation), and Art standards are easy fits.
Q: What about assessment?
A: Use a reflection rubric: participation, expression, connection, empathy. No test required.
Q: I teach math/science—does this still apply?
A: Yes! Try “Data on Emotions” graphing after a read-aloud or “What-If” probabilities. Cross-curricular gold.
📎 Downloadable Resources
- FREE Teaching Packs
- Books, activity instructions, leveling ideas, printable. All standards aligned. See the guides now.
- Quick Reference: Turn Any Picture Book Into a Fun, Engaging Classroom Activity
- Pick a book → Choose an activity → Grab a quote → You’re ready
- Social and Emotional Learning Curricula and Programs
Want more creative ideas, book recs, and classroom activities that actually work?
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