7 Essential books for mental health awareness

To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, our expert team has meticulously curated this list of inclusive picture books that promote talk about difficult feelings or strong emotions, and help foster positive mental well-being.

In light of recent findings by the Children's Commissioner for England, which underscore the rise in children experiencing challenges with their mental health, prioritising emotional well-being from an early age is more important than ever before.

Taking time to check in with children and share the enjoyable, age-appropriate books featured on this list, can help reduce stress and open up conversations about worries in a safe and indirect way.

This reassuring collection of lighthearted and emotional stories will help children identify, understand and express their feelings, tackle new challenges and develop resilience. Suitable for 3+.