14 Fantastic Books About Wellness for Kids Ages 3 – 5
by Dena McMurdie
It’s never too early to teach your child about wellness. As this pandemic stretches on, my kids and I have had to find new ways to take care of our emotional, physical, and mental health. These picture books teach young children how to deal with stress, take care of their bodies, and manage their emotions in a healthy way. From breathing exercises to exploring nature, these fantastic picture books will help you and your child focus on wellness during unpredictable and stressful times.
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My Monster and Me
Available from:Do you have a little worry-wart? My kids all went through a phase where they worried about everything — just like the little boy in this story. No matter where he goes or what he does, his worry monster hovers right beside him. This sweet story from TV personality Nadiya Hussain shows kids how to speak up about their worries.
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The Tree in Me
Available from:From the award-winning creator of My Heart comes another poignant picture book that you’ll cherish for years to come. We could all use a book that celebrates our inner strength right now, and that’s what this one does. With stunning illustrations and a story that’s sure to inspire both children and adults, this book honors each person’s internal power.
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It’s Tough to Lose Your Balloon
Sometimes, things don’t work out the way you want them to — and that’s okay! Using his signature humor and unique illustration style, the Lunch Lady series creator shows young readers how to look on the bright side of life. Kids will love this funny and delightful story.
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Where Happiness Begins
Available from:If you loved When Sadness Is At Your Door, you’ll want to read this follow-up book. Sometimes, happiness feels far away, but you can always find it when you look inside yourself. This lovely story shows children that while they can’t feel happy all the time, they can treasure the feeling when it happens.
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Breathe Like a Bear
Available from:With the stress and uncertainty that the pandemic has brought, this book is a must-have. With bright, happy illustrations, this picture book teaches children 30 breathing exercises that they can do anywhere and at any time.
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I Feel Happy
Available from:Happiness looks different on everyone, and this colorful board book shows children how to recognize it in themselves. With cheerful illustrations, simple text, and bright colors, this is the perfect way to introduce the feeling of happiness to your child.
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Me and My Amazing Body
Available from:One of the first steps to taking care of your body is learning about it. The human body is amazing, and children are naturally curious about how it works. This bestselling picture book gives kids an “inside” look at their bodies and the wonderful things they can do.
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Even Superheroes Have to Sleep
The more we learn about sleep, the more we understand how important it is for our health and wellness, especially in children. This book makes bedtime feel less like a chore and more like a fun way to wind down at night. With a simple, rhyming story and a rewards chart at the end, toddlers will soon develop good bedtime habits.
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Calm with The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from:Join your favorite caterpillar on a journey of relaxation and wellness. The Very Hungry Caterpillar shows young readers how to breathe, relax, and tune in to their feelings. This book is perfect for children and parents that love Eric Carle.
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Finding Wild
Available from:Few things are as good for mental wellness as going outside. In this vibrantly illustrated story, two kids set off in search of adventure in the wild. Not only do they discover the wonders of nature outside their urban home, but they also find it in their own backyard. This joyful book celebrates nature — no matter where you live.
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How Do You Feel?
Available from:Chances are, this pandemic has magnified all of your child’s feelings, from the ups to the downs and everything in between. This book helps children identify their feelings and find healthy ways to express them, whether they’re happy, angry, quiet, or silly.
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When Sadness is at Your Door
Available from:This picture book gives young readers a unique perspective on sadness. Instead of treating sadness as something undesirable, this book encourages children to see it as a guest. It offers ideas of activities to do with sadness and teaches children to acknowledge and respect the feeling.
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You're Missing It!
Available from:On a beautiful summer day in the park, children are captivated by the sights and sounds around them. But their parents and caregivers are glued to their phones and miss the wonders their children see. This gorgeous picture book is a good reminder to put down the cell phone and live in the moment.
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Get Up and Go!
Available from:Exercise is vital to a child’s wellness, now more than ever. No matter what size or shape your body is, exercise is fun and it makes you feel good, too. Encourage your small children to get moving with the help of Nancy Carlson’s adorable animal characters.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.