MOWMT Day #2: Lauren H. Kerstein Peels Back The Social-Emotional Layers
As a mental health clinician, I’ve always sought out books with social-emotional learning components. They used to be rather difficult to find. But now, industry professionals, readers, and creators have recognized and embraced the value of these important books. The following picture books were published in 2022 and offer social-emotional learning opportunities in unique, layered, and resonant ways.
Jim peered down into the deep, dark water.
“Are you afraid of swimming?” asked Ma.
“No,” said Jim. “I’m afraid of sinking.”
Right away the elephants pound their hooves and trumpet angrily.
“They’re NAUGHTY,” the rangers complain.
“They’re NERVOUS,” Lawrence says. “Wouldn’t you be if you moved far from your home?”
But soon, her ears began to hurt. Voices became distant whispers.
***
Evelyn didn’t understand. Only thirty minutes earlier, she’d been able to play music. And now she couldn’t? Why?
EYES THAT SPEAK TO THE STARS by Joanna Ho/Illustrated by Dung Ho
The other day, when Baba picked me up from school, I didn’t run in for a hug the way I usually do; I stared at my toes where it was safe.
“Maggie?” Calvin asked, his voice gruff.
“Yes?”
“Why do you want to hug me, anyway?”
Given the number of beautiful books with SEL layers, it was incredibly difficult to choose a few. I chose books that not only show emotional challenges, but also highlight the main character(s) agency in actively acknowledging and finding effective strategies. Here are a few more of my all-time favorites.
May your social-emotional journeys be filled with support, love, and self-acceptance.
Lauren H. Kerstein is an author and psychotherapist. She is a Jersey girl at heart who lives in Colorado with her husband, daughters, and rescue dogs. Lauren is the author of the Rosie the dragon and Charlie picture book series (Illustrated by Nate Wragg/Two Lions) and HOME FOR A WHILE by Lauren H. Kerstein (Illustrated by Natalia Moore). REMEMBERING SUNDAYS WITH GRANDPA (Illustrated by Nanette Regan/Beaming Books) is expected November 2023. Lauren’s books include themes of courage, flexible thinking, friendship, social emotional learning, seeing your strengths, sensory issues, and emotion regulation. Lauren also writes books in her field. Lauren is one of the founders of #ReVISIONweek, a judge with Rate Your Story, runs a critique business, and is a long-time member of 12x12 and SCBWI. Her writing goals are simple. Read voraciously. Embrace feedback. Grow each day. Work hard. Be passionate. Write courageously. Touch children’s hearts. You can visit her at www.LaurenKerstein.net, and follow her on Twitter and IG (@LaurenKerstein) and FB (www.facebook.com/laurenkersteinauthor).
Prize: 30-minute Zoom Critique/Consultation
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