Top 5 Books For Kids This Holiday Season

Top selections on topics like mindfulness, boundaries, self-regulation, and more

PESI Team

Looking for the perfect gift for the kid who already has everything? Want to give something other than another toy that'll soon be forgotten? All year long, our PESI Publishing team works with experts to bring you books that aren't just entertaining, but teach kids valuable lessons like boundary setting, self-regulation, and mindfulness. This holiday season, we're proud to shine a spotlight on five of our favorite titles that are perfect for gifting.

The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How To Set Boundaries For Healthy Friendships

The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How To Set Boundaries For Healthy Friendships

How can you help your child deal with a bully? What should you tell them about handling an on-again-off-again friend? Christina Furnival, a licensed mental health therapist and mom, shows how to navigate the complexities of an unkind peer relationship.
"The Not-So-Friendly Friend is the book all kids need to read as they learn how to navigate daunting social interactions. The sooner we teach our children about setting boundaries and honoring self-worth, the more effectively we'll set them up for lifelong wellness and healthy relationships."
~ Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP, author of The Working Mom Blueprint

Amazing Me: A Growth Mindset Activity Journal for Kids

Amazing Me: A Growth Mindset Activity Journal for Kids

This one-of-a-kind activity journal takes children on a journey of self-discovery as they learn the social-emotional skills needed to tackle everything that can (and will!) come up in life.

Some Days I Flip My Lid: Learning to be a Calm, Cool Kid

Some Days I Flip My Lid: Learning to be a Calm, Cool Kid

Teaching kids to be calm and cool with life’s challenges becomes much easier when they learn they have choices in handling their emotions. Follow Max as he learns all about mindful breathing and breathing on purpose!
"What an amazing book! Not only does it capture the attention of adult and child, but it’s super relatable and fun to read. Kellie is teaching children methods of validation and self-acceptance, without making them feel like they are reading to learn! I highly recommend for families and educators."
~ Sue DeCaro, parent coach and podcast host of Conscious Parents, Thriving Kids

Calm and Peaceful Mindful Me: A Mindfulness How-To Guide for Toddlers and Kids

Calm and Peaceful Mindful Me: A Mindfulness How-To Guide for Toddlers and Kids

In this fun and delightfully charming book from therapist Andrea Dorn, young readers will follow a gender-neutral character through an easy-to-understand, step-by-step mindfulness practice.
"Calm and Peaceful Mindful Me by Andrea Dorn, is a delightful mindfulness beginner's guide for children. Her mindfulness steps are simple. They open the child's mind and help them discover awareness. These early learning steps will create a lifetime goal of mindful practice for a child."
~ Susan Valencik-Juarez, owner of Home Daycare Consultant, author of How To Open A Home Daycare In 10 Easy Steps

Thank You Mind: Understanding My Big Feelings on Tricky Days

Thank You Mind: Understanding My Big Feelings on Tricky Days

Children experience so many feelings that they can become overwhelmed. In this inviting exploration of a wide range of emotions, children will discover how their mind can help them make sense of their experiences.
"The earlier we can start introducing children to the emotions they are experiencing and helping them name them the better. So, pick up a copy or two or three and give them to the children in your life ASAP. Better still, snuggle with them and read it aloud; you’ll be glad you joined Cohen Harper on the journey to regulating emotions."
~ Joanne Spence, founder of Yoga In Schools, author of Trauma-Informed Yoga Toolbox for Therapists

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