SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

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Picture Books
ALYCAT AND THE CATTYWAMPUS WEDNESDAY
Author:Alysson Bourque
Book Description:On a day that has gone completely backwards and cattywampus, Alycat learns to rely on friends to help her worries go away and get through the day.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Pelican Publishing Company
Website:http://www.alycatseries.com/
ANGRY ME
Author:Sandra Feder
Illustrator:Rahele Jamepour Bell
Book Description:A young child says what makes her angry and how she tries to let the anger come and go. An artful starting point for conversations about strong feelings.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press
Website:http://www.sandravfeder.com/
BALLOONS FOR PAPA
Author:Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia
Illustrator:Erika Meza
Editor:Luana Horry
Book Description:Brimming with poignant words, beautiful black and white illustrations and bursts of color, Balloons for Papa conveys that even in the worst situations there is light and love.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:HarperCollins Children's Books
Website:http://elizabethgilbertbedia.com/
BIG BEAR WAS NOT THE SAME
Author:Joanna Rowland
Illustrator:John Ledda
Editor:Naomi Krueger
Book Description:This book gently introduces children to the impact that a traumatic event can have on even the strongest and bravest among us.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Beaming Books
Website:https://www.writerrowland.com/
CAMILLA AND THE BIG CHANGE
Author:Julie Dillemuth
Illustrator:Laura Wood
Book Description:Beavers come to Camilla's forest to build a dam, but this is too much change for Camilla. Anger and sadness evolve to acceptance as she helps with the construction.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Magination Press/APA
Website:http://www.juliedillemuth.com/
CLOVER KITTY GOES TO KITTYGARTEN
Illustrator:Hiroe Nakata
Book Description:Clover Kitty does NOT want to go to kittygarten! Although she might like a friend to play with, kittygarten feels overwhelming for this sensory-sensitive kitty/
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:Two Lions, a division of Amazon Publishing
Website:https://laurasalas.com/
CLOVIS KEEPS HIS COOL
Author:Katelyn Aronson
Illustrator:Eve Farb
Editor:Kayla Tostevin
Book Description:This story of a bull who runs his granny's china shop encompasses mindfulness, body positivity, bullying, losing one's temper, second chances, and extending grace.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Page Street Publishing
Website:http://www.katelynaronson.com/
COOKIE
Author - OwnVoices:Isabelle Duff
Illustrator:Susannah Crispe
Book Description:Cookie is both a heart-warming tale about the love between a dog and their person, and a sensitive exploration of depression and anxiety.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Exisle Publishing
Website:http://www.ohsusannah.com.au/
DAD’S CAMERA
Author:Ross Watkins
Illustrator:Liz Anelli
Book Description:A sensitive, touching tale about losing a family member to Alzheimer's disease that proves that love is the one thing that can never be forgotten.
Publication Date:2018
Publisher:Candlewick Press
Website:https://lizanelli-illustration.com/
THE DARK AND THE LIGHT
Author:Kerstin Hau
Illustrator:Julie Völk
Translator:David Henry Wilson
Book Description:Lovable, but sad and lonely, Shaggy lives in the land of darkness. Softhearted, but curious and brave, Sparkle lives in the land of light. Can she help Shaggy?
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:NorthSouth Books
Website:https://kerstin-hau.de/
FOLLOW YOUR FEELINGS: LUCY AND SAD
Author - OwnVoices:Kitty Black
Illustrator:Jess Rose
Book Description:A touching, funny and charming new series about getting to know and love our emotions, from emotional acceptance champion Kitty Black.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Affirm Press
Website:https://www.kittyblackauthor.com/
GET ME OUT OF THIS BOOK: RULES AND TOOLS FOR BEING BRAVE
Author:Deborah Cholette, Kalli Dakos
Illustrator:Sara Infante
Book Description:This picture introduces children to specific techniques to deal with stress and fear based on strategies used by the Navy SEALs.
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:Holiday House, Inc.
Website:https://www.deborahcholette.com/
GO AWAY, WORRY MONSTER!
Author:Brooke Graham
Illustrator:Robin Tatlow-Lord
Book Description:Learn anxiety-reducing techniques with Archie when Worry Monster climbs into his bed the night before starting school.
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:Exisle Publishing
Website:https://www.brookegrahamauthor.com/
THE HAPPIEST KID
Author:Sarah Steele
Illustrator:Elsa Pui Si Lo, Clarice Yunyi Cai
Book Description:What happens when the happiest kid wakes up not feeling happy? A reassuring story about recognizing sadness and talking about big feelings.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Yeehoo Press
Website:http://www.sarahbagleysteele.com/
HAPPY PANTS: WHY IS MUMMY SO SAD?
Author - OwnVoices:Heather Gallagher
Book Description:A young boy grapplies with his mum’s post-natal depression -- designed to help kids understand what's going on and bring hope.
Publication Date:2014
Publisher:Wombat Books
Website:http://www.heathergallagher.com.au/
HARLEY THE HERO
Author:Peggy collins
Illustrator:Peggy Collins
Editor:Erin Alladin
Book Description:An exciting picture book inspired by a real-life classroom service dog with themes of friendship, neurodivergence, and courage. Harley helps his teacher with CPTSD.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Pajama Press
Website:http://Www.peggysillustration.com/
HEALING DAYS: A GUIDE FOR KIDS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA
Author:Susan Straus
Book Description:A reassuring story for children who've experienced trauma, describing common feelings, thoughts and behaviors, emphasizing kids aren't to blame, strategies for feeling better.
Publication Date:2013
Publisher:Magination Press/APA
Website:
HOME FOR A WHILE
Author:Lauren Kerstein
Book Description:Calvin is in foster care. He wants to trust someone, but is afraid to open his heart. Is Maggie's house a place Calvin can call home for a while?
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Magination Press/APA
Website:http://www.LaurenKerstein.net/
HOW THE MOON REGAINED HER SHAPE
Author:Janet Heller
Illustrator:Ben Hodson
Editor:Donna German
Book Description:This story helps children deal with bullies and recover self-esteem. An educational appendix has advice about bullying and science activities.
Publication Date:2006
Publisher:Arbordale Publishing
Website:https://www.janetruthheller.com/
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR PET BRAIN
Author:NELLY BUCHET
Illustrator:Amy Jindra
Editor:Elizabeth Schleisman
Book Description:Your brain is like a pet that needs training. By you! Told from the perspective of a child, this book offers a child-friendly approach to mental health.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Beaming Books
Website:http://nellybuchet.com/
I FEEL… ANXIOUS
Author:DJ Corchin
Book Description:I Feel... Anxious is the newest addition to the award-winning series all about emotions! These books explore behaviors to start the conversation together!
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Sourcebooks
Website:http://www.djcorchin.com/
I FOUND HOPE IN A CHERRY TREE
Author:Jean Pendziwol
Illustrator:Nathalie Dion
Book Description:From unpredictable shadows & wind that howls like wolves to snowflakes both soft & prickly, a child explores the natural world learning resilience & discovering hope.
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press
Website:https://www.jeanependziwol.com/
I’M HAPPY-SAD TODAY
Author:Lory Britain
Illustrator:Matthew Rivera
Book Description:Happy and also sad. Excited but nervous. Mixed feelings are natural, but they can be confusing. Situations, feelings and ways to express them with adult section included.
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:Free Spirit Publishing
Website:http://www.lorybritain.com/
IN THE BLUE
Author:Erin Hourigan
Illustrator:Erin Hourigan
Book Description:As one father embarks on an emotional journey, his daughter navigates life lived in and around depression. With each new wave of change, love bonds them together.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette Book Group USA)
Website:http://www.erinhourigan.com/
MALIK’S NUMBER THOUGHTS: A STORY ABOUT OCD
Author:Natalie Rompella
Illustrator:Alessia Girasole
Book Description:Malik's OCD means his brain wants him to do everything on the count of four. When when he’s invited to a birthday party, he worries about his number thoughts.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Albert Whitman & Co.
Website:https://natalierompella.com/
MARIA’S KIT OF COMFORT
Author:Kathleen Fry-Miller, David Doudt
Illustrator:Kate Cosgrove
Book Description:A lyrical story of Maria’s experience with the Kit of Comfort and healing through play following disaster.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Brethren Press
Website:http://imaginepeaceworks.com/
MY BIG, DUMB, INVISIBLE DRAGON
Author:Angie Lucas
Illustrator:Birgitta Sif
Book Description:When a young boy loses his mother, an invisible dragon appears. As he slowly processes his grief, his relationship with the dragon shifts in surprising ways.
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:Sounds True
Website:https://www.angielucas.com/
MY HEART FLIES OPEN
Author:OMILEYE ACHIKEOBI-LEWIS
Illustrator:Omileye Achikeobi-Lewis
Book Description:Beautifully and brightly illustrated, My Heart Flies Open takes readers on a yoga journey of mindful reflection, self-discovery, and self-love. Kirkus Starred Review.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:North Atlantic Books
Website:http://www.peaceami.com/
NEVERMORE! LITTLE POET EDGAR ALLAN POE
Author:Kate Coombs
Illustrator:Carme Lemniscates
Book Description:Exploring love, loss and grief through a mixture of tenderness and humor, the book suggest how such feelings can be transformed into something beautiful.
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:Gibbs-Smith Publisher
Website:http://www.lemniscates.com/
THE NIGHT OF THE HIDING MOON
Author:Emma Allen
Book Description:A poetic story (using images from puppetry) about the power of the imagination. It is also about ideas of bravery and overcoming fear.
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:National Library of Australia
Website:http://emmaallenbooks.com/
OLIVIA WRAPPED IN VINES
Illustrator:Sandra Dumais
Book Description:The world is a really big place for little kids. A picture book about one girl learning to manage her thorny, uncomfortable anxiety.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Orca Book Publishers Ltd
Website:http://www.sandradumais.com/
ONE WAVE AT A TIME: A STORY ABOUT GRIEF AND HEALING
Author:Holly Thompson
Illustrator:Ashley Crowley
Book Description:As Kai and his family adjusts to life without Dad, waves of emotion roll in. With the help of friends, they learn to cope.
Publication Date:2018
Publisher:Albert Whitman & Co.
Website:http://www.hatbooks.com/
OUCH! MOMENTS: WHEN WORDS ARE USED IN HURTFUL WAYS
Author:Michael Genhart
Book Description:This book explains what "ouch moments" are in kid-friendly terms, offers practical strategies for what kids can do to help, and empowers kids to stand up.
Publication Date:2016
Publisher:Magination Press/APA
Website:http://www.michaelgenhart.com/
PIG AND HORSE AND THE SOMETHING SCARY
Author:Zoey Abbott
Book Description:A gentle, perceptive story about facing our fears, worries, and anxieties—and the power of a supportive friend.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Abrams Books for Young Readers
Website:http://www.zoeyabbott.com/
REMEMBERING ETHAN
Author:Leslea Newman
Illustrator:Tracy Nishimura Bishop
Book Description:Sarah misses her brother Ethan but her parents are too sad to talk about him. Sarah takes matters into her own hands and learns that sharing memories can offer comfort.
Publication Date:2020
Publisher:
Website:http://lesleakids.com/
TELL SOMEONE
Author:Debra Shumaker
Book Description:In good times and bad, for problems big and small, Tell Someone's gentle verses encourage us to open up, communicate, and—and tell someone.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Albert Whitman & Co.
Website:http://www.debrashumaker.com/
THERE WAS A HOLE
Author:Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator:Carrie O'Neill
Book Description:Lily has a hole. It eats her joy, makes her angry, and it just keeps growing. An age-appropriate story for learning to cope with grief and loss.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Sleeping Bear Press
Website:http://www.carrieoneill.com/
TIGER’S TOUGH TIME
Author:Rosario Martinez
Illustrator:Roman Diaz
Book Description:When Wyatt the tiger gets frustrated, nervous, or mad, he makes sure everyone knows about it. Sometimes he whines. Sometimes he cries. And sometimes he even yells.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Capstone Press (Capstone Publishing Group)
Website:https://www.rosariomartinezwrites.com/
TOFU TAKES TIME
Author:Helen Wu
Illustrator:Julie Jarema
Book Description:As an ode to patience and delayed gratification, it supports the mindset that good things take time—a concept both children and families can apply in many areas of life.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Beaming Books
Website:https://helenhwu.com/
TOUGH LIKE MUM
Author:Lana Button
Illustrator:Carmen Mok
Book Description:A mother-daughter relationship, learn to support and truly take care of each other physically and mentally.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Tundra Books
Website:http://www.carmenmokstudio.com/
A WAY WITH WORDS
Author:Stacy Burch
Illustrator:Lucy McLoughlin
Book Description:Sam has never spoken, but she is always listening and thinking. Collecting her thoughts, Sam finds the courage to raise her voice without speaking a single word.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Ethicool Books
Website:http://www.stacyburch.com/
WHEN SOMEONE DIES: A CHILDREN’S MINDFUL HOW-TO GUIDE ON GRIEF AND LOSS
Author:Andrea Dorn
Illustrator:Andrea Dorn
Book Description:A clear, yet compassionate children's how-to guide on navigating the challenging and unpredictable process of grief and loss.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:PESI Publishing
Website:http://www.andreadorn.com/
WHERE AM I SLEEPING TONIGHT?: KIDS COMING TO TERMS WITH DIVORCE
Author:Carol Ekster
Book Description:This is a story of two brothers who have to adjust to a shared custody agreement when their parents get divorced. Perfect for elementary school-aged children.
Publication Date:2021
Publisher:Mazo Publishers
Website:https://carolgordonekster.com/
WHERE IS BINA BEAR?
Author:Mike Curato
Illustrator:Mike Curato
Book Description:A socially anxious bear tries hiding in plain sight at her friend's party, and her friend does their best to support her.
Publication Date:2022
Publisher:Henry Holt Books for Young Readers (Macmillan)
Website:https://www.mikecurato.com/binabear
THE YELLOW SUITCASE
Author:Meera Sriram
Book Description:This is a grief story that follows the emotional trajectory of a little girl who is mourning the loss of her dear grandmother in a distant country.
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:Penny Candy Books
Website:http://www.meerasriram.com/
YOU ARE MY FRIEND: THE STORY OF MISTER ROGERS AND HIS NEIGHBORHOOD
Author:Aimee Reid
Illustrator:Matt Phelan
Book Description:A moving depiction of how Mister Rogers' childhood was affected by bullying and illness and how the affirmation of others helped him to become a beloved children's educator.
Publication Date:2019
Publisher:Abrams Books for Young Readers
Website:http://www.aimeereidbooks.com/