Top Usborne books for Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week is a brilliant moment to press pause, check in, and talk about big feelings. The right book can help children name what’s going on inside, feel seen, and start conversations with the trusted adults around them. Below you’ll find age-banded picks from Usborne to support everything from first feelings to friendships, growing up and digital life, including exciting new titles arriving in January 2026.

Start simple: feelings for little ones (ages 3–5)

For nursery-aged children, picture-books and playful activities work wonders. What are Feelings? invites curious minds to explore happy, sad, calm and everything in between in a reassuring, age-appropriate way. First Sticker Book Feelings turns talk into hands-on fun, perfect for circle time or a calm-down corner.

If you’re noticing shy moments, I’m Feeling (a Little Bit) Shy gives children the words (and confidence) to handle new situations, while Why Am I Afraid? helps them unpack those fluttery tummies with practical ideas for feeling safe again. And for a sunshine boost, Miss Molly’s School of Happiness models kindness, gratitude and everyday habits that lift wellbeing. It’s ideal for reading together at bedtime.

Tip: keep conversations short, regular, and cosy. A cuddle on the sofa with a picture book often starts the best chats.

Everyday worries & big feelings (ages 5-8)

As children move through Reception and into KS1, emotions get more complex,  and so do friendships. The “Why do I (sometimes)…” series speaks directly to children, normalising common feelings and offering simple strategies: Why do I (sometimes) worry?, Why do I (sometimes) feel angry?, Why do I (sometimes) feel sad? and Why should I say sorry? make brilliant conversation starters for home or classroom.

Navigating the social side? How can I make friends? breaks friendship skills into small, achievable steps, from joining in to repairing rifts. And for curious kids who love to lift and learn, Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Feelings turns tricky topics into bite-sized, interactive Q&As parents and carers can explore together.

Growing up with confidence (ages 8-12)

In upper primary, children benefit from straight-talking guides they can dip into independently. Friendship Survival Guide tackles cliques, empathy and conflict with practical, peer-wise advice. All About Worries and Fears and Looking after your Mental Health help children recognise unhelpful thought patterns and find healthy ways to cope, while All About You and Your Body and Facts of Life: Growing Up support body confidence and RSHE learning in a calm, factual tone.

If your child prefers quick answers, Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Growing Up offers exactly that: respectful, honest information you can read side by side.

Digital life & critical thinking (ages 10-14)

Online spaces can be both brilliant and baffling. Social Media Survival Guide helps tweens and early teens look after their time, friendships and headspace on the apps they love, including what to do when things feel overwhelming or unkind.

For teens (and trusted adults)

When life gets full-on, a steady, friendly handbook can make all the difference. Usborne Teen Survival Guide shows young people how to handle stress, pressure and change, with clear ideas for sleep, study, friendships and self-care. It’s a great one to keep on the kitchen table for quick dips and “by the way…” chats.

Coming January 2026: new reads to look forward to

We’re excited to add three empowering frontlist titles to your Mental Health Week toolkit:

• I’m (Mostly) Happy Being ME: a positive nudge towards self-acceptance and everyday joy.
  
  

• Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers about Families: celebrating the many shapes families take, and how they support our wellbeing.
  
  

• Fake News and How To Spot It: timely tools for spotting misinformation and looking after your mind online.
  
  

Pre-order now to have them ready for early-year PSHE and library displays.

Coming soon...

1. 

   New
   I'm (Mostly) Happy Being ME
   Age: 3+
   £12.99
2. 

   New
   Lift-the-flap Questions and Answers about Families
   Age: 5+
   £10.99
3. 

   Coming Soon
   Fake News And How To Spot It
   Age: 11+
   £6.99

Gentle ways to use these books this week

• Pick one page, not the whole book. A 10-minute read can spark a day’s worth of noticing.
  
  

• Pair reading with doing: a breathing exercise, a feelings chart, or a kindness challenge.
  
  

• Keep adults in the loop. Invite teachers, parents and carers to share what’s working. Consistency helps children feel safe.

One simple next step

Explore our full Mental Health & Feelings collection, filtered by age and theme, and find the perfect next read for your child or class.