Books can have a profound effect on children, especially when it relates to identifying their emotions, working through fears & helping with difficult situations in their lives. I am a big proponent of bibliotherapy and have seen first-hand the positive impact books can have on kids of all ages. Certain stories will resonate differently with each kid, but books are essential for every child. Here are ten great children’s books for highly sensitive children.

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Ten Great Children’s Books for the Highly Sensitive Child

All Too Much for Oliver

by Leila Boukarim

If you are looking for a children’s book specifically for the highly sensitive child, look no further. This is it. All Too Much for Oliver is a book written and illustrated specifically for highly sensitive children (HSCs). The author, Leila Boukarim, is a mom of a highly sensitive child. She wanted to give HSCs characters and stories they could relate to and so she began writing her own books.

The story is about a boy named Oliver who enjoys quietly playing on his own. He avoids places that are too noisy and busy like the playground and birthday parties. When a new neighbor moves next door, Oliver finds a friend who accepts him for who he is and from there a beautiful friendship blossoms.

Aiden Finds a Way

by Leila Boukarim

Another great book by Leila Boukarim specifically for highly sensitive children.

From the author: Aiden Finds a Way was inspired by true stories from parents of highly sensitive children everywhere, including our own, who know what it’s like to have a child be thrilled about something but become too overwhelmed with emotion to actually enjoy it. And much like Aiden’s parents in our story, the best thing we can do is show our kids love and support no matter how “unusual” their reactions might be, and give them the time and space they need to absorb and process their big feelings.

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Bird, Balloon, Bear

by Il Sung Na

bird balloon bear Bird, Balloon, Bear is a really sweet, simple picture book about friendship and the anxiety that comes with trying to make a new friend.

The story begins with bird who is looking for a friend in his new environment. He spots Bear, but he feels very nervous about introducing himself. By the time Bird finds the courage to say hello, Bear has found a new friend.

Sound familiar?

If you have a quiet child who has experienced a similar situation, they will instantly relate to the character of Bird. Bear’s friend, which if you haven’t guessed by the title, is a balloon. Bear is having so much fun with his new friend that he does not notice Bird. Then something happens to the balloon. Bird has been observing the whole time & wants to help, but can he?

In a very simple way, the author conveys that making friends doesn’t always have to involve being bold and knowing what to say. Sometimes being patient and waiting for the right time and person is all it takes.

The Book of Mistakes

by Corinna Luyken

Everyone makes mistakes. They are essential to helping us grow and learn; however it is so much easier to focus on the positive aspects of making mistakes in hindsight. Mistakes can be embarrassing, frustrating and downright upsetting. As children navigate the world, they are constantly making mistakes and learning from them, but it’s how they deal with them that is key.

The Book of Mistakes is a beautiful book about how leaning into those mistakes and making masterpieces from them…. literally in the case of this story, can turn setbacks into opportunities. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! The book visually communicates that you can always move forward from a mistake. A great book for a highly sensitive child who is a perfectionist or easily frustrated when making mistakes, whether it be while drawing, with school work or in any aspect of their life.

The Most Magnificent Thing

by Ashley Spires

When the creative character sets out to build something very special she encounters several challenges along the way which frustrate and demotivate her. This humorous book shows the honest emotions that children go through and demonstrates the rewards of perseverance in a way that resonates with children.

The Most Magnificent Thing is a story that communicates that failing is an important part of learning and that you don’t have to do everything perfect to be successful.

The Invisible Boy

by Trudy Ludwig

I absolutely love this sweet book! As a mom to two highly sensitive, quiet boys, I can see a little of both of them in the main character, Brian.

Brian is a boy who flies under the radar at school, just like many highly sensitive children. He follows the rules, doesn’t attract attention to himself and enjoys quiet activities like drawing at “choosing time” and recess. His quiet, reserved nature makes him seem invisible at school, until a new classmate arrives and helps Brian find a way to shine.

The Invisible Boy is a great read that shows the power of kindness and friendship in helping to boost self-esteem. It also is a great catalyst for starting a conversation about feelings with your HSC.

Giraffes Can’t Dance

by Giles Andreae

Giraffes Can’t Dance is one of my favorite books to read to my boys!

The loveable main character, Gerald, shows that even though it can be hard, being different is okay and that everyone has something special to contribute.

Such a sweet story, with a good message!

The Kissing Hand

by Audrey Penn

The Kissing Hand is such a sweet book for those children with separation anxiety.

Chester the raccoon is nervous about starting school, so his mom shares a family secret to help him remember he is loved whenever he is scared.

We read this book when my son was nervous about starting kindergarten. We each wore a heart sticker from the back of the book for those first few days and he loved the idea of us each holding on to a kiss from each other while we were apart.

I highly recommend this compassionate and understanding book for any highly sensitive child who struggles with separation anxiety.

The Color Monster

by Anna Llenas

I stumbled upon this book recently at a bookstore. I was drawn in by fun pop ups, but stayed for the creative story about identifying feelings.

The Color Monster is a story about a young girl who tries to help her friend the color monster when he is feeling “all mixed up.”

She identifies five different emotions and associates a color with each. In child-friendly terms, each emotion is described and illustrated.

A fun book to start a conversation about your highly sensitive child’s emotions and how to label them.

Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverts

by Susan Cain

After reading the adult book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, a friend informed me that the author came out with a new edition specifically for older kids and teens called Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverts.

From the first chapter of this book, I loved it. I wish this book could have been put into my hands when I was in middle school or high school.

While not all highly sensitive people are introverts, a good amount are on the quieter side. Throughout the book it emphasizes the benefits of being introverted and encourages tweens and teens to own their quietness. Quiet does not equal weak.

A clearly laid out book with humorous drawing throughout that this age will enjoy.

Age range: 10 and up

What’s your favorite children’s book for the highly sensitive child?

You now have ten great children’s books to check out for your highly sensitive child. I hope you will enjoy reading them with your children as much as I have enjoyed reading them with mine.

Does your highly sensitive child love a children’s book I didn’t mention? Do you have a children’s book recommendation that is great for an HSC?

Share it in the comments below, so that we can all benefit from it!