Please welcome my guest author today, Sarah Scheerger, with her list of 10 Picture books for SEL Discussions. Her newest picture book is Dude. Be Nice.
Dude. Be Nice by Sarah Scheerger, illustrated by Alex MacNaughton
Inspired by the real-life Dude. Be Nice Project, a video series with more than 80 million
views, Dude. Be Nice is about a well-meaning bear named Dude who's on a mission to
be extra nice—even if his help isn’t always helpful. With the support of his wise sidekick
Fizz, Dude learns what it really means to be kind—even when your good intentions go
awry. This book is a great SEL launch point, and the author includes SEL activities on
her website, addressing topics such as empathy, active listening, kindness, friendship,
feelings, coping skills, growth mindset, and responsibility taking. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
We are giving away two copies of Dude. Be Nice to 2 winners. To enter, please leave a comment!
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As a school-based counselor, I’m always on the lookout for books that provide easy entry points for SEL topics. SEL means Social Emotional Learning. I describe this to students as “learning about yourself and others.” This is a screenshot from the CASEL website. CASEL stands for Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.
I think children’s literature is a natural entry point to these discussions and lessons. These are all picture books, and I feel picture books are for all ages. I feel all the below can be enjoyed by anyone three years and older. I see benefit in older readers utilizing these books as entry points for further discussion. I’ll share some favorites below.
10 Picture Books for SEL Discussions
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
When something upsetting happens, all Taylor’s friends want to try to fix the problem, but really Taylor just wants a listening ear. I love this book because it shows the benefit of both being and having a listening ear. This is a great SEL Book because it leads logically to some fruitful classroom discussions. Kids can talk about what THEY need when they’re upset. Some kids may want hugs, or help, or comfort, and some may just want someone to listen. [picture book, ages 2 and up]
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill, illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
This is a fun and high-energy read-aloud about getting to know (and eventually befriending) the playground bully. This act, of course, changes the playground dynamics. This rhyming text has entertained children for many years. This is another great SEL topic starter into topics like playground dynamics, rules on the playground, relationship skills, responsible decision making, self-management, and self-awareness. [picture book, ages 2 and up]
What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick, illustrated by Colleen Madden
The main character, a child, goes about his day, acting on his impulses, only to be reminded that if “everyone” behaved in this way, the cumulative impact would be detrimental. This book is a classic and helps kids think outside of themselves and about their impact on others. This is also a good book to help begin conversations about a sense of community. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
I Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
In this witty story about manners, Mr. Rabbit has new neighbors who are otters. Mr. Rabbit has to begin thinking about how he’d like “otters” to treat him to figure out how to treat the “otters.” This book can lead to a classroom discussion about what manners, social etiquette, and consideration look like at school, on the playground, and during instructional time. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Enemy Pie by Derek Munson, illustrated by Tara King
This classic book follows a young child’s experience when Jeremy Ross moves into his neighborhood, and they don’t exactly get along. He goes to his dad for advice about enemies, and that’s when the fun begins. This is a great SEL book for understanding empathy, friendship, and forgiveness. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
Isabel and Her Colores Go to School by Alexandra Alessandri, illustrated by Courtney Dawson
This story follows Isabel on her first day of school, where she has to navigate a large number of “firsts” in a new language. This book is a great entry into SEL topics of trying something new, anxiety, friendship, diversity, and coping skills. Discussions can focus on empathy and understanding. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
Home for a While by Lauren H. Kerstein, illustrated by Natalia Moore
This book follows Calvin’s journey into a new foster home. This topic will be a window book for many, and a mirror book for some. It’s a great entry point into discussions on empathy, kindness, belonging, and transitions. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt, illustrated by
This book has so many layers. Maddi and Sofia are the best of friends, and Maddi trusts Sofia with the secret that her fridge is empty. Maddi, on the other hand, has plentiful food, and she tries, in her youthful way, to share with Sofia. This is the kind of story that can be read and re-read multiple times. It’s also a great entry point for discussions on empathy, honesty, trust, secrets, poverty, and ways to be helpful. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
Dear Earth…From Your Friends in Room 5 by Erin Dealey, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
A hopeful and empowering story that includes letters from a classroom of students with the Earth itself. This is a great way to spark discussions and activism amongst young readers. I think this is an important SEL book because it gives kids a way to ACT on the information shared, which is empowering. Some kids today are stressed about the state of the environment, so incorporating action and empowerment is key. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
2 Book Giveaway of Dude. Be Nice!
We are giving away two copies of Dude. Be Nice to 2 winners! To enter, please leave a comment. We can only ship to U.S. and A.P.O. addresses. The giveaway ends in one month.
Sarah Scheerger is an author and mental health clinician. She provides school-based counseling services for “at promise” youth and helps them figure out who they are and who they want to be. The Dude. Be Nice organization caught her attention and served as inspiration for Dude. This is her tenth book. For more information and fun activities related to her books, check out her website at www.sarahlynnbooks.com, and follow her on social media: X/Twittter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
p.s. Related posts:
Why Social Emotional Skills Determine Success
Asian American Youth Social Emotional Health
Teach Kids Social-Emotional Skills with Povi
7 Ideas for Social/Emotional Learning
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My books:
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The Traveling Taco:
- Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025
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- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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We Sing from the Heart: How the Slants® Took Their Fight for Free Speech to the Supreme Court
- ALSC Notable Children’s Book
- 2025 Carter G. Woodson Book Award Middle Level Honoree
- Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
- 2024 Julia Ward Howe Prize for Children’s Literature Winner
- California Eureka Non-Fiction Award Honor Book
- Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner (from National Council for the Social Studies and Children’s Book Council)
- Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year 2025
- Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
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Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- ⭐ Starred review from School Library Journal!
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Nautilus Silver Winner, Nonfiction Children’s Picture Book
- Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
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Bank Street College’s The Best Children’s Books of the Year
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Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Great selection of SEL books. I’m adding the ones I haven’t already read to my Want to Read list.
Great list of SEL books! We have most of them in our school’s collection, but we don’t have Dude, Be Nice yet. I think our readers would enjoy it.
I’ve read a few of these featured books, but not Dude, Be Nice. I’m excited to read this.
Would love to get some of these books for my homeschool!