This is the time of year where we plan our Holiday giving, particularly for those children that are family members or who are close to us. Sometimes it is hard to know exactly which gift to buy, which is why I am writing this blog post.
Recently, Child Mind Institute put together a list of books that are helpful to children who have mental health struggles or learning deficits. The list is exhaustive and covers many specific issues. Rather than buying one more toy or video game, perhaps a meaningful and well-written children’s book may be encouraging to children who have some specific struggles. Here is the statement about their recommended book list written on the Child Mind Institute website:
Whether your child has been diagnosed with anxiety or ADHD, struggles with regulating emotions, or has lost a loved one, books can be a valuable way to help them navigate the world. Stories that address mental health topics are growing more popular, but it’s hard to know which ones are accurate or useful. For our second-annual list of Best Kids’ Books for Mental Health, the Child Mind Institute has narrowed down 150 candidates (all published in 2025) to about 60 semi-finalists. All have been read and reviewed by our clinical experts and editorial staff. Nearly two dozen winners have been selected, with options for every age, from toddler to teen. Share them with your kids (and buy them for classroom libraries) because every child deserves to read a story that they can see themselves in.
Here is a representative list of possible books that may be a great gift:
For children with social anxiety: My Friend, Billy Whiskers by David Litchfield.
For teens 12 and up diagnosed with ADHD: King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin.
For children with phobias: Vera La Valiente is Scared by Ana Siqueira.
For separation anxiety (first day of preschool): What Will I Do If I Miss You by Melissa Schultz.
For autism: You Can Say Hi With Only a Smile by Merriam Sarcia Saunders.
For body image: It’s Not Easy Being a T.Rex by Marilyn Sadler.
For grief: The Bear-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty.
The list goes on and you can check out more helpful books on the Child Mind Institute website.
I appreciate these recommendations and all the research that has gone into assessing and publishing this list. As you consider those special children in your life who have some special needs or stress responses, one of these books may be the perfect Holiday gift. I am sure their parents will appreciate it as well.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
