here are 4 must have books every elementary parent needs

October 18, 2025 by intern, Madison C.

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As the school year is underway! We know summer vacation filled with trips to the playground and vacations around the world have ended, and that is why we have these four books to read so your kids are ready for all types of interactions!

 

 These four books will give unique situations and offer solutions to become the best version of themselves, with the main themes being kindness, empathy for others, and how to create an inclusive environment. All of these books are offered on Amazon or on our website, so make sure to check them out! 

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“So please, oh PLEASE, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.” 

— Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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Seen, By C.M. Harris

This book explores the concept of friendship and how one person can profoundly impact another's life. Elisha and Ariana go along their day, buying sweet treats and playing just like good friends do.

 

Until you notice all the store associates and random people ignore Ariana. You realize that it is because of Elisha that Ariana even has some attention. Not that having attention is the main point, but that Ariana would be disregarded and not cared for if Elisha weren’t there. And Ariana realizes that, because at the end of the day, she makes sure to say thank you to Elisha, telling her how she is her best friend. This book sends a message to everyone on how to treat others with kindness first. Always. We must be kind to everyone because you never know how one interaction can truly impact them. 

 

This book is particularly significant during the summer because kids are going to playgrounds and playing with other kids, missing the time at school when they would see many kids playing with their friends. It reminds kids that what we say and do matters. 

Inside Look

The Lonely Zebra by C.M. Harris

The Lonely Zebra is a beautifully illustrated story about how one person can really change things for another, and not always for the better. The Zebra was lonely, not playing at the watering pond with the other animals, because the Hyena was unkind, talking badly about the Zebra’s stripes and making them feel unwelcome.

 

The big, beautiful swan came in and got to know the Zebra and made them feel seen by becoming their friend, eventually getting the Zebra to conquer their fears and go to the watering pond. The Zebra went to the pond alongside the swan and was immediately told something by the Hyena, which the swan then intercepted. “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all!” And that is when the hyena realized it should not have said anything in the past, as they were just jealous of the Zebra’s stripes. 

 

Eventually, the zebra, hyena, swan, and the other animals end the day at the watering pond playing together and getting along. This story is remarkable because, alongside its beautiful drawings, it has a wonderful message. Stand up for your friends and say something, and the world will be a better place. The book is perfect for summer, as it again refers to kids getting along on playgrounds and can even apply to kids playing on sports teams together. As teammates, they have one goal, and it is up to them how to communicate to be the best they can be. 

 

All Books Are

Always Welcomed.

Creativity & Positivity.

 

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A Must-Read

My Teacher Says: A Day at School is the first book in the My Teacher Says series—a heartwarming and engaging story that takes young readers through a fun-filled school day. Perfect for children ages 5-9, this delightful rhyming picture book highlights the lessons kids learn at school, from morning routines to classroom kindness, all while embracing the joys of discovery and friendship.
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Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner, with a set of 25 label.
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner, set of 50.
We Are [Your School] – Customizable Children’s Book for Schools
We Are [Your School] – Customizable Children’s Book for Schools
We Are [Your School] – Customizable Children’s Book for Schools
We Are [Your School] – Customizable Children’s Book for Schools
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner, with a set of 500 label.
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner, with a set of 750 label.
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner, with a set of 1000 label.
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner
Book cover with children on steps and 'We Are [Your School Here]' banner

We Are [Your School] – Customizable Children’s Book for Schools

$250.00

We Are [Your School] is a one-of-a-kind customizable children’s picture book that lets schools showcase their school spirit on the cover and throughout the story.

This uplifting book highlights pride, kindness, and unity, giving students a story that celebrates their own school community. Perfect for fostering school spirit, building inclusion, and reinforcing positive values.

With vibrant illustrations and joyful text, children will see a school where:

✔ Everyone belongs and is celebrated

✔ Lunch tables and playgrounds are always open for new friends

✔ Kindness and respect are at the heart of every lesson

✔ Pride in your school is something to share and cherish


Why Schools Love It:

  • Personalized with your school’s pride and spirit

  • Builds unity and pride among students and families

  • A lasting keepsake for school events, fundraisers, and author visits

  • Perfect for PTA projects, literacy programs, and donor-sponsored book drives

 

📚 Recommended for grades K–6 A meaningful gift for every student and a powerful addition to the classroom library.
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Cammie's Big Dream by C.M. Harris

Cammie’s one big dream? To help others. She saw how the dog shelter needed help and the animals needed more attention, and that is why she took it upon herself to become a “philanthropist”. And with the help of her parents, Cammie was able to make it happen. 

 

She was able to go to the animal shelter on weekends with her family and provide volunteer. During summer, we know how hard it is to keep your kids busy without school in session; it is suddenly a very empty schedule. Volunteering can help! You can volunteer anywhere for any number of hours!

 

Whether it be at the local animal shelter like Cammie, the hospital, or a soup kitchen, an extra hand will never be denied. An activity that benefits others is always a great way to spend time and is a great way to show your kids what is worth their time as they grow up. 

The Caterpillar Hotel by Caroline Kjos

The transforming and beautifully written book has a perfectly made situation for how to behave around other people, with kindness and compassion. At first the caterpillar came off as a grump, ordering everyone around asking for things and easy to complain. But once he realized how everyone was taking in his words, he recognized the problem....he was the problem. 

 

Cody the caterpillar was being rude and mean to everyone he talked to and no one liked it. Everyone was weary of him, so once he started making amends and no one wanted to talk to him, he realized that these were long overdue. He became a compassionate new being, showing how we can always learn and grow from our mistakes. This is a great book to reading during summer, specifically because many people are traveling and taking their kids to new places over the summer therefore it is important to remember to treat everyone with respect and compassion. 

 

May these stories inspire your wildest dreams,

Madison C.

 

 

Looking for the best books to teach empathy to kids? Start with the What If We Were series—crafted for parents who want more than bedtime stories. Ready to raise kind, emotionally aware children? 

 

📚 Purchase your SEL book bundle now and build empathy one story at a time.
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