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I recently shared a blog post about how to teach brain science to kids, because social emotional learning sticks best when kids understand what is happening inside their brains. Once students have language for what is going on in their bodies, everything starts to click. I got such great feedback from many of you, and wanted to add on a few of my favorite picture books to help solidify these lessons.
Kids remember stories. They connect with characters. When a read aloud helps them name what is happening in the brain during frustration, conflict, curiosity, or disappointment, you’re actually setting the stage for stronger regulation skills.
Neuroscience agrees. Dr. Adele Diamond’s work on executive function reminds us that children regulate better when they understand how thinking and feeling systems work together (Diamond, 2013). Other studies show that labeling emotions reduces amygdala activation, which helps kids return to a calmer, more thoughtful state (Lieberman et al., 2007). All of this means clear, kid friendly explanations of the brain are not fluff. They are real teaching tools backed by research.
Below is a joyful roundup of picture books that bring brain science to life. These are perfect for morning meetings, counseling groups, SEL blocks, snack time, or whenever you sense that your class needs a reset and some shared language for what is going on inside.
1. Your Fantastic Elastic Brain by Dr. JoAnn Deak
This is the classic introduction to neuroplasticity for kids. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the text explains how the brain grows stronger when we practice new skills. I like using this during the first month of school to set the tone for courage, persistence, and the idea that mistakes are information, not failures.
Brain science connection: Kids learn the basic “geography” of the brain and the idea that practice strengthens neural pathways. It gives you an easy bridge into growth mindset conversations.
2. My Fantabulous Brain by Julia Cook
This is a story driven introduction to the power of the brain, written through the lens of everyday kid struggles with focus, choices, and emotions. Like many of Julia Cook’s books, it uses humor, exaggeration, and relatable mistakes to help kids recognize what happens when their brain is in charge versus when impulses take the wheel.
Why it works:
Kids begin to connect behavior to brain function without shame. The message is clear that the brain is powerful, helpful, and always learning. It supports early conversations about self control, reflection, and growing your thinking skills over time.
3. A Little Spot of Emotion Series by Diane Alber
Each book focuses on one emotion with simple visuals that show how feelings grow, shrink, and shift over time. Students love the spots because they can finally see what an emotion is supposed to look like.
Brain science connection: Gives a concrete way to talk about activation levels in the nervous system. Research shows that emotional labeling helps tame big feelings (Kircanski et al., 2012), so any tool that helps kids name what they’re feeling is a win.
4. Big Brain Book by Leanne Boucher Gill
This is a true nonfiction picture book that focuses solely on the brain. It introduces basic anatomy, what different parts of the brain control, how messages travel, and why the brain is the boss of the body. The visuals are bright, bold, and engaging without being overwhelming.
Why it works:
This book gives students real science in kid friendly language. It is ideal for building shared vocabulary around thinking, feeling, movement, and learning. It also pairs beautifully with hands-on activities like labeling a brain diagram, modeling neurons with yarn, or acting out how messages travel through the nervous system.
5. The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal by Nick Seluk
A silly, comic style crash course in brain anatomy. Kids think it’s hilarious, which means they actually pay attention.
Brain science connection: Helps students understand the different roles of brain parts without getting overwhelmed. You can pair this with drawings, play dough, or a brain hat activity.
6. Roaring Mad Riley by Allie Szczecinski
Yes, I’m adding my own children’s book because it was written exactly for this purpose. Riley feels a huge wave of anger and learns what her brain and body are communicating. Kids see themselves in her meltdown and learn what to do next time their own anger feels too big.
Brain science connection: Normalizes emotional escalation and teaches the idea that strong feelings have a beginning, middle, and end. Kids learn they can ride the wave and come back to calm with support. Also – a great opportunity for kids to map out where Riley’s brain might be activated at different times throughout the story.
Teaching brain science to kids does not need to feel technical or scary.
Picture books help students build language, make sense of their inner world, and understand that brains are flexible and always learning. When kids understand why they feel what they feel, they make better choices. They treat themselves and others with more compassion!!
If you use any of these books, tag me on Instagram. I love seeing SEL come alive in your classrooms!!
