Using 10 Picture Books to Access Journaling: Inspiration for Caregivers and Teachers
Picture books aren’t just for children—they hold profound lessons and beautiful insights that resonate with readers of all ages. For caregivers and teachers, these books are especially powerful tools, offering a creative and accessible way to foster emotional exploration and self-reflection. Picture books can serve as a bridge to reflective journaling, unlocking deep thoughts about life, emotions, and personal growth. They provide a unique opportunity to engage both young readers and adults in meaningful discussions, offering simple yet evocative narratives that inspire reflection. In this blog post, we’ll explore several picture books that not only tell compelling stories but also provide rich opportunities for journaling. Each book comes with a summary, a link to a read-aloud YouTube video, and thoughtfully crafted journal prompts to guide readers in exploring their inner world and nurturing personal growth.
1. Here and Now by Julia Denos and E.B. Goodale
Summary: “Here and now . . .
You may be reading a book. But somewhere, a phone is ringing, a baby is growing, and the earth is spinning in space. Even you are changing and growing in remarkable ways.
Explore the joy of mindfulness, the wonder of our existence, and the marvel of our ever-connected world with this stunning padded board book.”
Journal Prompts for Here and Now:
Moments of Awe: Think back to a time when you were struck by the beauty or wonder of something in the world—a sunset, a conversation, a work of art, or a quiet moment. What about that experience made you feel connected to something larger than yourself? How did it change the way you see the world around you?
The Magic of Everyday Life: Reflect on the small, everyday moments that make you feel alive and connected to the world. What are some simple things you encounter daily that fill you with gratitude or a sense of wonder? How do these moments shape your perspective on life?
Interconnectedness of All Things: Consider the idea that we are all part of a larger, interconnected system—whether it's nature, humanity, or the universe. Write about a time when you felt a deep connection to others or to the world around you. How did this feeling impact your sense of purpose and place in the world?
2. The Tree in Me by Corinna Luyken
Summary: “Through poetic text and exquisite illustrations of children reveling in nature, this picture book explores the various ways we as human beings are strong, creative, and connected to others. Each of us is like a tree, with roots and fruit, and an enduring link to everything else in nature. "The tree in me is strong. It bends in the wind, and has roots that go deep . . . to where other roots reach up toward their own trunk-branch-crown and sky."
As Corinna Luyken did in her award-winning My Heart, she again provides an invigorating conversation-starter that contains a world of truths--about self-esteem, community, and living a meaningful life.”
Journal Prompts for The Tree in Me:
Cultivating Kindness: Reflect on how kindness has grown within you over time. What experiences, people, or moments have nurtured your capacity for kindness? How can you continue to cultivate and spread kindness in your daily life?
Growing Through Challenges: Think about a time when you faced a significant challenge. What inner qualities (strength, resilience, patience, etc.) grew within you as a result of this experience? How did this growth change how you handle difficulties now?
Nurturing Creativity: Explore how creativity has developed in your life. What activities, environments, or relationships have sparked or encouraged this growth? In what ways can you continue to nurture your creative side, and what impact does creativity have on your overall well-being?
3. The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, Alea Marley, and Jeet Singh
Summary: “Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka—his turban—making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet’s mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?”
Journal Prompts for The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh:
The Color of Joy: Think about a color that makes you feel happy or energized. Write about a specific memory or moment when you felt this emotion strongly. How does this color capture the mood of that experience? How can you bring more of this color (and feeling) into your daily life?
Shades of Calm: Imagine a time when you felt completely at peace or relaxed. What color best represents that feeling for you? Describe how this color influences your mood or state of mind when you see it. How can you incorporate it into your environment to create more moments of calm?
The Weight of Darkness: Reflect on a moment when you felt sadness, anger, or frustration. What colors come to mind when you think of those emotions? How do these darker or more intense colors symbolize your feelings, and what do they reveal about the way you process difficult emotions?
4. Saturday by Oge Mora
Summary: “Today would be special. Today would be splendid. It was Saturday! But sometimes, the best plans don't work out exactly the way you expect....
In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.”
Journal Prompts for Saturday:
Designing Your Perfect Monday: If you could create your ideal Monday, what would it look like? How would you set the tone for a productive and positive start to your week? Write about the routines, tasks, and mindset you would embrace to make Monday feel empowering and energizing.
A Weekend of Joy: Imagine a Saturday that’s all about joy and relaxation. How would you spend your time, and who would you want to share it with? Write about the activities, environment, and feelings that would make this Saturday one to remember.
Midweek Reset: Wednesday is often seen as the middle of the week—how could you make it a day of reflection and reset? What small shifts in your routine or mindset would help you recharge and refocus for the rest of the week? Describe your ideal Wednesday that balances productivity and self-care.
5. A Place Inside of Me by Zetta Elliott and Noa Denmon
Summary: “In this powerful, affirming poem by award-winning author Zetta Elliott, a Black child explores his shifting emotions throughout the year.
There is a place inside of me
a space deep down inside of me
where all my feelings hide.
Summertime is filled with joy―skateboarding and playing basketball―until his community is deeply wounded by a police shooting. As fall turns to winter and then spring, fear grows into anger, then pride and peace.
In her stunning debut, illustrator Noa Denmon articulates the depth and nuances of a child’s experiences following a police shooting―through grief and protests, healing and community―with washes of color as vibrant as his words.
Here is a groundbreaking narrative that can help all readers―children and adults alike―talk about the feelings hiding deep inside each of us.”
Journal Prompts for A Place Inside of Me:
The Place of Comfort: Think about the part of you that feels most at ease and safe. What does this inner place look or feel like? What kinds of thoughts, memories, or feelings live here? Write about how you can access this place of comfort when you need peace and reassurance.
The Place of Fear: Explore the place inside of you where fear or anxiety tends to reside. What triggers these feelings, and how do they affect you? Write about how you can confront or soothe these emotions when they arise. What would it take to bring light into this place?
The Place of Hope: Imagine the space within you that holds your dreams, hopes, and aspirations. What emotions fill this place, and how does it inspire you? Write about the feelings of excitement, joy, or anticipation that live in this part of you. How can you nurture and protect this hopeful space as you pursue your goals?
6. I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds
Summary: “Discover the power of mindfulness in this companion to New York Times bestsellers I Am Human and I Am Love!
Mindfulness means being fully in the present moment. Children can learn how to manage their emotions, make good choices, and balance their busy lives by learning to be mindful, express emotions through speech, find empathy through imagination, and wonder at the beauty of the natural world.
“There are times when I worry about what might happen next and what happened before. The thoughts in my head are like rushing water, and I feel like a boat with no anchor . . . being carried away. I give myself a moment. I take a breath.”
Mindfulness encourages us to pay attention to our experiences (our feelings, sensations in the body, emotions, surroundings) without judgment but with kindness and curiosity. Scientific research has proven that there are many benefits to practicing mindfulness. With so many children suffering from anxiety, there is no better tool than learning to be mindful. And it’s never too early to get started.
Here is a gentle expression of the tenets of mindfulness, encouraging young children to breathe, taste, smell, and be present in the here and now. I Am Peace is a reflection of the power of mindfulness in all our lives. It is a perfect guide with which parents and teachers can help children pay attention to their feelings and learn to control their worry and anxiety.”
Journal Prompts for I Am Peace:
Anchored in Relationships: Think about the relationships in your life that bring you a sense of peace and security. What qualities or moments in these connections make you feel grounded? How do these relationships help you stay centered during challenging times?
Anchored in Routine: Reflect on the daily or weekly routines that provide you with a sense of calm and order. What specific habits or rituals anchor you to peace, even in the midst of chaos? How can you strengthen these routines to create more peace in your life?
Anchored in Nature: Consider how nature brings a sense of tranquility and grounding into your life. What specific places, sights, or sounds in nature make you feel most connected to peace? Write about how you can anchor yourself more frequently to nature to cultivate a deeper sense of inner calm.
7. A Very Big Fall by Emmy Kastner
Summary: “In this picture book destined to become a fall classic, life as a leaf is pretty sweet! This charming and reassuring picture book about finding joy in change will be returned to again and again.
The weather is pleasant, the view is fine, and everything just feels fresh. But when autumn breezes begin to blow, adventurous Birch, nervous Oak, and grumpy Maple each have their own way of facing the new crispness in the air.
The squirrels take pleasure in warning the leaves about the transformations to come: new colors! And more … an actual fall. But will the ground be the end? Or a new beginning?
New situations can be scary but also thrilling, as three adorable autumn leaves, surprised by their turning colors and the promise of the fall to come, discover in this funny and heartwarming story, the perfect tool for any child who struggles with change.”
Journal Prompts for A Very Big Fall:
The Gifts of Change: Reflect on a significant change you’ve experienced in your life. What positive outcomes or personal growth emerged from that change, even if it was challenging at first? How did embracing the change shape who you are today?
Adapting to the Unknown: Think about a change you are currently facing or anticipate in the near future. How do you feel about it? Write about what excites you and what makes you nervous. How can you shift your mindset to embrace the uncertainty and see it as an opportunity for growth?
Letting Go to Move Forward: Consider an aspect of your life where you’ve been resisting change. What fears or concerns are holding you back? Write about what it would look like to let go and fully embrace the new possibilities ahead. How can this act of letting go lead to positive transformation?
8. My Voice is a Trumpet by Jimmie Allen and Cathy Ann Johnson
Summary: “From rising country star Jimmie Allen comes a lyrical celebration of the many types of voices that can effect change.
From voices tall as a tree, to voices small as a bee, all it takes is confidence and a belief in the goodness of others to change the world. Coming at a time when issues of social justice are at the forefront of our society, this is the perfect book to teach children in and out of the classroom that they're not too young to express what they believe in and that all voices are valuable.”
Journal Prompts for My Voice is a Trumpet:
Uncovering Your Truth: Reflect on a time when you spoke up for yourself or expressed your true feelings, even if it was difficult. What did that moment teach you about your voice? How can you continue to nurture and trust your authentic self when communicating with others?
Silencing the Noise: Think about external influences—like societal expectations, opinions of others, or fear of judgment—that may sometimes drown out your inner voice. How do these influences affect the way you express yourself? Write about how you can quiet the noise and reconnect with your unique perspective.
Expressing Your Values: Your voice is shaped by the values and beliefs that matter most to you. What are the core principles or passions that define who you are? How can you use your voice to align with and express these values in your daily life, relationships, or work?
9. Big by Vashti Harrison
Summary: “The first picture book written and illustrated by award-winning creator Vashti Harrison traces a child’s journey to self-love and shows the power of words to both hurt and heal. With spare text and exquisite illustrations, this emotional exploration of being big in a world that prizes small is a tender portrayal of how you can stand out and feel invisible at the same time.”
Journal Prompts for Big:
Personal Relationships: In what ways do I hold back in my personal relationships (friends, family, or romantic partners)? How can I express my needs, desires, or boundaries more clearly to take up space and honor my presence in these connections?
Work or Career: How do I shrink or hesitate to fully express myself at work or in professional settings? What actions can I take to contribute more confidently, assert my ideas, or seek opportunities for growth?
Self-Identity and Passions: What passions, dreams, or aspects of my identity have I been suppressing or minimizing? How can I unapologetically embrace these parts of myself and show up authentically in my life, without fear of judgment?
10. Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters by Barack Obama and Loren Long
Summary: “In this poignant letter to his daughters, Barack Obama has written a moving tribute to thirteen groundbreaking Americans and the ideals that have shaped our nation. From the artistry of Georgia O'Keeffe, to the courage of Jackie Robinson, to the patriotism of George Washington, Obama sees the traits of these heroes within his own children, and within all of America’s children.
Breathtaking, evocative illustrations by award-winning artist Loren Long at once capture the personalities and achievements of these great Americans and the innocence and promise of childhood.
This beautiful book celebrates the characteristics that unite all Americans, from our nation’s founders to generations to come. It is about the potential within each of us to pursue our dreams and forge our own paths. It is a treasure to cherish with your family forever.”
Journal Prompts for Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters:
Lessons of Love: Think about a message of love and support that a parent or caregiver has shared with you. What did it mean to you, and how did it make you feel? Write about how that message has helped you in your life and how you can carry it with you as you grow.
Words of Wisdom: Reflect on a piece of advice or wisdom a parent or caregiver has given you. Why do you think they shared it with you, and how has it shaped your choices or actions? Write about how you’ve applied this advice in your life or how it could help you in the future.
Encouragement in Tough Times: Think back to a moment when a parent or caregiver encouraged you during a difficult time. What did they say or do that made you feel better or stronger? Write about how their encouragement helped you face the challenge and how it impacts the way you approach obstacles now.
Picture books have the remarkable ability to touch hearts and minds across all ages, offering layers of meaning that can spark deep emotional reflection and growth. For caregivers and teachers, they are more than just stories for children—they are powerful tools that open doors to meaningful conversations, creative thinking, and personal discovery. By engaging with the simple yet profound narratives in these books, and exploring the accompanying journal prompts, you can guide yourself or those in your care through a transformative process of self-awareness and emotional exploration. Whether used in the classroom, at home, or in personal reflection, these picture books provide a beautiful opportunity to connect more deeply with yourself and the world around you. So take a moment, pause with these stories, and let the power of journaling elevate the experience, helping you find new insights and inspiration along the way.
