Good Reads – ECE / Primary (Overseas books)

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone are on their own, until a chance encounter with a boorish bully (Pine Cone), inspires Stick to stick up for stone. The new pals head off on an adventure and discover that friendship really rocks. Read Jo Quigg's review here. 

Llama Llama and the bully goat by Anna Dewdney

Taking on a difficult but important part of children's lives, Anna Dewdney gives readers a way to experience and discuss bullying in a safe and comforting way. Read Kim Higginson's review here.

Made by Raffi by Craig Pomranz

Made by Raffi by Craig Pomranz, and illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain, is a story that celebrates just how good it is to march to a different beat. It's a told story of a little boy who is different from his peers and who is bullied at school as a result. Read Kim Higginson's review here.

Odd Velvet by Mary Whitcomb

Velvet is odd. Instead of dolls that talk and cry, Velvet brings a milkweed pod for show and tell. She wins the class art contest using only an eight-pack of crayons. She likes to collect rocks. Even her name is strange-Velvet! But as the school year unfolds, the things Velvet does and the things that Velvet says slowly begin to make sense. And, in the end, Velvet's classmates discover that being different is what makes Velvet so much fun. Read Kim Higginson's review here.

Big red and the little bitty wolf : A story about bullying by Jeanie Franz Ransom

This book is a modern twist on the classic tale, in which a little wolf's unexpected solution to the class bully is met with surprising success. Read Charmaine Denney's review here. 

You, me and empathy : Teaching children about empathy, feelings, kindness, compassion, tolerance and recognising bullying behaviours by Jayneen Sanders

This charming story uses verse, beautiful illustrations and a little person called Quinn to model the meaning of empathy. Read Kim Higginson's review here.

Each kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Chloe and her friends won't play with the new girl, Maya. Every time Maya tries to join Chloe and her friends, they reject her. Eventually Maya stops coming to school. When Chloe's teacher gives a lesson about how even small acts of kindness can change the world, Chloe is stung by the lost opportunity for friendship. Read Jo Quigg's review here.

Invisible Jerry by Adam Wallace

This is a picture book with humour and heart for everyone who has ever felt like they’re on the outside looking in.  Read Kim Higginson's review here.

From Worrier to Warrior: A guide to conquering your fears by Dan Peters

From Worrier to Warrior, a companion book to Make Your Worrier a Warrior (for parents), is designed to teach you how to conquer the Worry Monster. This book shows you how to overcome worry and fear using several easy-to-follow strategies. Read the book and learn the strategies yourself, or read along with a parent or other adult. From Worrier to Warrior will teach you how to create your very own "toolbox" of ways to combat fear and anxiety to carry with you and conquer the Worry Monster at any time. Read Anna Mowat's review here.