Life Works!

Using stylized monster characters, these books guide readers through activities to help build empathy and understanding, while developing critical skills like time management and building trust with others. Bright colors and silly monsters keep the serious topics layered with some levity to ease the tension, while maintaining the focus on building emotional intelligence without overwhelming young audiences. The simple sentences and built-in activities make this an excellent choice for home and school libraries aiming to incorporate deeper discussions on social interactions with children.
­VERDICT: These are fun read-alikes for fans of the “Basher Science” books who are looking for mental and social health topics at a slightly younger level.