12 Picture Books to Strengthen Your Child’s Social Skills

Kids spend the first couple years of their life crying to communicate what they want and need. But at some point, they have to figure out how to ask politely for things, use an indoor voice and take turns during a conversation. If your child’s chatterboxing needs a little refinement, read one of these picture books and give them a handful of “Talkin’ Tokens” or a voice volume scale to reinforce expectations around communication.

“My Mouth Is a Volcano!” by Julia Cook

Louis gets so excited about all of his big, important thoughts that he can’t keep them to himself, which means he’s always interrupting people. Can he learn how to save his thoughts for later and share them when it’s his turn to speak?

“Decibella and Her 6-Inch Voice” by Julia Cook

Isabella expresses herself so loudly that it bothers everyone around her: her parents, teachers and friends. She learns about the many different volumes we can use when speaking to people (and which volumes are right for which situations).

“Lacey Walker, Nonstop Talker” by Christianne C. Jones

Lacey Walker’s favorite activity is talking, but that means there’s not much time for listening. When she loses her voice and is forced to be quiet, she realizes that her non-stop talking has caused her to miss out on things.