10 Conflict Resolution Books That Teach Kids to Solve Problems Peacefully

From teasing, arguing over chores, or tug-of-war over items, disagreements are completely normal in children. Conflict resolution books teach kids important social and emotional skills in a way that feels safe, relatable, and easy to understand.

A bit of conflict can be healthy for kids, because it gives them a chance to practice problem-solving, learn to express their needs, and understand others’ feelings. But many children often struggle with conflict because they’re still learning how to manage and communicate their emotions.

When emotions run high and aren’t properly understood or expressed, they can actually fuel conflicts and turn minor disagreements into bigger problems. Unmanaged emotions like anger, frustration, or hurt feelings can lead children to react impulsively.

Research shows that children who have better emotional understanding are more likely to use positive conflict resolution strategies [*].

This is where conflict resolution books become invaluable tools. Children’s literature allows kids to see different points of view, explore new ways to think, feel, and act,  and learn how to overcome challenges in a healthy way [*].

10 Conflict Resolution Books That Teach Kids to Solve Problems Peacefully

Books are an accessible and fun way for kids to learn about conflict resolution skills. Here are 10 books you can explore with your children.

1. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

A young boy’s summer is disrupted when a new neighbor becomes his enemy. His dad suggests making a special “Enemy Pie” recipe that requires the boy to spend a full day being kind to his enemy. Through his experience, the boy learns that his enemy isn’t so bad after all.

This book demonstrates how getting to know someone you initially dislike can completely change your perspective and transform conflict into a friendship. It teaches children that many disagreements stem from a lack of understanding.

Price: $9.99 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

2. Talk and Work It Out by Cheri J. Meiners

Talk and Work It Out teaches children the step-by-step process of peaceful conflict resolution. It shows kids how to solve conflicts by using their words, listening to others, and working together to find a solution.

This book provides children with practical strategies for handling disagreements. It’s particularly valuable because it shows kids that sometimes agreeing to disagree is also an acceptable outcome.

Price: $6.50 on Amazon, $11.99 on Barnes and Noble

3. The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania of Jordan

Lily and Salma do everything together, but they differ in what they eat during lunch. Lily has her peanut butter and jelly sandwich, while Salma eats her hummus and pita sandwich. Their thoughts about each other’s food test their friendship, but they eventually find a way to reconcile.

This book shows children how small differences in opinion can escalate into bigger conflicts if not handled thoughtfully. It teaches the importance of respecting each other’s choices and how to celebrate differences.

Price: $9.94 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. Tease Monster by Julia Cook

This picture book shows the difference between friendly teasing and mean teasing (bullying). One-of-a-Kind, the story’s protagonist, discovers that not all teasing is the same.

This book helps children understand when teasing is harmless fun versus when it becomes hurtful bullying through relatable examples. It also provides them with instructions on how to respond appropriately to different situations. Kids will learn to mind their words and know when their teasing becomes mean.

Price: $10.86 on Amazon, $11.95 on Barnes and Noble

5. Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney

When Llama Llama and his mom welcome their neighbors, Nelly Gnu and her mama, the kids start to play while the moms chat. However, things took a turn when Nelly played with Llama’s special Fuzzy Llama toy.

This book teaches children that sharing might not be easy, but it can be a great way to make friends. The story shows young readers that apologies and compromise can repair hurt feelings and restore friendships.

Price: $11.16 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel Bright

As winter nears, the forest animals stock up on food to survive the cold months. But when squirrels Cyril and Bruce spot the very last pine cone, a frantic tug-of-war begins. It leads to a wild chase throught the forest that ends with a ride over a waterfall.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled uses funny illustrations to show children that conflicts can escalate to the point where everyone loses. Instead, laughter and cooperation can turn former enemies into friends.

Price: $13.28 on Amazon, $16.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. A Bug and a Wish by Karen Scheuer

Tyler feels bad as he faces teasing from other boys at school as he waits for the school bus everyday. Noticing his distress, her friend Danae suggests that he should give them “a bug and a wish”, which confuses Tyler at first.

Being aware of your emotions and communicating them can be difficult for young kids. This book encourages young readers to address problems by clearly stating their feelings and talking it out. This approach is healthier compared to staying silent or reacting with anger.

Price: $10.95 on Amazon, $10.95 on Barnes and Noble

8. When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden

Two artist neighbors, Pigasso (a pig) and Mootisse (a cow), was friendly at first. However, things soured when both parties criticized and made fun of each other’s art. It started with a painting showdown and escalated until both parties shut themselves off.

As children read the book, they will realize that differences in opinion can lead to conflicts. However, friendships can survive disagreements when people focus on what they value about each other rather than their differences.

Price: $13.49 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. How to Apologize by David LaRochelle

All kinds of animals make different kinds of mistakes in this colorful picture book. With its vibrant illustrations, this book serves as a practical guide for young readers on the basics of apologizing.

How to Apologize lays out the whole apology process in a way that young readers can understand. It emphasizes the importance of genuine apologies no matter what the mistake is or how you feel about the other person.

Price: $10.00 on Amazon, $17.99 on Barnes and Noble

10. “The Fort” by Laura Perdew

Two children, a prince preparing for a royal feast, and the other a pirate getting ready for an adventure, are both using the same space for their imaginative play. When they finally encounter each other, they must decide whether to fight over who gets to use the fort or find a way to share the space.

This book shows children how to handle disputes over shared spaces by finding creative compromises that benefit everyone involved. It teaches kids that collaboration can lead to better outcomes than competition.

Price: $12.99 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

Books on conflict resolution can provide kids not just with entertainment, but also knowledge on how to apologize, solve problems, manage emotions, and understand other perspectives.

A Conflict Resolution Poster can serve as an additional resource for kids. Since many children are visual learners, having the information displayed where kids can see it can help them remember what to do when emotions are running high.

Understanding emotions is key in conflict resolution, and feelings worksheets can be another helpful resource to support this learning.

Feel free to explore our social skills worksheets to learn about more resources to help kids get along with each other.

References:

• Cao, Y., Wang, H., Lv, Y., & Xie, D. (2023). The influence of children’s emotional comprehension on peer conflict resolution strategies. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1142373
• Heath, M. A., Sheen, D., Leavy, D., Young, E., & Money, K. (n.d.). Bibliotherapy. A Resource to Facilitate Emotional Healing and Growth. School Psychology International, 26(5), 563–580. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034305060792