Narratives that Nurture: Promoting Self-Esteem and Mental Wellness through Children’s Literature

Closeup of library books on a green library cart

December 9, 2025
10:00-11:30am
1.5 CEs for LCSW/LSW and LCPC/LPC
$20 for CEs, $10 for no CEs

Discover how children’s literature can spark conversations about feelings, teach coping skills, and boost self-esteem. This seminar will give you practical strategies to use storytelling as a tool for building resilience, confidence, and mental health awareness.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the ways in which children’s literature introduces coping skills and emotional regulation strategies that support mental health development.
  • Explain how storytelling fosters confidence and self-expression by strengthening emotional awareness and normalizing feelings in children.
  • Demonstrate strategies for incorporating children’s books and storytelling into professional practice to build resilience, empathy, and self-esteem in young learners.

Registration Options:

If you do NOT need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

NON-CEU REGISTRATION

If you DO need CEUs for LCSW/LSW or LCPC/LPC, register via the link below:

CEU REGISTRATION

Workshop Presenters

Headshots of Beth Walder and Katie Weston

Beth Walder, LCSW, is an Author, Mental Wellness Educator, and Therapist in Vermilion County, IL. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois. Beth is dual licensed in Illinois and Indiana as an LCSW and has several years of experience working in community mental health, health care, private practice, and education. She has written and published multiple children’s books educating and encouraging children and families to think positively and use coping skills for tough emotions. Beth believes mental health education is the key to spreading hope, healing, and happiness.

Katie Weston is a Visual Artist, Illustrator, and co-founder of Weston Books, based in Rossville, IL. She has illustrated and published several children’s books that encourage positive self-talk and teach coping skills for managing emotions. Through her art and storytelling, Katie works to make mental health concepts accessible, engaging, and empowering for children and families. In addition to illustration, she creates portraits live at events using her signature date-stamp technique, capturing meaningful moments in a unique and memorable way. Katie is passionate about using creativity as a tool for resilience, healing, and connection, and hopes to inspire students to do the same.