LET GO to LET GROW –
A Gentle SEL Book for Kids

Building Emotional Intelligence & Growth Mindset Through Story

Let Go to Let Grow is a thoughtfully written SEL book for kids designed to nurture emotional awareness, resilience, and meaningful connection. Rooted in social emotional learning, this gentle picture book helps children understand their feelings, practice empathy, and build confidence in a calm and supportive way.

Written by Gina Kwon and illustrated by Sarah Lei, the story follows Otter and Frog on a quiet journey about holding on, letting go, and discovering how growth begins.

An Emotional Intelligence Book for Children

Today’s children need more than entertainment- they need stories that guide them.

Let Go to Let Grow helps young readers:

Recognize and name their emotions
Practice empathy and sharing
Understand change in a safe, comforting way
Build confidence through reflection

As an emotional regulation book for kids, it gently models how releasing fear or attachment can create space for trust and growth.

Through Otter and Frog’s journey, children learn that emotions are natural and growth often begins when we feel safe enough to let go.

A Growth Mindset Bedtime Book

Change is not something to fear it is part of becoming.

This growth mindset book for children shows how holding too tightly can make the path harder, while trust and sharing open new possibilities. The message unfolds quietly, making it perfect for bedtime reading and reflective classroom moments.

This story supports children in:

Developing resilience
Understanding that mistakes are part of learning
Navigating new experiences with confidence
Embracing growth with calm and curiosity

It encourages both emotional strength and inner peace, a powerful combination for young readers.

Age & Classroom Relevance

Ideal for Preschool and Elementary Learners

Let Go to Let Grow is accessible for younger children through:

Simple language
Gentle pacing
Relatable characters

For elementary students, the story offers deeper meaning through discussion, making it a supportive resource for classroom SEL goals such as empathy, cooperation, and emotional regulation.

Perfect for:

Preschool classrooms
Elementary SEL discussions
Family bedtime routines
School counselors and educators
Parents seeking intentional storytime

About the Author & Illustrator

Meet the Creators

Gina Kwon

Author

Teacher, writer, and mother, Gina Kwon brings warmth and lived wisdom into her storytelling. Inspired by everyday moments with children, she creates stories that encourage reflection, courage, and connection through social-emotional learning.

Sarah Lei

Illustrator

An architectural engineer and former student of Gina’s, Sarah Lei brings thoughtful visual storytelling to life. Her illustrations reflect balance, growth, and emotional nuance, reinforcing the book’s themes on every page.

What Readers Are Saying

A few words that resonated

— Emily R., parent of a 6-year-old

“My daughter asked me to read this book three nights in a row — and each time, we found something new to talk about. It opened a conversation we didn’t even know we needed.”

— Mr. Allen, Grade 2 teacher

“Let Go to Let Grow is more than a picture book — it’s a gentle invitation to explore emotions, change, and connection. I now use it in my classroom to support social-emotional learning.”

— Monica D., children’s librarian

“Beautifully written and illustrated, this book has quickly become a staff favorite. Kids relate, parents pause, and educators praise it for the quiet wisdom it brings.”