Stories that Support: "Where Milo Found His Breath", an SEL Picture Book
Date: October 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 – 8:00 am UTC
About this session
Stories that Support: “Where Milo Found His Breath”, an SEL Picture Book
This explores how picture books can be used as meaningful social-emotional learning (SEL) resources to support student wellbeing and emotional literacy. Through the development of Where Milo Found His Breath, a student-created SEL picture book, participants will examine how storytelling can help children identify emotions, navigate anxiety, and build healthy coping strategies in an approachable and age-appropriate format.
The session will discuss the creative process behind transforming mental health themes into a visual narrative accessible to younger audiences, as well as practical ways counselors and educators can incorporate picture books into classroom conversations, advisory programs, and World Mental Health Day activities.
Attendees will leave with ideas for integrating storytelling into SEL practices while creating safer, more reflective spaces for students to discuss emotions and wellbeing.
Speaker
Weewarin Roongtanapirom is a student author and interdisciplinary creator whose work combines storytelling, visual art, and social-emotional learning. She is the creator of Where Milo Found His Breath, a picture book developed to support conversations surrounding student well-being, emotional literacy, and mental health awareness.
The development of the project was informed through collaboration with school counselors at International School Bangkok and guidance from Courtney Konyn, Director of Communications and Advocacy at Steps. Her work explores how creative media can make complex emotional experiences more accessible to younger audiences while encouraging empathy, reflection, and self-expression.
In addition to her work in storytelling and illustration, Weewarin is actively involved in student leadership, community initiatives, and projects that promote neurodiversity awareness, mental health, well-being, and the arts.
