Books helping children through life’s tougher moments

Mental Health Awareness Week is the perfect moment to think about how we help children make sense of the big, complicated feelings life throws at them. The right book at the right moment can change everything. From grief and loss to identity, belonging and family - stories give children a safe space to explore feelings they might not yet have the words for. Former teacher and Pageticker's book specialist Carrie McCarthy has handpicked these titles for exactly those moments.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

Age suitability: 3-6 years old

The Invisible String is a heartwarming picture book that’s great for sharing with children who are struggling with separation anxiety, anxiety, loss or grief.

In the book, the mother tells her children that they are connected by an invisible string of love, which connects them to everyone they care about, no matter how far away they are.

Grandad’s Camper by Harry Woodgate

Age suitability: 3-7 years old

Grandad’s Camper is a gentle picture book about grief but that also celebrates LGBTQIA + families.

The story follows a young boy and his grandad, who shares stories about his partner Gramps and their life together. Through these memories, his grandson learns about loss and the importance of remembering and cherishing the memories of those we love.

My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart

Age suitability: 3-9 years old

My Shadow Is Pink is a book that explores gender identity and individuality.

A young boy has been born into a family with blue shadows and he wants to be just like his father. His shadow is pink though, he loves pink toys, princesses and things that are ‘not for boys.’ With the support of his father, he learns that he doesn’t need to change to fit in but is loved exactly as he is.

Lubna And The Pebble by Wendy Meddour, illustrated by Daniel Egneus

Age suitability: 4-8 years old

Lubna And The Pebble is a book that gently helps children to understand the challenges that refugees might face.

The story follows Lubna, a young girl who arrives at a refugee camp and forms an attachment to a small pebble, whom she calls her best friend. Through this friendship, she processes her feelings of fear, loss and missing home. When she meets Amir, she gives him the pebble, knowing he needs it more.

Sulwe by Lupita Nyong'o illustrated by Vashti Harrison

Age suitability: 4-8 years old

Sulwe is a great book to open up conversations about self acceptance and learning to see your own worth. 

Sulwe is a young girl, who has the darkest skin in her family and struggles with feeling different and feeling less beautiful than others. After a magical journey through the sky, she understands that beauty exists in many shades and that her own skin is something she should be proud of.

A Shelter For Sadness by Anne Booth, illustrated by David Litchfield

Age suitability: 5+

A Shelter For Sadness is a beautiful book about making space for sadness.

In the book, the boy makes a shelter for his sadness. He can visit his sadness at any time, whether to sit quietly, to cry or to talk. The message is that sadness is not something to be pushed away but instead cared for and understood.

Pageticker is the UK's top-rated digital reading diary designed to help children develop habits that will fuel their curiosity and learning for life. Find out more.