Books helping children through life’s tougher moments
Updated: Sep 24
Books can be a wonderful way to help children make sense of the big, complicated feelings life throws at them. The right story at the right moment can offer comfort, reassurance and a gentle way into conversations that may otherwise feel difficult to start.
From grief and loss to identity, belonging and family, stories can give children a safe space to explore feelings and experiences they may not yet have the words for. Former teacher and Pageticker’s book specialist Carrie McCarthy has handpicked these titles to support children through some of those important moments.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
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 Pebble
by Wendy Meddour
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
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
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.
