Maika Carrillo
As a family, we undergo a few changes or life events that are quite hard to explain to our children. Books are perfect tools to help them understand and explore their feelings about the certain situation that the family is going through. Here are some book recommendations for situations that every parent may have a hard time explaining.
Grief and loss
Books can aid children comprehend sadness, ranging from the loss of a beloved toy to the passing of a dear pet or beloved family member. The Thomas Family embarks on a journey as they bid farewell to their pet cat Mog, and get a new kitten. Goodbye Mog is an ideal story for gently introducing to young children the topics of sorrow, grief, loss and bereavement.
Below are more book suggestions to help children cope or prepare them for challenging situations ahead:
Mum’s Jumper by Jayde Perkin
Grandpa Was an Astronaut by Jonathan Meres, Hannah Coulson
The Care and Feeding of a Pet Black Hole by Michelle Cuevas
You Will Be Okay by Julie Stokes, Laurène Boglio
The Girl Who Became a Tree by Joseph Coelho, Kate Milner
New siblings
There’s a House Inside My Mummy by Giles Andreae and Vanessa Cabban
Using books is an excellent method to prepare a younger child for the arrival of a new sibling, helping them to connect with the newcomer. This book is the perfect read for curious young minds, engaging them in the excitement and anticipation of a new sibling with a simple rhyming tale told with warmth and humour.
Other reading suggestions are as follows:
I’m Big Now by Anthea Simmons, Georgie Birkett
15 Things Not to Do With a Baby by Margaret McAllister, Holly Sterling
Lulu and the Noisy Baby by Camilla Reid, Ailie Busby
You and Me by Rachel Fuller
The New Small Person by Lauren Child
Parents separating/Family break- up
My Family’s Changing by Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker
Navigating family break-ups is a sensitive and sad period for everyone, especially for the children involved. The topic of divorce in this book is explained in a clear and uncomplicated manner, complemented by vibrant illustrations. Throughout the book, questions are strategically placed, encouraging meaningful discussions between parents and carers.
Below are more children’s books curated to facilitate challenging conversations about parents separating or family break-up:
Where Did You Go Today by Jenny Duke
I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak
Red Leaves by Sita Brahmachari
My Daddy’s Going Away by Christopher MacGregor, Emma Yarlett
The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson, Nick Sharratt
Adoption/being adopted
I Wished For You: An Adoption Story by Marianne Richmond
With delightful writing and captivating watercolour illustrations, I Wished for You provides a comforting read, affirming that love is the essence of what defines a family. The story unfolds a dialogue between a small bear named Barley and his Mama, as Barley poses the kind of questions many adopted children often have, and Mama responds to each one with affection.
Check more of these book suggestions on lovely stories about adoption:
Adoption (Questions & Feelings About) by Anita Ganeri, Ximena Jeria
The Day We Met You by Phoebe Koehler, Lois Ruskai Melina
We Belong Together by Todd Parr
I Don’t Have Your Eyes by Carrie A. Kitze
Patina by Jason Reynolds and Selom Sunu
Diversity and inclusivity
You Can! By Alexandra Strick and Steve Antony
Drawing inspiration from the authentic voices and messages of real children, including those with disabilities, You Can! stands out as an exceptionally inclusive picture book, delivering a powerful reminder and message to all children that they are valuable individuals with promising futures. This non-fiction book has its purpose to empower children by assuring them that, regardless of the path they follow, there are opportunities for support, love, happiness, and fulfilment.
The list of books below may be useful in portraying positive images of disability and diversity for young readers:
What Happened to You? By James Catchpole, Karen George
Benjamin and the Super Spectacles by Rachel Bright
Max the Champion by Sean Stockdale and Alexandra Strick, Ros Asquith
The Okay Book by Todd Parr
Brian Has Dyslexia by Woody Fox, Jenny Leigh
Moving house/relocation
Goodbye House, Hello House by Ann James and Margaret
Relocating to a new home can be an incredibly thrilling experience, but during uncertain times, additional concerns may arise. Older kids may feel hesitant about leaving their friends behind, especially if the move is to a more distant location. Younger children, on the other hand, may simply find the entire process perplexing. Goodbye House, Hello House is a touching tale of embracing change and embarking on a fresh start, moving from the country to the city, with a distinctive illustration style that provides ample room for the reader’s imagination to wander.
Here are more books to help and encourage young readers to express and explore their feelings about moving homes and relocating to a new place:
The Comet by Joe Todd-Stanton
Here I Am by Patti Kim, Sonia Sánchez
A Place to Call Home by Alexis Deacon, Silvia Viviane Schwarz, Viviane Schwarz
We’re Moving: A Reassuring Book About New Beginnings by Adam and Charlotte Guillain
Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away by Meg Medina, Sonia Sánchez
Family illness
The Hospital Hoppities by Charlotte Hartley-Jones and Anjalee Burrows
Stories can be valuable tools for explaining long-term illness to children, providing comfort, understanding, and a sense of normalcy. The Hospital Hoppities not only amplifies the voices of children enduring long-term hospital stays but also stimulates their imagination and sheds light on the incredible acts of kindness performed daily by hospital staff, volunteers, and supporters. The illustrations intricately capture various medical details, aiming to familiarise readers with the hospital environment. The author and illustrator have crafted a lovable rabbit character, fostering a more positive outlook for children facing hospital stays.
Here are more book suggestions to help address and discuss long-term illness with children and their families:
Skellig by David Almond
Gentle Willow by Joyce C Mills, Cary Pillo
Big Tree Is Sick by Nathalie Slosse, Rocio Del Moral
Scrambled Heads byEmily Palmer
Tiger Livy byErin Garcia, Betsy Miller, Ivreese Tong
Remember that every child is different, and their reactions and understanding will vary. The goal is to create an open and supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing and processing the challenges associated with the various events happening in their lives.
About the author
Maika Carrillo is a self-confessed bibliophile who loves to visit and explore libraries and bookshops. She has lost count of how many books she has and she always runs out of space for new ones. She considers the library her second home. She is a book blogger, a bookstagramer (follow her @thefilipinabookjunkie), and currently the facilitator for The Filipino Mothers UK Book Club.
