This story is about Pia and how she experiences the Ebbs and Flows of feelings and emotions during her days. Sometimes she feels like a crashing wave, as fast and furious as the wind, angry or sad, … [Read more...]
The Little Parachutes picture book library
Browse the subject categories below to find a book to match your child's worries, issues, problems and milestones.
Picture books that encourage positive behaviour
Promoting thoughtful actions and good manners, and encouraging children to share and to help others.
Books about big issues and milestones
Books about significant and important subjects, situations and landmarks in a child's life
Books about childhood experiences
Contains significant and important subjects, issues and landmarks
Books about worries, feelings, phobias & fears
Books that help children deal with difficult emotions. Some titles comfort frightened or anxious children.
Books about illness, disabilities & health
Covering medical subjects, including mental and physical disabilities, illnesses and visits to doctors, dentists and hospitals.
Books about positive qualities
Books that promote emotional intelligence such as kindness, resilience, courage, confidence and gratitude.
Milo’s Monster
“Nothing could beat the feeling of having a best friend.” “A funny feeling squirmed around in Milo’s tummy.” “What if Jay didn’t want to be best friends with him anymore?” Milo and Jay have always … [Read more...]
I Talk Like A River
“I talk like a river.” “Even the river stutters. Like I do.” The boy in this story has days when he struggles to speak – a bad speech day. When he wakes in the morning he can see and hear the … [Read more...]
Mighty Mara
Mara is a resident of Sametown, a place where everyone chooses to do the same things in order to fit in. But Mara dances to a different beat and stands out from her peers. She wears beautiful bright … [Read more...]
Nowhere Hair
Despite being written about a serious and potentially frightening subject, 'Nowhere Hair' has a real sense of fun and lightness to it which should appeal to young children without distracting from the … [Read more...]
The River
A new Tom Percival book is always eagerly anticipated at Little Parachutes. It is certain to contain many helpful messages for children to hold close to their hearts as they negotiate the peaks and … [Read more...]
Medieval Mashup: Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures
While children living with a disability may recognise some of their own experiences, challenges and feelings in this story, 'Medieval Mashup' is a great choice for any child. It encourages everyone to … [Read more...]
The Happiest Kid
As her family knows well, Sally is the happiest child. She wakes up every morning to see the beautiful sun shining down on her, full of optimism for the day ahead. Then a few things don’t go very well … [Read more...]
Brody The Lion: The Shopping Flip
The story follows Brody the lion cub and his mother on a trip to the grocery store. Although not specifically stated in the story, Brody displays traits that are common in children on the autistic … [Read more...]
Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots
“Some change was good. Some was bad. But whatever came, she could face it.” Henrietta is a hedgehog who thrives on routine and order, so when her parents hold a family meeting and tell her that … [Read more...]
Daddy’s Time Out
"And even though my daddy was very sorry for what he did, someone very important said that Daddy needed a time out, and now Daddy lives in a place called prison." Nibblit the rabbit is … [Read more...]
The Invisible Boy
"He sits there wondering what is worse - being laughed at or being invisible." Brian feels invisible. Nobody seems to notice him or think to include him. His teacher is too busy dealing with his … [Read more...]
The Most Magnificent Thing
When a little inventor decides to make THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING, she has it all planned out in her mind. She works hard, but the creation that results is not what the inventor had in mind... This is … [Read more...]
Off to School in my Wheelie Chair
The boy in the story sets off to school independently in his manual wheelchair. He is quite clearly proud of his ‘awesome wheelie chair’: the story (written in rhyme) begins with the boy pointing out … [Read more...]
Look Up!
Rocket is a little girl fascinated by the universe! She wants to be an astronaut, and is keen to share her knowledge. She longs to emulate Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman in … [Read more...]
The Girl With Two Dads
When a new girl, Matilda, arrives at school, Pearl is keen to make friends, and she is excited when Matilda is delivered to school by her dad that morning. The girls get on famously, as Pearl so hoped … [Read more...]
Charlie and the Dog Who Came to Stay: A Book About Depression
Author and psychologist Dr Ruth Spence has devised a friendly and accessible book that introduces children to the subject of depression and acknowledges and supports those living with it. The use of … [Read more...]
Mum’s Jumper
We are often told that recovering from the death of a loved one takes a long time, but time eventually heals. In this poignant and honest book, the author has taken a slightly different stance, … [Read more...]
Those Shoes
"I have dreams about those shoes. Black high-tops. Two white stripes." It's easy for adults to dismiss a child's obsession with owning the latest pair of trainers as an unnecessary indulgence. But … [Read more...]
Squishy Sand
Children living with disabilities should recognise aspects of their own lives in 'Squishy Sand'. Realistically highlighting some of the everyday obstacles that children with limited mobility have to … [Read more...]
The Worrysaurus
"...and with those little wordlings, he calmed his busy brain, since when the sun is shining, why worry it will rain?" Rachel Bright's endearing little Worrysaurus is a dinosaur who likes to have a … [Read more...]
The Perfect Shelter
The story opens with two sisters building a den together in the woods. They feel invincible - they are the perfect team with a perfect shelter - surely their special bond of friendship will last … [Read more...]
Me and My Fear
Fear is depicted in this book as a non-threatening, rotund, white creature. The protagonist (a young girl) has moved to a new country and has started a new school where the children and teachers don't … [Read more...]
Red Red Red
Little One, the toddler, is trying to get a biscuit. Frustration builds as Little One tries to reach the biscuit jar and falls, their clothes get twisted, they can’t get the lid off the jar; to them … [Read more...]
I Said No!
This picture book is packed with information to help children recognise potentially abusive situations and suggests straightforward ways that they can help protect themselves. It is narrated by … [Read more...]
What Color Is Today?
Another picture ebook (that can be downloaded free) that has used the rainbow as a symbol of hope. Author and illustrator Alison Stephens uses different colours to represent the emotions that people … [Read more...]
Stuck Inside
“In 2020 an awful virus crept across our planet”. Quite a sinister opening to this little picture book by Dan and Kathryn Allman, which might alarm a nervous child a little. However, the tone of the … [Read more...]
Virtual Hug for The World
Amanda Perlyn Jackson has written and illustrated an uplifting free e-book which inspires children to use their imagination during these challenging times to compensate for imposed restrictions. The … [Read more...]
I Don’t Want to Wash My Hands!
Tony Ross' feisty little princess is a popular character and an entertaining reflection of how many children feel about everyday situations. Here, the princess is told to wash her hands throughout the … [Read more...]
Peek A Boo Faces!
“I feel unsure and a bit scared when I see people in these masks. Dad says they are not forever, they are just for now.” The Australian Children’s Foundation has produced this simple yet useful … [Read more...]
Many Ways To Share A Hug
Coronavirus is getting in the way of giving hugs, and the hugs are not happy about it - they’re needed more now than ever! This delightful free e-picture book, produced by the Australian Childhood … [Read more...]
A Kid’s Guide to Coronavirus
Written by Rebecca Growe, a clinical social worker and psychologist Julia Martin Burch, this is a well-researched free resource that you can rely on to answer children’s questions on the virus and … [Read more...]
Now Wash Your Hands
“But the good news is, there’s a simple thing that little germs can’t stand… If you don’t want them to hang around, all you do is….WASH YOUR HANDS!” Doris the Doctorpus explains to the animals at … [Read more...]
Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19
Probably the most well-known of the free Coronavirus e-books, this impressively comprehensive yet friendly book was written in consultation with Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene … [Read more...]
Real Superheroes
Who are the real superheroes that keep our world safe? The key workers, of course, who keep looking after us during challenging times. This lovely picture book celebrates and applauds them all – … [Read more...]
While We Can’t Hug
Hedgehog and Tortoise were the best of friends. They wanted to give each other a great, big hug. But they weren’t allowed to touch. “Don’t worry,” said Owl. “There are lots of ways to show … [Read more...]
The World Made a Rainbow
'Let's paint a big rainbow to put on display. When people pass by it and see it, they'll say. 'All rainstorms must end, and this rainstorm will too.' And they'll feel a bit happier, all thanks to … [Read more...]
My Special Eye
Prosthetic eyes are something that can feel shrouded in mystery; many people are curious about them, but may feel nervous about asking questions. This picture book uncovers the answers in an engaging … [Read more...]
Impossible!
Dog bimbles along running a laundry in a busy, noisy city. He dreams of visiting the ocean, but he convinces himself it is 'just too far away'. A purchase of 'Ocean Magic' washing powder results in … [Read more...]
Hair Love
"I love that my hair lets me be me!" Zuri knows her thick afro hair is beautiful, and that 'it has a mind of its own / it kinks and coils every which way'. Styling it in different ways makes her … [Read more...]
My Hero Is You
"Sometimes the most important thing we can do as friends is protect each other, even if that means staying away from each other for a while'" Written to support children all over the world in the … [Read more...]
Ask First, Monkey!
Ask First, Monkey! is a super example of a Parachute Book: it carries such important message about consent and boundaries wrapped up in a gently humorous and engaging story. Monkey, the … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees
A bright, colourful and informative book that provides a wealth of information about growing up, puberty, reproduction and parenting. A great reference book for any family book shelf! … [Read more...]
Happy: A Children’s Book of Mindfulness
The basic foundations of mindfulness are expressed in child friendly terms in this book. The use of a simple rhyming structure discussing simple sources of happiness is comforting. The narrative is … [Read more...]
Harrison Spader, Personal Space Invader
A story about Harrison the hippo, who is unwittingly invading his friend's personal space. This book discusses situations that will be familiar to children where personal space may be an issue. The … [Read more...]
We Are Together
A simple book for younger children which focusses on themes of togetherness and friendship. A stand out feature of this book is the way in which the illustrations use "peek through" cut outs to create … [Read more...]
Not Yet a Yeti
All of George's family are yetis - except George. He is keen to find out when he can become a yeti, too. Grandad says it'll be when he can survive alone on a frozen mountain, waiting to lure stray … [Read more...]
The Lion Inside
The little mouse in this story feels ignored and forgotten, missing out on friends and fun. In contrast the lion commands attention with his roar and showing how strong and tough he is. The mouse … [Read more...]
The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel
A very excited frog turns up on Bear's doorstep clutching a brochure. He's arrived for the 'Christmas EXTRAVAGANZA' experience. Bear gently explains to him that his map is upside down and he's on the … [Read more...]
Perfectly Polite Penguins
Polly the Penguin thinks that being polite is BORING, and while the other penguins wait their turn, remember their manners and share nicely, Polly is busy throwing food, interrupting, making … [Read more...]
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