Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

  • Picture book subjects
    • Issues
      • Adoption
      • Bereavement
      • Bullying & Abuse
      • Depression in Family
      • Divorce / Separation
      • The Environment
      • Facts of Life
      • Non-traditional Families
      • Parent In Prison
      • Safety & Protection
      • Serious Illness
    • Experiences
      • Bed Time
      • Comfort Objects
      • Getting Dressed
      • Haircuts & Hair Care
      • Holidays & Travel
      • Losing a Tooth
      • Moving House
      • New Baby
      • Owning a Pet
      • Playgroup / Nursery
      • Sleepovers & Babysitters
      • Starting School
    • Feelings
      • Anxiety
      • Being Different / Yourself
      • Fears:
        • Ghosts & Monsters
        • Animals & insects
        • The Dark
      • Sadness
      • Shyness
      • Wanting to be Grown Up
    • Behaviour
      • Aggression & Tantrums
      • Friendship & Getting Along
      • Helping Out
      • Listening & Co-operating
      • Manners & Politeness
      • Telling the Truth
      • Tidiness & Helping Out
    • Health
      • Allergies
      • Childhood Illnesses
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Healthy Eating & Exercise
      • Hospitals & Operations
      • Disabilities
      • Dentists & Dental Care
      • Wearing Glasses / Eye patch
    • Skills
      • Getting Dressed
      • Learning to Swim
      • Using The Potty / Toilet
      • Washing & Good Hygiene
    • Positive Qualities
      • Acceptance & Inclusion
      • Confidence & Self-esteem
      • Courage
      • Curiosity & Creativity
      • Gratitude
      • Kindness
      • Resilience / adaptability
  • Parachute Books
  • About us
    • Our story
    • Contact us
    • Contributors
    • Help and FAQs
    • Subscribe
  • Your Book List
  • Blog
< Picture Books Library
Categories: Parent In Prison

Far Apart Close in Heart

Far Apart Close in Heart investigates many of the feelings a child with an incarcerated parent might have, including confusion, anger, sadness, isolation and shame. Above all, this book will help a child to realise that they are not alone in experiencing these feelings.
Add to your book list
Far Apart, Close in Heart

Author: Becky Birtha
Illustrator: Maja Kastelic
Publisher: Albert Whitman and Company

For a significant number of children all over the world, having a parent in incarceration is a very real issue. This book highlights some of the concerns, fears and emotions these children may have, and helps them and their carers to acknowledge those feelings. This is a beautifully illustrated book, with heartfelt text. It would be a very useful tool to start discussions with a child in a similar situation.

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

It can be very difficult and confusing for a child to understand why a parent has to go away to prison. This can represent a form of mourning, as the parent is lost to the child, even if temporarily.

Often, children are worried that bad people go to jail – and this could affect their view of their own parent.

The child may have many questions, including some they are not sure they can ask.

Guidance:

  • The book goes through many common concerns and worries children with incarcerated parents might have, and for each one, the author comes up with a way forward, be it letter-writing, a visit or phone call to mum or dad, or simply talking things through with a carer.
  • At the end of this book, there is a very useful section which gives general information to parents, care givers, teachers and counsellors regarding children’s feelings surrounding incarceration within their family. It highlights the need for acknowledgement of children’s feelings under such circumstances, and suggests ways forward, including talking about the issue at hand, telling the truth in an age-appropriate manner, and investigating organisations that can help children of prisoners to feel less isolated. Further reading is also suggested.

Hope & Inspiration:

  • The children in Far Apart Close in Heart are all concerned about subtly different things to do with their incarcerated parents. For each scenario, the author attempts to alleviate the child’s anguish with a way forward, and in every case, the outcome is that the child feels acknowledged, empowered and happier at the end.
  • The overriding message from this book is that children feel love for their parents, even when they are incarcerated. There may indeed be many other emotions circulating too, but those feelings exist because of love.
Review by: Rebecca Seymour

Categories: Parent In Prison
Tags: anxiety, emotions, loss



As an Amazon Associate, Little Parachutes earns a small commission from qualifying purchases. This money helps us to cover our admin costs and reach more families.

What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

Let us search for you

© Copyright 2020 Little Parachutes · All Rights Reserved · Help & FAQ's · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.