Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

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      • 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
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Picture Books Library < Experiences
Picture books about Experiences from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Picture books that help children to make sense of new experiences. Young children can sometimes become anxious in new or unfamiliar situations. Our picture book collection aims to comfort, inform and reassure them.

Bed Time

Bed Time

Children’s books that promote a good bedtime routine, where children settle happily into bed at night without a fight, and stay there!

Comfort Objects

Comfort Objects

Picture books about childhood comforters such as dummies / pacifiers, blankets, teddies, soothers and cloths.

Haircuts & Hair Care

Haircuts & Hair Care

Books that encourage children who are reluctant to visit the hairdresser or barber to go for a hair cut. This collection also includes books to encourage children to brush their hair.

Holidays & Travel

Holidays & Travel

A collection of picture books for young children about holidays and travel, including what to expect when flying. Includes some great books for children to bring on holiday with them.

Losing a Tooth

Losing a Tooth

Books about losing milk teeth. Some promote good dental care and others include visits from the tooth fairy.

Moving House

Moving House

Books to help children who are moving house or relocating to a new school or different area. Some books focus on the practicalities of moving house while others explore the emotions involved.

New Baby

New Baby

Books to help children who are coming to terms with a new baby in the family. Some titles tackle the subject of jealousy, others explain pregnancy, childbirth and baby care in a way that young children can understand.

Owning a Pet

Owning a Pet

Books that explain the practicalities of pet ownership. Some debunk the often idealistic view children can have of owning a pet, and describe the work that is involved in their care. Some books tackle the loss of a pet.

Playgroup / Nursery

Playgroup / Nursery

Books to help children starting playgroup, nursery or pre-school. These books aim to smooth the transition between being at home each day and being in a busy environment with other children.

Sleepovers & Babysitters

Sleepovers & Babysitters

Books which portray babysitters in a positive light, or describe what to expect when a babysitter visits. Plus books about sleepovers.

Starting School

Starting School

Books that help children prepare for starting school. Starting school is an exciting time for children, but it can also be daunting, particularly for children who tend to be anxious in new environments.

 
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The River

The River by Tom PercivalA beautiful, hopeful picture book that supports and acknowledges children struggling with complex emotions. The boy in the story experiences (and recovers from) a prolonged period of sadness following the death of his pet dog, but the themes in the story would be useful for many scenarios.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Owning a Pet, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anger, depression, dog, emotions, feelings, growing up, loss, persistence, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Charlie and the Dog Who Came to Stay: A Book About Depression

Charlie and the Dog Who Came to StayThis gentle and reassuring story should chime with any young child who is living with depression, whether it is themselves or someone else who has been affected by it. A useful tool to help children to understand depression and how it can change people's feelings and behaviour, containing practical non-preachy guidance and coping strategies.

Categories: Anxiety, Depression in Family, Feelings, Moving House, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anger, behaviour, change, depression, emotions, exercise, feelings, grumpiness, loneliness, mother, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Me and My Fear

Me and My FearA beautifully imagined exploration of fear and how it can change a child's behaviour and perception of the world around them. An excellent springboard for a discussion about emotions, empathy, talking through your worries with others and coping with change.

Categories: Confidence & Self-esteem, Resilience / adaptability, Starting School
Tags: anger, anxiety, change, confidence, courage, emotions, fears, imaginary friend, loneliness, persistence, self-esteem, starting school, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Hair Love

Hair LoveA positive story of how a father and daughter work together to create the perfect hairstyle for a very special day. There are many helpful messages within which could apply to a child who is dealing with an absent or ill parent, or who is simply finding it hard not to give up on a challenging task.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Haircuts & Hair Care, Kindness, Non-traditional Families
Tags: co-operation, confidence, diversity, father, mother, persistence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

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!

Categories: Facts of Life, New Baby, Wanting to be Grown Up
Tags: families, growing up, having babies, puberty, sex

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

By the Light of the Moon

By the Light of the Moon by Tom PercivalThis lovely picture book by Tom Percival acknowledges that it can be difficult for children to move to a new home, and serves as a gentle reminder that it takes time to get used to new situations.

Categories: Moving House, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: change, loneliness, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Tilly’s At Home Holiday

Tilly's At Home HolidayThis picture book acknowledges that not every child is able to go on holiday and shows that it is possible to have fun at home for free with a little bit of creativity and imagination.

Categories: Curiosity & Creativity, Gratitude, Holidays & Travel, Non-traditional Families
Tags: jealousy, poverty, single parent

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Journey

The JourneyThis powerful story about a family's forced migration to a new country gives children the chance to empathise with people in difficult circumstances. It promotes greater understanding and respect for those with different origins and cultures. Children who are refugees themselves may recognise something of their own story here.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Moving House, Non-traditional Families
Tags: absence, anxiety, diversity, father, fears, gratitude, loss, migration, mother, multicultural, transition, violence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Dogger

DoggerThis is a charming story that addresses the loss of a special toy, and how a sibling's kindness saves the day. The book highlights the unique bond some children have with specific toys, and allows an adult reader to see the significance of such a toy through a child's eyes.

Categories: Comfort Objects, Kindness, Sadness
Tags: loss, sister, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

A Safe Place for Rufus

A Safe Place for RufusThis book would be a good choice for children who have experienced trauma in their lives which has left them feeling anxious in new situations. Also relevant for children who are struggling with transitions such as moving house, changing school or moving from one family to another.

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Anxiety, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Moving House, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: abuse, anger, anxiety, cat, eating, emotions, fears, foster

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

I Don’t Want Curly Hair!

I Don't Want Curly Hair!This fun tale will resonate with any child who might hanker after physical attributes they don’t have, for example, straight or curly hair. But it may also help children who feel different for other reasons, and will reassure a child that many people feel that way sometimes. The story reminds us that friendships can often be based on our differences, and that variety is a good thing.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Gratitude, Haircuts & Hair Care
Tags: appearance, body image, confidence, diversity, gratitude

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

My Cat Just Sleeps

My Cat Just SleepsMay help to set realistic expectations on what it is like to own a cat!

Categories: Owning a Pet
Tags: cat

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

There’s Going to Be a Baby

There's Going to Be a BabyPrepares a child for the birth of a sibling, guiding a young reader through the excitement of pregnancy towards the birth of a brother or sister to love.

Categories: New Baby
Tags: brother, mother, sister

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

My Sister is an Alien

My Sister is an AlienThis book would be a good choice for a child who is getting to grips with the birth of a brother or sister. It cleverly addresses the confusion children may sometimes feel about whether or not their new sibling is a permanent fixture in the household!

Categories: New Baby
Tags: brother, sister

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Maisy Goes to Playschool

Maisy Goes to PlayschoolAn interactive book which shows the fun activities a child can have at playgroup or nursery.

Categories: Playgroup / Nursery
Tags: nursery

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

There’s a House Inside My Mummy

There's a House Inside My MummyProviding a reassuring introduction to pregnancy and child birth for the very young.

Categories: New Baby
Tags: brother, facts of life, sister

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Monster Who Ate Darkness

The Monster Who Ate DarknessThis book elegantly 'neutralises' fear of monsters by portraying a non-threatening (and ultimately caring) one. It also provides a fun and poetic explanation to why darkness is so necessary at night time.

Categories: Bed Time, Fear of The Dark, Ghosts and Monsters
Tags: anxiety, emotions, fears, phobias

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Starting School

Starting SchoolProviding a good overview of what happens at a typical primary school. A good starting point to encourage children to talk about anxieties and emotions they may be experiencing related to starting school.

Categories: Shyness, Starting School
Tags: change, friends, school, shyness, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Eeeek, Mouse!

EeeekThis book may help a child who is frightened of mice to see a less threatening side to them.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Animal Phobias, Curiosity & Creativity, Kindness, Owning a Pet
Tags: fears, phobias

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Where’s My Peg?: My First Day at School

Where's My Peg?: My First Day at SchoolMay help a child who is about to start in reception class.

Categories: Starting School
Tags: change, school, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Aaaarrgghh, Spider!

AaaarrgghhOvercoming fears and phobias associated with spiders.

Categories: Animal Phobias, Owning a Pet
Tags: fears, phobias

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Take turns, Max and Millie

Take turnsAn ideal book to encourage a toddler to share.

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Listening & Co-operating, Playgroup / Nursery
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, friends, sharing

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Emily Brown and the Thing

Emily Brown and the ThingIn this lovely book the tables are turned (the little girl is comforting a frightened monster, who is not at all scary). This may neutralise a child's fear of monsters.

Categories: Anxiety, Bed Time, Comfort Objects, Fear of The Dark, Ghosts and Monsters, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Baby Sitter (First Time)

Baby Sitter (First Time)A good choice of book to set a young child's expectations of what it is like to spend time with a baby sitter. It may calm a child who is anxious about being apart from a parent.

Categories: Sleepovers & Babysitters
Tags: diversity, father, single parent

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Bedtime Book

The Bedtime BookWritten by sleep expert Mandy Gurney, this book combines a gentle lullaby-like story with practical advice to help parents settle their children down to sleep.

Categories: Bed Time
Tags: anxiety, nightmares

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Ever So Ever So

Ever So Ever SoThis book may help to explore disgruntled feelings between an older sister and a new baby arriving home. It is hard to accept the adoration and attention mum and dad are giving to new baby sister Susan.

Categories: New Baby
Tags: anger, brother, father, jealousy, mother, sibling rivalry

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Dogfish

DogfishThis book would be a good choice for a child who can't have their desired pet for practical reasons.

Categories: Gratitude, Owning a Pet
Tags: dog

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Harry and Hopper

Harry and HopperTo comfort a child who has lost a loved one. It may be a good starting point for a discussion about bereavement and grief.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Owning a Pet, Sadness
Tags: dog, emotions, imaginary friend, loneliness, loss

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Small Bunny’s Blue Blanket

Small Bunny's Blue BlanketYoung children who have a comfort blanket or other special toy may identify with this story.

Categories: Comfort Objects
Tags: anxiety, emotions

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

How Are Babies Made? (Flip Flap)

How are babies made?A good choice for a child who is curious about how babies are made, how they grow inside their mother, and what happens when they are born. It is factually accurate but also simple enough for very young children and is not sexually explicit.

Categories: Facts of Life, New Baby
Tags: brother, facts of life, mother, sister

As We Grow

As We GrowA comforting story with beautiful illustrations discusses how life may change as we grow older.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Experiences, Facts of Life
Tags: ageing, change, diversity, growing up, life cycle, transition

Arabella and the Magic Pencil

Arabella and the Magic PencilAcknowledges that a new baby in the house can mean big changes, but these changes can be positive ones (although a period of adjustment is needed)

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Curiosity & Creativity, New Baby
Tags: anger, brother, change, jealousy, sibling rivalry, transition

Ice in the Jungle

Ice in the JungleIce the little polar bear cub suddenly has to move from her North Pole home to a new life in the jungle when her mother gets a new job. Ice is understandably upset, and finds the new place very unfamiliar. She misses her friends. But with time, and through the kindness of others, she settles in to her new life just fine.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Moving House, Resilience / adaptability, Starting School
Tags: anxiety, friends, transition

Here I Am

Here I amA hopeful story about making a new country feel like home, told through illustrations.

Categories: Comfort Objects, Courage, Moving House
Tags: friends, loneliness, migration, transition

Worried (Dealing with Feeling…)

WorriedHelps to identify what worries are and provides tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them.

Categories: Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Moving House, Serious Illness
Tags: anxiety, emotions, friends, hitting

My New Home

Focussing on a family of racoons moving house, the message in this story is that new situations may feel strange, scary and lonely for a while, but with a little time and patience they can feel exciting and fun.

Categories: Moving House
Tags: change

AdoraBULL

AdoraBullSeparation can be hard for children, and in this original story, young Tom is devoted to his wonderful pet bull, Alfred. When he starts school, Tom starts searching for a strategy to help Alfred whilst he is absent, and in the end, finds a way to keep everyone happy!

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Starting School
Tags: emotions, feelings, friends, jealousy, loneliness, separation anxiety, starting school

William, The What If Wonder

A story about an anxious boy's first day at school that will help children recognise the difference between worry and reality.

Categories: Anxiety, Playgroup / Nursery, Starting School
Tags: anxiety, confidence, courage, feelings, friends, independence, school

Lula and the Sea Monster

Lula and the Sea Monster by Alex LatimerbyThis quirky and empowering story of the friendship between a girl and a rapidly-growing sea creature contains lots of helpful messages about the importance of kindness and perseverance, standing up for your beliefs and protecting the environment. It also acknowledges how difficult it is for children to leave their family home.

Categories: Caring for the Environment, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Moving House
Tags: change, confidence, courage, friends, loss, persistence

The Sea Saw

The Sea Saw by Tom PercivalA sentimental story that acknowledges the sadness that children feel when they lose a well-loved toy. This book could be a good starting point for a conversation about the loss of a person as well as a comfort object.

Categories: Comfort Objects, Kindness, Sadness
Tags: change, grandparent, loss

Lulu Gets a Cat

Lulu Gets a Cat by Anna McQuinnThis picture book helps children to understand the reality of pet ownership, showing that it involves hard work, consideration and patience, but it is also fun and rewarding.

Categories: Kindness, Owning a Pet
Tags: cat, diversity, transition

Worzel goes for a walk. Will you come, too?

A simple story which gently promotes responsible dog ownership.

Categories: Caring for the Environment, Owning a Pet
Tags: dog

Betsy Goes to the Doctor

Betsy Goes to the DoctorA story about a little girl of pre-school age called Betsy who feels unwell and is taken to see the Doctor for the first time by her mummy. She is worried about letting the Doctor look at her sore ear, but is put at ease when the kind Doctor looks at her toy penguin first.

Categories: Anxiety, Comfort Objects, Common Childhood Illnesses, Courage, Doctors, Hospitals & Operations, Kindness
Tags: anxiety, dog, illness, medicine, parents

Pom and Pim

Pom and PimA story about a child who encounters good luck and bad luck. This book can help children to discover how sometimes bad luck can lead to surprising and wonderful good luck!

Categories: Comfort Objects, Common Childhood Illnesses, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: gender, illness, loss, persistence, phobias, recycling

Suzie Goes On An Aeroplane

Suzie Goes on An AeroplaneThis is a colourful and cheerful book that will teach a child all about flying in an aeroplane. It tells the reader what to expect at every stage of the journey, with some helpful advice thrown in.

Categories: Holidays & Travel
Tags: anxiety, asperger syndrome, autism, fears, phobias

George Goes on a Plane

George Goes on a PlaneA good introduction to what to expect on a plane journey for very young children.

Categories: Holidays & Travel
Tags: mother, single parent

Little Home Bird

Little Home BirdEncourages a child to appreciate that moving home, even if only temporarily, can be a pleasant experience, and subtly suggests some coping strategies for being happy wherever home may be at any one time.

Categories: Moving House
Tags: change, transition

Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrives Early

Prince Preemie: A Tale of a Tiny Puppy Who Arrives EarlyThis story provides a mildly abstract way of explaining the arrival of a premature baby to a child. It may help the young reader to understand that pregnancies don’t always go to plan, and a very early baby may need a lot of special care in hospital, instead of being able to come straight home. It may also be of interest to a child who was a premature baby him/herself.

Categories: New Baby

Two Homes

Two HomesHighlighting that parents can live apart successfully and reassuring children that this situation does not mean that they are loved any less.

Categories: Divorce / Separation, Moving House, Non-traditional Families
Tags: change, divorce, single parent, transition

See You Later Mum

See You Later MumComforting for children starting playgroup or nursery.

Categories: Anxiety, Playgroup / Nursery, Shyness
Tags: absence, confidence, friends, independence, nursery, separation anxiety, shyness

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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.