Bullying, Violence & Abuse

Picture Books Library < Issues < Bullying, Violence & Abuse

Picture books about Bullying, Violence & Abuse from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Books which cover the subject of bullying, either written from the point of view of the victim or the perpetrator. Some books suggest practical ways to prevent bullying taking place, while others attempt to explain the possible reasons why people bully others.

Ask First, Monkey!

An important introduction to consent and boundaries for young children.

The Last Chip

Sharing this story with a child would be a good catalyst for a conversation about kindness and resilience. The Last Chip has important messages about the harmful effects of bullying and violence, and challenges negative stereotypes of homeless people and those in poverty.

What’s worrying you?

A great picture book to help children explore their worries. While it is normal to feel anxious now and then, when anxiety escalates and can't be controlled, sitting down with your child and reading this book together should help.

A Safe Place for Rufus

This 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.

Minnie & Max are OK!

A good choice to help a child develop a positive body image, “Minnie & Max are OK!” sends out a strong message that everyone is different and that we all have our own specific strengths. The book will reassure a child with insecurities, and encourage them to look at the wonderful diversity all around them.

We’re All Wonders

This story shows how one child copes with his own differences, and other people’s reactions to them. The reader will find comfort in Auggie’s imaginative tactics, and his positivity about being able to change the way others see him.

Good Little Wolf

Although predominantly an entertaining story, this quirky picture book also explores the idea of being true to oneself and defying stereotypes. It reinforces the message that you don't need to 'go with the crowd' if the crowd's actions are not wise.

Is It Because…?

A good starting point to introduce the subject of bullying and why it happens. It may encourage children to explore the feelings of the bully as well as the victim.

This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye

This entertaining book explores the idea of 'being different'. The central character has less conventional looks than his classmates, but the story reveals that his kindness and intelligence are more important than the way he looks. The book also has an anti-bullying message.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

This is Our House

Promoting tolerance, co-operation and acceptance. Celebrating diversity.

The Happy Book

A great starting point for talking about both positive and negative feelings with very young children. This book may gently encourage co-operation and good behaviour.

Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept

This is a skilfully written and beautifully illustrated book which covers the subject of keeping young children safe from sexual abuse. Written as a tool to help parents, caregivers and teachers broach the subject in a non-threatening way, it sensitively weaves the important facts into a story that young children will find accessible.

I Said No!

This 'kid-to-kid guide to keeping private parts private' teaches children to recognise the threat of sexual abuse, and to tell a trusted adult about it. For children who have been victims of abuse in the past, it will acknowledge their feelings and help them to realise they are not alone.

Insults Aren’t Funny: What to Do About Verbal Bullying

When Charlie is verbally bullied by his team mate, his thinks about quitting football all together. Luckily, with some help from a friend, Charlie learns what to do to get help when he is being bullied.

Worried (Dealing with Feeling…)

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

Malala’s Magic Pencil

An uplifting and empowering true story about a young girl who achieved world-wide respect for standing up for her beliefs.

Will You Be My Friend?

This is a very useful guide to help children understand how friendships work. The content can be discussed with an adult, but could also be used as a self-help guide - a go-to resource if needed - to help children through tricky situations with their friends.

Witches and Fairies

Children can sometimes form friendship circles which exclude others, which can be difficult for the children left on the outside. This book focusses on Clotilda, a little girl who doesn't really fit into the group of fairies and group of witches she longs to play with.

I Feel Bullied (Your Feelings)

An informative book that covers many aspects of bullying and being bullied.

Don’t be a Bully, Billy!

This cautionary tale may discourage a child from bullying another. It reinforces the message that bullying is wrong.

The Bad Tempered Ladybird

Encouraging children to share and value friendship, rather than bullying to get what they want.

Manners in School

By encouraging children to behave in a thoughtful, polite and caring manner at school.

Tyrannosaurus Drip

While predominantly being a book for pure entertainment, this book also has the underlying themes of bullying, acceptance and prejudice.

Giraffes Can’t Dance

The story would be a good starting point for a discussion on self-esteem and persistence, or the positive side of being different. It also has an anti-bullying/acceptance message.

I Don’t Care!: Learning About Respect

The book explains what respect means and shows a child the different ways respect can be shown and received. It also explains how negative it is when you are not respected or do not respect other people.

Manfred the Baddie

A cautionary tale to reinforce the message that people who behave badly are avoided by others.

Everybody Matters: A First Look at Respect for Others

This non-fiction picture book introduces children to the concept of respect, fair treatment and anti-discrimination. It explains that you can earn respect by being polite, honest and by listening to others: qualities that will ultimately lead to making the world a better place.