Picture books tagged with: change

Nowhere Hair

A picture book that steps in to support anyone that needs to explain cancer treatment and its effects to a young child. It also serves as a good reminder that we should not judge or tease people for the way they look, it's what inside that counts the most, and parental love is unwavering, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The Happiest Kid

A gentle, reassuring picture book that helps children to recognise and normalise sadness and talk about big feelings

Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots

A picture book that acknowledges that a change in routine can be challenging for many children, while at the same time demonstrating that with patience and support, it is possible to get through difficult times. A useful springboard for a conversation about uncomfortable changes, the story promotes patience, resilience and courage to face the unknown or new.

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

This 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.

The Perfect Shelter

A beautiful picture book that explores the complicated and sometimes contradictory emotions that children can feel when they have a loved one with a serious illness.

Me and My Fear

A 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.

Coronavirus: A Book for Children about Covid-19

A comprehensive, child-friendly free e-book that is a great way to answer a child's questions or address their concerns on any aspect of the Coronavirus crisis.

My Special Eye

A vibrant, positive picture book narrated by Bruno, an active little boy who has a prosthetic eye. Any child could learn a good deal from this picture book about why people have prostheses, how the eye is cared for, and what it means for the wearer. 'My Special Eye' gives a much-needed voice to monocular children.

Impossible!

Perfect to share with children who hide their fears and worries behind "I CAN'T" or "IT'S IMPOSSIBLE', this charming picture book may encourage more of a growth mindset, help to overcome a challenge, or motivate a child to take the first step on the road to a new adventure or experience.

The Fix-It Man

A touching portrayal of how a young girl deals with the loss of her mother.

The Memory Tree

'A celebration of life and memories that live on when a loved one dies'. This gentle and comforting book is a good choice for a child who has been affected by the loss of an elderly relative or friend.

By the Light of the Moon

This 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.

The Suitcase

This simple and powerful story about the arrival of a stranger could be a catalyst for exploring so many concepts and themes with young children: trust, curiosity, tolerance, hope, kindness, making amends, friendship, ‘doing the right thing’ and telling the truth to name just a few.

The Koala Who Could

An entertaining story that encourages children to try something new. Perfect for children who find change difficult.

What Happened to Daddy’s Body?

This is a frank and lovingly written book, explaining clearly what happens to someone’s body when they die. It provides young children with a means to understand what happens after death, whilst reassuring them with the message that life goes on for those left behind.

My Daddy’s In Jail

When a family member goes to prison, young children can be frightened and confused and perhaps feel they are in some way to blame. This important book, sensitively written by a former prisoner, is packed full of comforting explanations and reassurance for children in this challenging situation.

Starting School

Providing 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.

A Day With Dad

Shows how the love between a child and an estranged parent can remain strong regardless of how far apart they are. Reinforcing the pride a father and son can have for each other.

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

May help a child who is about to start in reception class.

Milo’s Monster

This is another book in the Big Bright Feelings series by this author which deals with friendship, jealousy and what happens when a new friend comes along. It looks at what happens when the friendship dynamic changes and how to deal with this in a child friendly way.

What Color Is Today?

A child may feel reassured after reading this book that it is normal to experience a huge array of emotions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Stuck Inside

Acknowledges the challenges that children may face during the Coronavirus pandemic (missing hugs and activities, freedom to mix and play, etc.)

Many Ways To Share A Hug

A free e-book for children that explains some of the temporary changes to ordinary life due to Coronavirus. A great choice for children missing hugs and close contact.

While We Can’t Hug

To comfort and support young children who are missing being able to hug their friends and extended family because of social distancing

My Hero Is You

This free e-book contains lots of information for children to help them cope with anxieties surrounding Coronavirus.

Harrison Spader, Personal Space Invader

This book discusses the importance of considering other's personal space, and offers practical tips for "personal space invaders".

The Lion Inside

A delightful story showing that everyone feels scared sometimes. Great for encouraging children to find their own voice.

As We Grow

A comforting story with beautiful illustrations discusses how life may change as we grow older.

Arabella and the Magic Pencil

Acknowledges 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)

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.

Lula and the Sea Monster

This 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.

The Sea Saw

A 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.

Visiting Grandad’s New Home

A charming, positive story to help children to understand dementia and care home life for a grandparent.

Rosie Rudey and the very Annoying Parent

Children who have had a difficult start in life, who are finding it hard to adapt to life within a new family, may benefit from this book. Children in other situations who are struggling with emotional and behavioural issues may identify with Rosie in the book, and, with the guidance of a parent or other trusted adult, may be able to take the first steps to improving their situation.

Little Home Bird

Encourages 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.

Two Homes

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

Two Nests

For very young children, experiencing the separation or divorce of their parents can be an extremely confusing and troubling time. This book provides an easily understood and reassuring picture of how family life can continue happily even if parents are living apart.