Little Parachutes

Picture books that help children

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Picture books tagged with: friends

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Mighty Mara

Mighty MaraMighty Mara celebrates diversity and also explores themes about tenacity, self-confidence, and disability inclusion. The protagonist, a young disabled girl, encounters doubt and some bullying when she signs up to perform in her school talent show. Readers will see how she overcomes biases and ableism to embrace what makes her uniquely herself.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Disabilities, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: body image, co-operation, confidence, courage, feelings, friends, persistence, prejudice, self-esteem, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Medieval Mashup: Leigh’s Wheelie Adventures

Medieval Mashup by Charlene McIverIn this charming picture book, a group of children (including Leigh, a wheelchair user) work together to support each other to make costumes for a school event. Leigh is struggling with feelings of self-consciousness and frustration, but he successfully overcomes this.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Disabilities, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, co-operation, confidence, courage, diversity, feelings, friends, independence, persistence, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Happiest Kid

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

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Depression in Family, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, behaviour, change, confidence, depression, fears, feelings, friends, grumpiness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Invisible Boy

The Invisible BoyThis beautiful book promotes inclusivity and empathy, encouraging children to 'leave no-one behind' in friendship groups and to consider other people's feelings.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Shyness
Tags: anxiety, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, feelings, friends, friendship, loneliness, multicultural, prejudice, self-esteem

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Those Shoes

Those ShoesA brilliant book that puts the reader in the shoes of a child in poverty, acknowledging the frustration and sense of injustice a child feels when they can’t have the things their friends take for granted.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Kindness, Non-traditional Families, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: friends, gratitude, jealousy, poverty

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Squishy Sand

Squishy SandThis engaging picture book features Leigh, a disabled child who uses a wheelchair. It highlights some of the everyday obstacles that wheelchair users have to cope with. A great choice for any child, reinforcing the importance of empathy, resilience, teamwork, kindness and creative thinking.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Disabilities, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, co-operation, confidence, courage, friends, independence, persistence, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

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.

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, change, co-operation, confidence, courage, fears, friends, persistence, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Ask First, Monkey!

Ask First, Monkey!An important introduction to consent and boundaries for young children.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Friendship & Getting Along, Listening & Co-operating, Safety and Protection
Tags: abuse, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, consent, courage, emotions, fears, friends, friendship

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Only Way is Badger

The Only Way is BadgerA book about acceptance, difference and learning to say sorry.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: appearance, co-operation, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Sneaky Beak

Sneaky BeakAn entertaining picture book about learning to be happy with what you have.

Categories: Caring for the Environment, Gratitude
Tags: co-operation, friends, gratitude, jealousy, persistence, recycling

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Amazing

AmazingA joyful book that celebrates friendship, play and acceptance. The story features 'incidental' inclusion: the central character uses a wheelchair, which features prominently in the illustrations but is not mentioned in the text.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities
Tags: exercise, friends, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Hospital Hoppities

The Hospital HoppitiesThis story gives a voice to children in long-term hospital care and normalises the hospital environment. It recognises how many selfless acts of kindness are performed in hospitals every day by staff, volunteers and the families of sick children. It also encourages children to be kind and helpful.

Categories: Doctors, Hospitals & Operations, Gratitude, Kindness, Serious Illness
Tags: co-operation, friends, illness, imaginary friend, medicine, wheelchair

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

All the Ways to be Smart

All the Ways to be SmartSo often children are led to believe that being smart is all about academic achievement. This delightful, positive and diverse picture book re-frames the concept of being smart to include many other wonderful qualities.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: co-operation, confidence, courage, diversity, friends, sharing

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Through the Eyes of Me

Through the Eyes of MeA useful picture book to simply explain autism to children, it is a positive exploration of how a young girl with autism perceives the world.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Disabilities, Kindness
Tags: asperger syndrome, autism, diversity, eating, emotions, father, friends

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Ruby’s Worry

Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival'A reassuring and sensitive book - the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries no matter how big or small they may be'

Categories: Anxiety, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness
Tags: anxiety, co-operation, fears, friends, mental health

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Memory Tree

The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup'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.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: change, friends, gratitude, grief, loss

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

The Squirrels Who Squabbled by Rachel BrightA laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and learning to share, two squirrels squabble over one nut but ultimately put their differences aside and co-operate.

Categories: Courage, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Listening & Co-operating, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, friends, persistence, rudeness, sharing

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Suitcase

The Suitcase by Chris Naylor-BallesterosThis 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.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along, Gratitude, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: appearance, change, co-operation, diversity, fears, friends, migration, multicultural, persistence, prejudice, sharing, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Unstoppable Maggie McGee

The Unstoppable Maggie McGee by Juliet Clare BellA warm, positive reflection of the imagination, friendship and trust of children in long-term hospital care.

Categories: Courage, Doctors, Hospitals & Operations, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Serious Illness
Tags: friends, illness, loneliness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Last Chip

The Last Chip by Duncan BeedieSharing 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. 

Categories: Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: feelings, friends, loneliness, persistence, poverty, prejudice, sharing, violence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Kind

Kind by Alison GreenA beautiful picture book which explores and encourages kindness in many forms. It promotes sharing, acceptance, tolerance and empathy.

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Manners & Politeness
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, diversity, feelings, friends, gratitude, multicultural, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

How to be a Lion

How to be a LionA brilliant and entertaining story with a strong and clear message: Don't be afraid to be yourself; embrace the differences in yourself and others.

Categories: Being Different & Being Yourself, Courage, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: appearance, behaviour, co-operation, diversity, emotions, feelings, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

What’s worrying you?

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.

Categories: Aggression & Tantrums, Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Common Childhood Illnesses, Confidence & Self-esteem, Divorce / Separation, Fear of The Dark, Friendship & Getting Along, Ghosts and Monsters, Kindness, Listening & Co-operating, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness, Shyness
Tags: anger, anxiety, behaviour, co-operation, confidence, divorce, emotions, friends, jealousy, mental health, phobias, transition

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!

Isaac and HIs Amazing Asperger SuperpowersExplains Asperger's syndrome in a simple, gentle and positive way to very young children.

Categories: Disabilities
Tags: anxiety, asperger syndrome, autism, emotions, friends

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Koala Who Could

The Koala Who CouldAn entertaining story that encourages children to try something new. Perfect for children who find change difficult.

Categories: Anxiety, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Kindness, Shyness
Tags: anxiety, change, confidence, depression, emotions, fears, friends, mental health, phobias, separation anxiety, shyness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Grumpy Frog

Grumpy FrogA thoroughly entertaining and engaging book which explores some important themes: forgiveness, tolerance, co-operation, and how moods and behaviour affects others.

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: anger, behaviour, co-operation, diversity, emotions, friends, grumpiness, prejudice, stubbornness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Perfectly Norman

Perfectly Norman"Find the courage to be yourself"

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage
Tags: anxiety, body image, confidence, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Minnie & Max are OK!

Minnie and 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.

Categories: Adoption & Fostering, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Confidence & Self-esteem, Courage, Sadness
Tags: body image, confidence, diversity, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

We’re All Wonders

We're All WondersThis 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.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: body image, confidence, diversity, emotions, friends, prejudice

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Yummy Ice-Cream

Yummy Ice-CreamThe book has the simple but effective message that sharing with friends is a good thing

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, friends, sharing

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary Night

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary NightMay comfort a child who is anxious about the dark, spiders, ghosts or monsters, and make them realise they are not alone.

Categories: Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Fear of The Dark, Ghosts and Monsters
Tags: anxiety, emotions, fears, friends, phobias

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Bear and the Wildcat

The Bear and the WildcatThis book covers themes of grief, loneliness and loss in a clear and touching way.

Categories: Death & Bereavement, Sadness
Tags: depression, emotions, friends, loss

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye

This Book Belongs to Aye-AyeThis 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.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Curiosity & Creativity, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Tidiness & Helping Out
Tags: co-operation, friends, persistence, prejudice, school

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

The Great Big Book of Feelings

The Great Big Book of FeelingsA 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.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Animal Phobias, Anxiety, Being Different & Being Yourself, Bullying, Violence & Abuse, Confidence & Self-esteem, Death & Bereavement, Gratitude, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability, Sadness, Shyness
Tags: anger, anxiety, depression, emotions, fears, friends, hitting, jealousy, loneliness, loss, persistence, phobias, prejudice, shyness, violence

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Rabbityness

RabbitynessCelebrates individuality, encourages creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Curiosity & Creativity, Death & Bereavement, Gratitude
Tags: friends, loss

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

I’m the Happiest

I'm the HappiestA lovely story which teaches children that the path to true happiness is to be content with what you already have. While all the other animals compete and compare, Racoon is happy to be himself.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along, Gratitude
Tags: confidence, diversity, friends, gratitude

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

I Am Not a Copycat! (Hugo & Bella)

I Am Not a Copycat! (Hugo & Bella)This book comically reflects a behavioural quirk that many children display at some point: imitating those around them to the point of extreme annoyance! The story gently promotes tolerance in others.

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: behaviour, co-operation, friends

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

What Makes Me Happy?

What Makes Me Happy?May help a child to identify emotions they are experiencing and encourage them to discuss any they feel uncomfortable with. Reassures children that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

Categories: Aggression & Tantrums, Anxiety, Friendship & Getting Along, Sadness, Shyness
Tags: absence, anger, anxiety, emotions, fears, friends, growing up, phobias, separation anxiety, shyness

Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner

Looking after Louis

Looking after LouisExplaining to young children how autism can affect behaviour and promoting tolerance and understanding of others.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Disabilities, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: asperger syndrome, autism, behaviour, co-operation, emotions, friends

Milo’s Monster

Milo’s Monster by Tom PercivalThis 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.

Categories: Anxiety, Friendship & Getting Along, Telling the Truth
Tags: change, co-operation, confidence, emotions, feelings, friends, jealousy, loneliness

Off to School in my Wheelie Chair

Off to School in my Wheelie ChairA light-hearted and engaging picture book that focusses on a young boy’s journey to school in his manual wheelchair. The story gives a very positive view of wheelchair use, emphasising that it can be fast and fun, while at the same time making the reader more aware of the challenges and obstacles that wheelchair users face each day. Promotes resilience, kindness and acceptance. 

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Confidence & Self-esteem, Disabilities, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: co-operation, confidence, courage, friends, independence, persistence, wheelchair

The Girl With Two Dads

The Girl With Two DadsThis story does a brilliant job of normalising the non-traditional family. It is a great book for all children to read, so that they have acceptance and understanding, and fewer preconceptions about what a "normal" family looks like.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Non-traditional Families
Tags: diversity, families, father, friends, same-sex parents

What Color Is Today?

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.

Categories: Infectious Diseases, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: anxiety, change, coronavirus, friends, germs, grandparent, gratitude, illness, loss, social distancing

Stuck Inside

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

Categories: Infectious Diseases
Tags: change, co-operation, coronavirus, friends, germs, hand washing, hygiene, illness, social distancing

Many Ways To Share A Hug

Many Ways To Share A HugA 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.

Categories: Infectious Diseases, Kindness
Tags: change, co-operation, friends, germs, gratitude, social distancing, transition

While We Can’t Hug

While We Can't HugTo comfort and support young children who are missing being able to hug their friends and extended family because of social distancing

Categories: Friendship & Getting Along, Infectious Diseases, Resilience / adaptability
Tags: change, co-operation, coronavirus, emotions, feelings, friends, loneliness, social distancing

Harrison Spader, Personal Space Invader

Harrison Spader Personal Space InvaderThis book discusses the importance of considering other's personal space, and offers practical tips for "personal space invaders".

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along, Kindness
Tags: behaviour, change, friends, school

We Are Together

We Are TogetherA visually pleasing book about togetherness.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: friends, multicultural

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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.