Picture books tagged with: transition

The River

A 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.

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.

Mum’s Jumper

A thoughtful, sensitive and realistic portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of a young girl following the death of her mother.

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.

The World Made a Rainbow

This reassuring book may help children who are struggling to adapt to social distancing, or who are finding it hard to be separated from friends or family due to the Coronavirus pandemic

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 Day War Came

A haunting, emotional story of a young refugee, this picture book could be a springboard for a conversation about kindness and tolerance. Encourages empathy.

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 Tide

A warm, reassuring story which helps a child to understand the changes in a loved one who is living with dementia.

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.

Almost Anything

Encourages young children to believe in themselves and to persevere. Promotes resilience and higher self-esteem.

The Journey

This 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.

Dogger

This 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.

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.

Daddy’s Time Out

Having a loved one in prison can be bewildering and distressing for a young child. They may feel shame, guilt, separation anxiety, and a host of other challenging emotions, or feel that they are no longer loved by (or feel that it is no longer appropriate for them to love) the estranged person. This simple, age-appropriate story helps to reassure, educate and comfort.

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.

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)

Ice in the Jungle

Ice 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.

Here I Am

A hopeful story about making a new country feel like home, told through illustrations.

Tad

A heart-warming and empowering story with a central character who uses her intelligence and bravery to compensate for her small size and lack of physical strength. A gentle reminder to children who are desperate to be 'grown up' that we all get there, in our own time.

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses

A picture book which acknowledges that getting used to wearing glasses can be a challenge for some children. The boy in the story ultimately grows to accept them.

Lulu Gets a Cat

This 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.

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.