When a book might help: Families and home life
When a book might help
Families and home life
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15 things not to do with a baby by Margaret McAlllister
Congratulations, you have a new baby in your family. This books includes some humorous tips for a happy life with your newest family member. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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George by Alex Gino
A bright, bold debut about a girl who happens to have been born a boy but refuses to let that stand in the way of her dream, ‘George’ is a pertinent and poignant middle-grade read for kids of all backgrounds. | Ages: 9+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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I Am Jazz by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
The story of a transgender child based on the real-life experience of Jazz Jennings, who has become a spokesperson for transkids everywhere. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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It's my body by Louise Spilsbury
Introduces the concept of secrets and when these should be kept as well as online safety. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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Keeping safe by Ryan Wheatcroft and Katie Woolley
Why should I wear a helmet when cycling? How do I cross the road safely? How do I stay safe online? What should I do in an emergency? The answers to these and many other questions about keeping safe can be discovered in this lively and informative series. The topic of safety, whether at home, out and about, near water or online, are complemented by charming, clear illustrations. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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Nothing Ever Happens Here by Sarah Hagger-Holt
Izzy’s family is under the spotlight when her dad comes out as Danielle, a trans woman. Izzy is terrified her family will be torn apart. Will she lose her dad? Will her parents break up? And what will people at school say? Izzy’s always been shy, but now all eyes are on her. Can she face her fears, find her voice and stand up for what’s right? | Age: 9+ | Physical Book |
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Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
Red has a bright red label, but he is, in fact, blue. His teacher tries to help him be red (let’s draw strawberries!), his mother tries to help him be red by sending him out on a play date with a yellow classmate (go draw a nice orange!), and the scissors try to help him be red by snipping his label so that he has room to breathe. But Red is miserable. He just can’t be red, no matter how hard he tries! Finally, a brand-new friend offers a brand-new perspective, and Red discovers what readers have known all along. He’s blue! This funny, heart-warming, colourful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self can be read on multiple levels, and it offers something for everyone. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept by Jayneen Sanders
This book is a reassuring story , designed to be used by an adult and a child together to explore the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.The young boy is encouraged to share his secret with his mother. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Something Else by Kathryn Cave
Something Else finds it hard to make friends as he’s different from the others, but when something turns up on his doorstep, he sends him away too. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Topsy and Tim meet the firefighters by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson
Topsy and Tim find fun and adventure in the real world. Their engaging stories are reassuring for young children having first experiences of their own. In this story the twins have an exciting day out at the fire station! They get to see all the fire appliances and learn about fire safety. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Topsy and Tim meet the police by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson
What do the police do? Catch burglars and find lost children according to Topsy and Tim. When PC Webb and PC May visit, the twins find out all about the police and how they help us. They learn about how children can be safe by not talking to strangers and staying away from dangerous places. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Topsy and Tim move house by Jean and Gareth Adamson
In ‘Topsy and Tim Move House’, the twins are moving house but there is a lot of work to do. There are curtains to take down, toys to pack and pets to look after. It is an exciting time for Topsy and Tim, but Kitty, their cat, isn’t quite so sure about the move. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Topsy and Tim Safety first by Jean Adamson and Gareth Adamson
Topsy and Tim find fun and adventure in the real world. Their engaging stories are reassuring for young children having first experiences of their own. In ‘Safety First’, the children learn all kinds of things about safety, including crossing the road, playing safely in the garden and using their special booster seats in the car! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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T-Veg by Smriti Prasadam-Halls and Katherina Manolessou
Reginald is everything you would expect a T-Rex to be. He has a fierce roar, he is strong and fast, but sometimes he feels very different from his T-Rex friends – especially at meal times. When everyone else munches on juicy steak, Reginald would rather eat crunchy carrot cake. This fun book about a vegetarian dinosaur is told in rhyme. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Two Homes by Claire Masurel
A positive and encouraging look at the advantages, rather than disadvantages, of two homes. Told from the child’s view point. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Two Nests by Laurence Anholt and Jim Coplestone
A gentle story about family separation. When Baby Bird is born the nest starts to feel very small and Betty and Paul squabble. They decide Paul should live in a different nest and Baby Bird is able to spend time in both his homes. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Up and Down Mum by Child's Play and Wellcome Trust
Living with Mum is a bit like a roller coaster ride. At times, she is excited and full of energy, but at others, she is tired and withdrawn. But she’s always my mum, and we’re sharing the ride. For children who grow up in the care of a parent with mental health problems, life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. With the aid of a clear and simple information spread, this story helps us to understand the causes of mental illness and how we can learn to live with someone who has it. Developed in close consultation with families with parental mental health conditions and created in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Want to Play Trucks? by Ann Stott
Jack and Alex play together in the park. Jack likes trucks and Alex likes dolls and they discover they can still play and enjoy their friendship. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Who's bad and who's good, Little Red Riding Hood? by Steve Smallman
Our red-cloaked heroine is ready to set off with a basket of delicious cakes to Grandma’s house. ‘Be good, and don’t talk to strangers’, Little Red Riding Hood’s mum reminds her, ‘and if a stranger does talk to you, yell, run and tell!’. On the way, Little Red Riding Hood bumps into a wolf, who tries to speak to her. Immediately remembering her mum’s wise words, Little Red Riding Hood shouts and runs away. She keeps running until she meets an adorable fluffy-tailed bunny rabbit, who she tells all about her dreadful encounter with the wolf. The lovely bunny offers to escort Little Red Riding Hood to her Grandma’s house to keep her safe, all the while asking lots of questions about Grandma. He even offers to carry her basket of cakes! | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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A day at the animal airport by Sharon Rentta
Kai Koala is going on holiday with his family – and they’re off to the airport. Kai has a wonderful time, using his passport, pushing trolleys and flying in a plane! | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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I Don't Want Danny Here by Elizabeth Dale
Izzy doesn’t like Danny. And Danny will be coming to live with them after his mum marries her dad. When Danny comes for a sleepover, things are very strained. Then Izzy starts to see things from Danny’s point of view, and their relationship begins to change. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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A New Baby! by Roderick Hunt
Kipper helps his friend to get ready for the arrival of a new baby in his family. When the baby arrives early Sam and his little brother Leo stay with Kipper and prepare to welcome the new baby home into their family. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The New Baby by Lisa Stickley
Lisa Stickley’s third children’s book is all about the first year in the life of a baby, as told by his big sister. From first arriving home to sitting up and crawling, it is a voyage of discovery, full of fun, wonder, and beautiful observation. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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A New Room for William by Sally Grindley and Carol Thompson
Kipper helps his friend to get ready for the arrival of a new baby in his family. When the baby arrives early Sam and his little brother Leo stay with Kipper and prepare to welcome the new baby home into their family. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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My New Home by Marta Altes
Moving to a new home feels scary and a bit lonely to a little racoon. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Za-Za's Baby Brother by Lucy Cousins
Za-Za feels left out when the new baby arrives but when he’s the only one she can cuddle she finds he’s not so bad after all. A warm brightly illustrated book. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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A Terrible Thing Happened by Margaret M Holmes & Cary Pillo
An American book that doesn’t show the ‘terrible thing’ that Sherman Smith saw, but instead focuses on how he feels afterwards and the help he is offered. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Abracazebra by Helen Docherty and Thomas Docherty
Yawnalot is a sleepy old town until Abracazebra rides in on her bicycle. Goat is jealous of the attention she receives and persuades the townspeople that people with stripes can’t be trusted. When Abracazebra disappears, goat realises he has made a big mistake. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Albert and Little Henry
Albert was not a puppy any more. Albert was a big dog. But when his baby brother, Henry, came along something very strange happened. He started to feel small. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The bad seed by Jory John
This is a book about a bad seed . A bad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be – happy? | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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There’s a House Inside My Mummy by Giles Andreae
A story about a little boy’s wait for his new baby. The author gives us a child’s-eye view of this important period in a family’s life, which will touch parent and child alike. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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All Mine! by Zehra Hicks
Kai Koala is going on holiday with his family – and they’re off to the airport. Kai has a wonderful time, using his passport, pushing trolleys and flying in a plane! | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Along Came a Different by Tom McLaughlin
Reds love being red. Yellows love being yellow. And Blues love being blue. The problem is this, they just don’t like each other. But one day, along comes a different colour who likes Reds, Yellows and Blues, and suddenly everything starts to change. Maybe being different doesn’t mean you can’t be friends. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Aren't you Lucky? by Catherine & Laurence Anholt
A toddler is not convinced that she is lucky to have a baby brother, until he is old enough for her to help. Lots of familiar situations to talk about. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself by Ali Redford
Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair by Lara Williamson
Dad has run away in the middle of the night, taking Becket and his little brother Billy with him. They have left everything behind, including their almost-mum Pearl. The central theme of this book is of saying goodbye – the their late mother, to Pearl, to a sister, even to Brian the snail. | Ages: 9+ | Audiobook | eAudiobook | Physical Book |
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The Bump by Mij Kelly
A lovely look back at how ‘you’ came to be, told with some nice repeated phrases and ideas. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The bus is for us! by Michael Rosen
Small children take great delight in rides – whether by bicycle, car, boat, or plane. And best of all is taking the bus, because the bus is for everyone! | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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At the end of Holyrood Lane by Dimity Powell
Flick is a happy child until the storms start at home. It looks at the unpredictability of home and how she needs to hide to find safety. When she asks for help her world changes and happiness returns. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland
Azzi and her parents flee their home country and come to a new land. They must learn to speak a new language, find a home and Azzi starts a new school. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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I'll wait Mr Panda by Steve Antony
Mr Panda is making a big surprise. What is it? The animals must wait and see. But waiting is boring. Only one little penguin has the patience and politeness to stick around. Will he be rewarded? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Sharing a Shell by Julia Donaldson and Lydia Monks
When a little hermit crab finds a shiny new shell he doesn’t want to share it – not with a blobby purple anemone and a tickly bristleworm. | Ages: 3+ | eAudiobook | Physical Book |
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Skip to the Loo, My Darling! by Sally Lloyd
Bunny wants his potty. What will Bunny do? Only one thing for it – skip to the loo! In vibrant, rhythmic, rhyming beats, this book simply rejoices in the call of nature. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Seaside Trip by Jackie Walter
A fun day out at the seaside ending in a delicious ice-cream treat. Notes about how to use the book are contained at the back. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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The Secrets of Sam and Sam by Susie Day
Sam likes being a twin. He likes cheese sandwiches and his dog. His sister – Sam – likes being a twin, too. She thinks she is the Best Twin. Two Sams, two mums, one puppy. Meet the family where everybody has secrets. | Ages: 8+ | eAudiobook | eBook | Physical Book |
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When Angus met Alvin by Sue Pickford
Angus is a gentle alien who loves growing things in his space garden. But his world is turned upside-down by the unwelcome arrival of Alvin, a cocky and boastful alien from a different planet. Until Alvin’s clever-clever tricks misfire and turn him into a minute, pin-size creature, Angus helps his visitor recover – if he promises to behave better and learn some manners. Maybe the two aliens will end up friends after all! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Baby on Board by Kes Gray
A very funny look at pregnancy for older children, presented in a cartoon picture book style. Deals with the facts about the growing embryo as well as the impact on family life. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The Smile by Michelle Magorian and Sam Usher
Josh hates the new house, the terrible wallpaper in his new bedroom and, most of all, his new baby brother. Mum and Dad don’t seem to have any time for him. Will Josh ever feel part of the family again? | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The Terrible Thing That Happened to Barnaby Brocket by John Boyne and Oliver Jeffers
There’s nothing unusual about the Brockets. Normal, respectable, and proud of it, they turn up their noses at anyone strange or different. But from the moment Barnaby Brocket comes into the world, it’s clear he’s anything but ordinary. One fateful day, the Brockets decide enough is enough and Barnaby begins a magical journey around the world, and makes some extraordinary friends. | Ages: 8+ | eAudiobook | Physical Book |
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There's broccoli in my ice cream! by Emily MacKenzie
Granville loves everything sweet but not fruit and vegetables, so his grandad comes up with a cunning plan! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Banana! by Ed Vere
One monkey has a tantrum because it wants the banana that the other has. The word ‘please’ has a magic effect. A very simple book with fun illustrations. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Big red bath by Julia Jarman
Wonderful rhyming text perfect to read aloud. Two children having a fun bath time experience. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Brandon's SO bossy by Judith Heneghan
Brandon is a bossy dragon who is always trying to tell his friends what to do. This becomes a big problem when he and his friends get ready for a big skills contest. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Odd Bods by Steve Butler and Jarvis
Ava is an odd bod. Boris is too… Clara, we’re not sure about. I think she’s odd, don’t you? This is an alphabetical celebration for every child who ever felt different. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Rhino learns to be polite: a book about good manners by Sue Graves
This funny, charming story is the perfect way to introduce young children to being polite, and help them understand the importance of using nice manners. Also included are suggestions for activities and ideas to talk through together to help children fully understand how their behaviour can impact on others. Rhino does not have very nice manners, especially at the dinner table. But soon no one wants to sit near him at lunch time and he even misses out on tea at his friend’s house. It is time for Rhino to bring out his very best manners. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The Only Way is Badger by Stella J. Jones
Badger thinks his ways are the best and overlooks the feelings of the other animals. When he finds himself on his own he realises he needs to change his ways to get his friends back. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Captain Fantastic by Tom Palmer
Craig is a gifted footballer, but he is struggling with his home life as dad is in prison. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Clementine's Bath by Annie White
Clementine has run away to escape having a bath! Not a BATH! thinks Clementine. She hides under the bed, behind the curtains and even in Baby's toybox. Can her family find her in time to give her a bath? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Come Home Soon by Pat Thomas
Explores the idea of a parent working away from home in the armed forces. May help young children learn how to deal with changes at home, feeling worried, keeping in touch and looking forward to their parent’s return. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Croc needs to wait by Sue Graves
Croc can never wait for anything – he’s always interrupting, rushes everything and he can never wait to take his turn. Can he learn to slow down and be a little more patient? This funny, charming story is the perfect way to introduce young children to being patient, and help them understand the importance of waiting their turn. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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I'm a Girl by Yasmeen Ismail
The girl in this book is spontaneous, fast, strong and loud and is forever getting mistaken for a boy. Who says pink is for girls and blue is for boys? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Izzie's idea by Jillian Powell
When Izzie’s baby brother Ben arrives home he takes up everyone’s time with feeding and changing and bathing. When Ben cries and cries, Izzie solves the problem with smiles all around. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Rhinocorn Rules! by Matt Carr
Move over unicorns, it’s time for a very special animal to take centre stage – meet Rhinocorn! Ron is a rhino like no other. He doesn’t like to live by the other rhino rules – the other rhinos are grumpy, solitary and they will charge at anything that gets in their way. But not Ron. Ron likes music, art and only wants to have fun. He is determined to live his best life and not conform to the herd. When Ron paints himself into a bright unicorn, all of the other animals think he’s the coolest animal ever, but his rhino family are less impressed. Will they learn to embrace Ron for who he really is? |Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Ruby's so rude by Judith Heneghan
Ruby is a rude dragon. She pushes and grabs, won’t say sorry and hurts the other dragons’ feelings. But something stops her in her tracks and makes her realise she is upsetting her friends. Can she learn to behave politely after all? Read about good manners and behaviour in these delightful stories. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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School bus trip by Eleen Philpott
Peppa and her friends are going on a school bus adventure up a mountain. But what will they find at the very top? | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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D-Day dog by Tom Palmer
Jack’s dad is a Reserve soldier and has been called up to action. A pupil in his class has joined them having fled the war in Syria and the class is about to visit the beaches using in the D-Day landing. All of these circumstances challenges Jack’s perception of war. | Ages: 9+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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Dad David, Baba Chris and Me by Ed Merchant
Ben’s two dads adopted him when he was four. This story encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents, as well as looking at the different sorts of families that there can be. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Deadly Letter by Mary Hoffman and Sophie Burrows
A warm, reassuring story about moving house and making new friends, which touches on racism and teasing, but shows the benefit of a positive, friendly attitude. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Doodle Bites by Polly Dunbar
Doodle is a crocodile who likes to bite, but learns his lesson by the end of the book. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Elephant Learns to Share by Sue Graves
Elephant doesn’t like to share anything and everyone at school thinks he is mean. One day he is given a gift that he can’t play with on his own. Will he work out how to have fun and make friends? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Ella Moves House by Angela Hassall
Simple story of Ella whose Mum has a new partner. They are all moving in together, but Ella isn’t happy about this until Jo saves the day and rescues the situation. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Ella on the Outside by Cath Howe
Ella has a secret – her father is in prison and she does not want anybody at her new school to find out. | Ages: 10+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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Friends by Kim Lewis
Warm simple story about a boy and girl who fall out because they don’t want to share, but realise it’s more fun to do things together. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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I Will Not Ever Never Eat A Tomato by Lauren Child
A great fun book about a little girl who is a very fussy eater and how her brother persuades her to eat. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Little Green Donkey by Anuska Allepuz
Little Donkey loves eating grass – it’s just so sweet, and crunchy, and juicy! His pillow is even made from grass so that he can roll over in the morning and eat his own bed. ‘Why don’t you try some other food?’ suggests his desperate mum, putting on a juggling display of colourful fruit as a way to entice her little one to eat something new. But Little Donkey sees no need. Until, that is, he catches a glimpse of his reflection. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Perfectly polite penguins by Georgiana Deutsch and Ekaterina Trukhan
Penguins are always perfectly polite. But then Polly the not-so-polite penguin decides that being polite is boring! Uh oh! A laugh-out-loud story about the importance of manners! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Families, Families, Families! by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang
This book introduces a whole host of silly animal families, who all carry the same message. It doesn’t matter how your family is made up – if you love each other, then you are a family. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Pigeon Needs a Bath by Mo Willems
It is no easy job to convince this dirty, smelly pigeon that he needs a bath. Pigeon tries every excuse he can think of to avoid getting in the water, but once he gets in, how will we every get him to come out again? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Flora's Family By Annette Aubrey
Rhyming book were Flora finds out she is adopted and her parents explain what that means. Useful notes for parents / carers at the back. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Frockodile by Jeanne Willis
How will Cliff the crocodile break it to his motorcycling dad that he likes to wear dresses and heels? This rhyming text gives a positive outcome for Cliff to be whatever he wants. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Fussy Freda by Julia Jarman and Fred Blunt
Dinnertime isn’t easy in Freda’s house. Mum cooks beans. YUK! Grandma cooks fish and chips. YUK! Dad cooks crispy duck. YUK! YUK! YUK! There just isn’t any pleasing Fussy Freda! Will anything change her mind about eating dinner? This deliciously funny story will have toddlers calling out for more, and more. | Ages: 3+ | Physical book |
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Going on a plane by Roderick Hunt
Introducing your child to new situations through entertaining and sensitively written stories, each title in this series is packed with facts and humour, making them perfect for reading together. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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George goes on a train by Roderick Hunt
Do you like trains? Biff, Chip and Kipper do! In this story they have lots of fun going to France by train. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Girls can do Anything by Caryl Hart
Challenges all female stereotypes with strong positive role models. The rhyming texts makes this fun to read aloud. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Going on a plane by Roderick Hunt
Introducing your child to new situations through entertaining and sensitively written stories, each title in this series is packed with facts and humour, making them perfect for reading together. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Grace & Family by Mary Hoffman
Heart warming story about a young girl learning to live with two families, one in Britain and one in Africa, after her parents divorce. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes by Melanie Walsh
A simple lift-the-flap book which is reassuring for very young children. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Lunchtime by Rebecca Cobb
It’s lunchtime, but this little girl isn’t hungry and she’s far too busy to stop for food. By tea time she is really hungry! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Colour Thief: A families' story of depression by Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Peters
The Colour Thief is a simple, heart-warming tale which helps to open up the conversations around depression and to support young children whose families have been affected. We follow a young boy who loves spending time with his dad, doing fun things together. When his father becomes sad and distant, he doesn’t understand and believes he has done something to make his dad so, despite being told otherwise. Narrated from the child’s perspective, this is the perfect book to read with children who are trying to understand the 11 cause and effects of depression and reassure them that depression passes, and their parents are not lost to them. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The Cow Who Climbed a Tree by Gemma Merino
Tina isn’t like the other cows. She thinks anything is possible if you just try. Her sisters think she is full of nonsense and won’t join in with her adventures. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Day War Came by Nicola Davies
Shows how on an ordinary day a child’s life can be changed forever. Very moving and it is the children who come up with the solution to the problem. Great discussion book. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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The Glump and The Peeble by Wendy Meddour and Rebecca Ashdown
It isn’t easy when you’re a glump that wants to be a peeble. It’s not easy if you’re a peeble that wants to be a glump. Trying what makes you happy and encouraging other people to try something new can lead to fun and friendship. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffmann & Ros Asquith
There are almost as many kinds of families as colours of the rainbow and this book illustrates some of them: from a mum and dad or single parent to two mums or two dads, from a mixed-race family to children with different mums and dads, from families with a disabled member to those with a mum or dad in prison. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The Little Puddle by Axel Scheffler
Pip and Posy are having such fun playing that Pip forgets he needs a wee. Soon there is a little puddle on the floor. Find out how the two friends overcome Pip’s embarrassment in this gentle story about the trials and tribulations of potty-training. Part of the Pip and Posy series of books. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Where are we going? by Elizabeth Dale
In this story, the family is on a train ride and the children are disappointed not to be able to get off and do all the things they can see from the window. But when they arrive at the seaside, they will be able to do everything! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Where Do Babies Come From? by Katy Daynes
There is a lot of information about birth and reproduction in this ‘lift the flap’ book. As well as human beings, it covers several animals, birds and insects. Definitely one for adults to share with their children. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Where's Home, Daddy Bear? by Nicola O’Byrne
A reassuring story about moving house and coping with the change. Evie asks lots of questions but answers the most important one herself: ‘Home is people who love you. Home is me and you.’ | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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It’s Potty Time! A rhyming potty-training book by Rode Cobden
A potty is a special place. It is a toilet just for you. You sit down on a potty to do a wee or poo! So, instead of using nappies, and when the loo's too big to climb, you can learn to use a potty - for now it's POTTY TIME! This is a child-friendly guide that takes young readers through the journey of potty-training, using clear, practical text and engaging illustrations. There are also practical tips for parents on every page! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Kind by Alison Green
With gorgeous pictures by a host of top illustrators, ‘Kind’ is a timely, inspiring picture book about the many ways children can be kind, from sharing their toys and games to making those from other countries feel welcome. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Eat Your Greens, Goldilocks by Steve Smallman and Bruno Robert
When Goldilocks wants jelly and ice cream for breakfast, Mum and Dad say ‘No’. The three bears like to eat healthy food. Will they eat Goldilocks for lunch? | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Little Owl's Bathtime by Debi Gliori
Little Owl doesn't want to have a bath. He wants to finish building his moon rocket. He wants to stomp around in his dinosaur suit. Besides, bathtimes are boring - aren't they? But what if this bathtime involves a giant invisible penguin, a bunch of slurping towelly-gators and a trip to Bubble Mountain? It looks like Little Owl is about to have the best bathtime EVER! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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How big is our baby? By Smriti Prasadam-Halls
When a new baby is on the way, siblings-to-be have lots of feelings and plenty of questions. But whether they’re impatient, curious or a little worried, this friendly and reassuring guide explains each step of the pregnancy journey and helps little ones feel involved and excited. With a month-by-month approach that compares the size of the growing baby to something familiar to the young reader, such as a speck of sand at the seaside or an egg, readers also find out about how the baby is developing, from when the heart might first beat to when they’ll be able to feel it kick. The book also includes information about how life might change once the baby arrives, and how exciting it will be to have a new baby brother or sister. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The Most Precious Present in the World By Becky Edwards and Louise Comfort
Mia wants to know why she looks different to her adoptive parents and why her birth parents didn’t want her. A charming and comforting book. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray
A little boy tries to find a pot of glue that will stick his parents’ smiles back on and make their marriage better. He learns that even though his Mum and Dad’s relationship may be broken, their love for him is not. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Mummy Laid an Egg! by Babette Cole
This is not a serious look at birth but an amusing, tongue-in-cheek treatment for older children. Pictures may be a bit graphic for some tastes. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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Mummy, Mummy, What’s In Your Tummy? by Sarah Simpson-Enock
What is inside Mummy, making her tummy so big? Could it be a round, red balloon? Is there enough room? After lots of guesses the children get to meet their new baby. No ‘technical’ information here, just lots of fun. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Mummy's home! by Christopher MacGregor and Emma Yarlett
This comforting, wise book helps to explain why parents sometimes have to go away and shows ways to help children cope. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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My Brother Bernadette by Jacqueline Wilson and David Roberts
Sara’s little brother, Bernard, doesn’t enjoy the same things as the other boys on the estate. He get’s teased and called Bernadette, but eventually he finds a way to stand up for himself, share his special talents and get one up on the local bully. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Oliver's fruit salad by Vivian French
Oliver has returned from holiday and is refusing to eat any fruit! What can mum do? | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad
Asiya’s hijab is like the ocean and the sky, no line between them, saying hello with a loud wave. It’s Faizah’s first day of school, and her older sister Asiya’s first day of hijab – made of a beautiful blue fabric. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful. In the face of hurtful, confusing words, will Faizah find new ways to be strong? | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Heather has two mummies by Leslea Newman
Heather’s favourite number is two – she has two arms, two legs, two pets and two lovely mummies. But when Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy – and Heather doesn’t have a daddy! But then the class all draw portraits of their families, and not one single drawing is the same. Heather and her classmates realise – it doesn’t matter who makes up a family, the most important thing is that all the people in it love one another very much. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Moving House by Anne Civardi
This series introduces very young children, in an amusing and friendly way, to situations they might find themselves in for the first time. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My Daddies by Gareth Peter
Set off on a series of incredible adventures with an adorable, modern family as the stories they read burst into colourful life. Battle dragons, dodge deadly dinosaurs, zoom to the moon and explore the world in a hot air balloon, before winding down in a wonderfully cosy bedtime ending. This is both a funny, heartfelt celebration of stories and a brilliant way to show all children different kinds of family. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Leon and Bob by Simon Jones
The move to a new home leaves Leon feeling a little lonely, especially as his father works away from home. He copes by having an imaginary friend, Bob, until a new boy moves in next door. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Light Jar by Lisa Thompson
Nate and his mother run away from an abusive partner. They stay in a run down cottage in the grounds of a mansion. But Nate’s mum has disappeared and he must survive on his own whilst looking for her. | Ages: 10+ | Physical Book |
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Lionel and the lion's share by Lou Peacock
Lionel the lion does not like to share. After all, lions always get the lion’s share. He buys all the best instruments from the music shop, all the smartest hats from the hat shop and all the brightest balloons from the balloon stall. But at Chloe’s birthday party Lionel goes too far and eats all the cake. That’s when Lionel’s friends decide that something has to be done. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Maisy goes by plane by Lucy Cousins
Maisy is off on a journey to see her friend Ella, but Ella lives such a long way away. Maisy must go by plane and what an exciting trip it is! As she makes her way through security and steps on board, Maisy peeks in at the captain: what a lot of lights and buttons it takes to make a plane go! Maisy soon makes friends with Mr Percy and Betsy; and after drinks, magazines and a tricky toilet stop, the journey is over in no time! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Books |
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Marmaduke The Very Different Dragon by Rachel Valentine and Ed Eaves
Marmaduke isn’t like other dragons. He’s the wrong colour, his ears are different and his wings are so unusual he keeps them hidden. What princess would ever want him to protect her? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My Daddy's Going Away by Christopher MacGregor & Emma Yarlett
A useful book for any child suffering the temporary absence of their father. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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My Dad's in prison by Jackie Walter and Tony Neal
Dad's gone away for a while, but I don't understand why. I miss him'. Every year in the UK, over 200,000 children suffer the trauma of parental imprisonment. Children with a parent in prison feel isolated, ashamed - unable to talk about their situation because they are scared of being bullied and judged. They often feel that they are to blame and having a parent in prison marks them as an outcast. This book explores the experience of having a parent in prison from a child's point of view. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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My Hair by Hannah Lee
My birthday’s coming up so soon, I’ll need new clothes to wear. But most of all, I need to know, how shall I style my hair? Will it be dreads or a twist out? Braids or a high-top fade? Joyous and vibrant, this captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My name is Bear! by Nicola Killen
Hear can’t wait to introduce himself to his new neighbours because he thinks he has the best name in the world! But when he learns his neighbours’ names he can’t stop laughing and his comments become more and more rude! Will Bear ever learn some manners? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Please Mr Panda by Steve Antony
Panda has a tray of doughnuts. Animal after animal tells him the one they want, but it’s only when Lemur says ‘please’ politely that Panda will give any out! A witty and stylish lesson that manners will get you EVERYTHING. Even a tray load of doughnuts. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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When a dragon comes to stay by Caryl Hart and Rosalind Beardshaw
When a dragon comes to stay, will she behave herself? Why, of course she will. Obviously she knows she must share her toys, eat daintily and skip happily upstairs at bathtime. Well, not quite. Like all toddlers, this little dragon finds good manners a tiny bit tricky. It’s lucky she has some friends to help her. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My Nana's Garden by Dawn Casey
A little girl visits her grandmother in summer and winter, and together they explore the wonders of Grandmother's garden. One day, Grandmother isn't there anymore, but as winter gives way to spring, the girl learns that life goes on and so does the memory of those we love. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Only One of Me. A love letter from Dad by Lisa Wells
Using rhyme, Dad explains to his young son that he wants so much to be with him always: ‘There’s only one dad quite like me. I wish that there were two. I’d have more time to spend and I would spend it all with you.’ Because he knows he won’t be around, he has recruited his son’s family and friends to be there for him and to do all the things he would do if he were able. And he also believes that he will be in the background, cheering on the little boy. He explains that it will be okay for his son to cry and get angry and even to laugh because ‘There’s more than one way to feel sad.’ He also hopes his boy will be a little like him and will remember the wonderful times they have shared. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Scarlet Ibis by Gill Lewis
After a fire in their flat caused by their mother smoking, Scarlet and her autistic brother are sent to different foster homes. This is the story of Scarlet fighting to keep her family together. | Ages: 10+ | Audiobook | Physical Book |
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My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin & Margaret Chamberlain
Grandad Roy plays in a steel band; Grandad Harry plays in a brass band. Aston loves both styles of music. When the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin & Margaret Chamberlain
Alvina has two grannies: Grannie Vero is from Trinidad, Grannie Rose is from the north of England. When her parents go away on holiday, both grannies move in to Alvina’s house to look after her. Each granny want to do things her way. The grannies get crosser and crosser until Alvina steps in. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Naughty, naughty Monster by Kaye Umansky
A very naughty monster is on the rampage. It takes several attempts by a small fairy before he finds a better way to behave. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Shadow by Michael Morpurgo
When a Western dog befriends an Afghan boy and his mother, the three start a perilous journey to escape their war-torn country to relatives in England. | Ages: 7+ | Audiobook | eAudiobook | eBook | Physical Book |
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The Cat Mummy by Jacqueline Wilson
Verity adores her cat, Mabel, and is desperately sad when she dies. Remembering her recent school lessons about the Ancient Egyptians, Verity decides to mummify Mabel and keep her hidden. Verity's dad and grandparents can't bear to talk about death, having lost Verity's mum in childbirth, but when they eventually discover what Verity has done with Mabel, the whole family learns that it's time to talk. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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The Flying Bath by Julia Donaldson
When everyone has left the house in the morning, the bath toys spring into action and head off on exciting adventures in their magical flying bath! From giving a muddy piglet a shower to putting out a fire for a frightened baboon, they have water at the ready for any emergency - but they're always home for the children's bathtime at the end of the day. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Monster who was Scared of Soap by Amy Sparkes
Gerald the monster HATES baths. Being all washed and clean? Yuk! So Gerald's mum hires Maggie, a professional monster washer, to help. Can Gerald learn to have fun at bath time? | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis
Dyson loves the colour pink and sparkly things. Sometimes he wears dresses and sometimes he wears jeans. He likes to wear his princess tiara, even when climbing trees. He’s a Princess Boy, and his family loves him exactly the way he is. This is a story about love and acceptance. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Boy in the Dress by David Walliams
Dennis lives in a boring house in a boring street in a boring town. But he’s about to find out that when you open your mind, life becomes anything but boring. | Ages: 9+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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The Day War Came by Nicola Davies
Shows how on an ordinary day a child’s life can be changed forever. Very moving and it is the children who come up with the solution to the problem. Great discussion book. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Jacob's new dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman
Jacob loves playing dress-up, when he can be anything he wants to be. Some kids at school say he can’t wear “girl” clothes, but Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Can he convince his parents to let him wear what he wants? This heartwarming story speaks to the unique challenges faced by boys who don’t identify with traditional gender roles. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Flying Bath by Julia Donaldson
When everyone has left the house in the morning, the bath toys spring into action and head off on exciting adventures in their magical flying bath! From giving a muddy piglet a shower to putting out a fire for a frightened baboon, they have water at the ready for any emergency - but they're always home for the children's bathtime at the end of the day. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Journey by Francesca Sanna
A beautifully illustrated book exploring the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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I Want My Potty by Tony Ross
‘Nappies are YUUECH!’ said the little princess. ‘There must be something better!’ At first she thinks the royal potty is even worse than nappies but she soon learns to love it – even if it isn’t always there just when she needs it! | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Julian is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
Perfect for opening a discussion about gender and acceptance. Julian sees three women dressed as mermaids and wants to copy them. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The wheels on the bus; and, The boat on the waves by Wes Magee and Richard Morgan
The wheels on the bus just keep going round! Then the boat on the waves has a very up and down ride. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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There For You by Annette Aubrey
Mum and Dad explain to a young boy why they are separating, offering lots of reassurance to allay worries and fears. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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There’s a Bear on my Chair by Ross Collins
Poor Mouse! A bear has settled in his favourite chair and that chair just isn’t big enough for two. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Unforgotten Coat by Frank Cottrell Boyce
A story of two refugee brothers from Mongolia who are determined to fit in with their Liverpool schoolmates | Ages: 9+ | Audiobook | eAudiobook | eBook | Physical Book |
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Small Elephant’s Bathtime by Tatyana Feeney
Small Elephant loves water – but not when it is in a bath. Sometimes the only way a grown-up can get a small person to do what they want is by being silly. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Thank you, Mr Panda
Mr Panda is happy to help his friends prepare for a special surprise – if they remember to say thank you, that is! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Time to use the Potty by Fiona Munro
Meet twins Johnny and Jasmine. It's time they started to try and use a potty and to wear pants. They HAVE pants, but Johnny just puts his on Teddy while Jasmine uses her potty as a slide for her toys! Follow along with the funny story as Johnny and Jasmine go through the ups and downs of their potty training journey, from getting comfortable with a potty, to positive reinforcement, hygiene and understanding that accidents happen. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Yikes, Stinkysaurus by Pamela Butchart & Sam Lloyd
Stinkysaurus is the smelliest dinosaur in the whole world and the other dinosaurs decide it is time for him to have a bath. Can they turn Stinkysaurus into a clean dinosaur? | Ages: 3+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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Tom and the Tree House by Joan Lingard
Tom has always liked being adopted, but when he finds out his mum is expecting a baby, he starts to worry his parents will love the new baby more than him. Tom decides he needs to find a place that truly belongs to him. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Too Many Bubbles by David Gibb
It's time to bathe the dog, but be careful with the bubble bath. Uh oh! Before you know it, the dog's escaped and there are bubbles everywhere - in the hallway, down the street and even in the zoo! But who's going to clean up all this mess, and what will Mum say? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Vicky Angel by Jacqueline Wilson
Jade is so used to being with and agreeing with Vicky, her best friend, that when a tragic accident occurs, she can hardly believe that Vicky's no longer there. But Vicky is not going to let being dead stop her from enjoying life to the full. | Ages: 9+ | eAudiobook | Physical Book |
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When I First Met You, Blue Kangaroo! by Emma Chichester Clark
Lily finds it’s not easy learning new things and looking after someone who is very small – like her new baby brother and Blue Kangaroo. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Welcome to the Family By Mary Hoffman and Ros Asquith
A charming and informative book that explores the many different ways a new baby might join your family, including adoption and fostering. Also looks at different types of families. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
This is first part of a trilogy telling the unforgettable story of a Jewish family fleeing from Germany at the start of the Second World War. | Ages: 9+ | eAudiobook | eBook | Physical Book |
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Who Will Love Me When You're Gone? by Anna Friend
With his mum very poorly, Jack is worried about what will happen when she's gone. Will Mummy take her love as well? Anna Friend was inspired to write this book in memory of her friend Ellen Wollaston-Cooper, who lost her life to breast cancer, but prepared her young family for the journey they were on with love and strength. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Who's Your Real Mum? by Bernadette Green and Anna Zobel
When Nicholas wants to know which of Elvi's two mums is her real mum, she gives him lots of clues. Her real mum is a circus performer and a pirate - and she even teaches spiders the art of web! Despite that, Nicholas still can't work out who Elvi's mum really is. Luckily, Elvi knows just how to explain it to her friend. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Zoo Girl By Rebecca Elliott
A book with very few words, but the words and illustrations work to show how the child is feeling. Quite powerful but could be difficult to share. Would certainly promote discussion. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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#Goldilocks: a hashtag cautionary tale by Jeanne Wills
Everyone loves Goldilocks’ hilarious online videos, but in her quest to get more likes, more laughs and more hits, she tries something a little more daring: stealing porridge #pipinghot, breaking chairs #fun, and using someone else’s bed #sleep. What will Daddy Bear do when he sees that online? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Chicken Clicking by Catherine and Laurence Anholt
One night Chick hopped into the farmer’s house and had a little browse on his computer. Soon she’s bought a funny teapot, a frilly blouse, scooters for the sheep and a car for the cows. She just can’t stop clicking! She meets a friend online and off she goes to meet him (without telling Mum or Dad). But the friend she thought she’d met turns out to be a fox. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Hugless Douglas by David Melling
A fun story of a young bear searching for an appropriate hug to share: useful for discussing touching, families, friends and strangers and how to behave. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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Something Bad Happened: A kid's guide to coping with events in the news by Dawn Huebner
Full of advice for children who may be worried about events in the news, this guide from best-selling author Dawn Huebner offers advice for having tough conversations with 6-12 year olds about world events such as natural disasters, terrorism and war. It addresses common questions and provides tools to calm fears. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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Troll Stinks by Jeanne Willis
Billy Goat and his best friend Cyril are messing about with the farmer’s mobile phone, taking selfies and playing games – until they find the number for a troll. Their Grandpa Gruff says trolls are bad, so Billy and Cyril decide to get their own back by sending mean messages. After all, trolls really do stink! Don’t they? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Whiffy Wilson: The Wolf Who Wouldn’t Wash by Caryl Hart and Leonie Lord
Whiffy Wilson isn’t keen on clean. He only has time for grime! Will anyone be able to persuade him to change his grotty ways for something far less stinky? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Amazing by Steve Antony
A little boy and his pet dragon are the very best of friends. They laugh, they sing, they dance, they snooze. They are both amazing – just like everyone else! A celebration of friendship and being yourself with a positive message about celebrating diversity. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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We Are All Neighbours by Alexandra Penfold
Welcome to a neighbourhood where everyone is welcome. A neighbourhood where children of every culture play together, sharing food and laughter, and learning from each other's traditions. A neighbourhood where diversity is a strength. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Everything Changes by Clare Welsh
Laughing and playing together as a family on the beach, it seems the happy, warm days of summer will never end. Then, everything changes. Mummy and Daddy say they can’t live together anymore, and sad, worried feelings begin to emerge – It’s not fair! Was it all my fault? But, as time passes and the seasons change, it becomes clearer that hard times won’t always be quite so hard . . . | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Everything is changing for Anna Hibiscus, she's a sister! But - oh dear - everyone is now so busy! Uncle Bizi-Sunday is shopping for the babies, Aunty Joli and Aunty Grace are rocking the babies and Mama and Grandma are fast asleep. But just who has time for Anna Hibiscus? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Twin Tales by Jacqeline Wilson
Twin Trouble: Connie’s not happy. Her parents are having a baby. Well, not one, but two babies! Why do they need more children? They’ve got her! Soon the house is filled with dirty nappies and screaming babies and Connie’s expected to help. And no one pays any attention to her. It’s not fair. So when Nurse Meade puts some blue beads in her hair, Connie’s delighted. And when she clacks them together, things start to happen . . . Soon, everyone can see things from Connie’s point of view. Connie and the Water Babies: Connie is scared of water. She can’t swim and she hates going to the pool. Everyone says she should go because she’ll love it, and even Charles and Claire, the twins, like the water. Typical. Then Nurse Meade gives Connie some more blue beads. And when they clack together, suddenly Connie can swim like a mermaid . . . | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book |
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We're Having a Super Baby by Abi Longstaff and Jane Massey
When Mummy and Daddy told me I was going to be a big brother I knew that the baby was going to be special – I just had to wait. A warm and funny book to share. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Grandma by Jessica Shepherd
This book is written like a diary and shows what happens when a grandparent has to go into a care home. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Mine! by Rachel Bright
"That's my bunny!" "NO, that's my bunny!" Oh dear. How difficult it is to share when there's only ONE beloved Funny Bunny. Luckily for twins, Fifi and Frankie, Granny is on hand to show them a way to play together nicely that keeps everyone, including Funny Bunny, happy. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My Grandpa by Marta Altes
A look at old age through the eyes of a young bear who adores his grandfather. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Pearl by Sally Murphy
Pearl’s whole world is changing because her grandmother has Alzheimer’s. When her grandmother dies Pearl finds a way to cope by writing a poem that she reads out at the funeral. Ages: 7+
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Really and Truly by Emilie Rivard and Anne Claire Delisle
This gentle book explores dementia and its effects in a positive and hopeful manner. Ideal for helping parents to discuss an often distressing situation. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The tide by Clare Helen Welsh
Grandad doesn’t remember things like he used to. But I love him as much as I always have. And I know that he loves me. A story about families, laughter, and how we can help a loved one with dementia live well. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Big Smelly Bear
Big Smelly Bear is big and smelly and never washes! He is determined to stay smelly until one day he has an itch he cannot reach to scratch. Will Big Smelly Bear change his ways and bathe? Ages: 3+
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Coping with death and grief by Claire Throp
Are you trying to cope with the death of a family member or friend? Maybe a friend of yours is grieving and sad and you want to help him or her. This useful book gives lots of information about how to cope with death and grief. Characters Ali and Annie will guide you through the issues and give you advice and 'top tips', while Charlie the dog shows that he understands how you might feel. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Daddy's Rainbow by Lucy Rowland
Erin's daddy sees the colour in everything. Even on the greyest days, they put on their wellies and go splashing in puddles. But what happens when the greyest day of all comes, and Daddy isn't there any more? Can Erin learn to find colour in the world again? This deeply sensitive picture book about the loss of a parent is the ideal starting point for conversations about love, loss and learning to live again. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Dealing with When people Die by Jane Lacey
Sometimes you can sort out a problem on your own. But sometimes you need to ask for help. This book helps young children aged 7+ to make this decision and find out about and understand life after someone dies. It features seven case studies from children who have a range of issues from a girl who misses her mum to a boy who is worried he might die. The end of the book features a short play script to act out and discuss. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Goodbye Bear by Jane Chapman
Beaver and Mole are devastated by the loss of their friend, Bear. They share their sadness and anger, but find joy in their memories and stories of Bear. Together they decide to finish Bear's treehouse only to discover that he had a surprise waiting for them all along. One that they will carry in their hearts for ever. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Grandad's Camper by Harry Woodgate
Grandad's camper van is hidden away in the garage - now Gramps isn't around any more, the adventures they shared travelling in it just wouldn't be the same. As she listens to his wonderful stories, Grandad's granddaughter has an idea to cheer him up. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Talking about death by Louise Spilsbury
There's two sides to every story. In this book, you will read two sides to the dilemmas, sticky situations or issues that children sometimes have to face at a difficult time in their lives. Encouraging you to put yourself in someone else's shoes to see why they have reacted in a certain way or said certain things will help you to understand why different point of view arise in the first place and why your perspective might cloud your judgement or stop other seeing your point of view. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The Building Boy by Ross Montgomery
When the boy's grandma dies, he finds all of her old building materials in the garden shed - the girders and cement and bricks. At night, through wind, snow and rain, he builds a structure in the garden. A giant iron woman with soft tissue hands. And when he's finished, she comes to life! Her giant hands swoop down and scoop the boy off the ground. The adventure begins! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
Once there was a girl whose life was filled with wonder at the world around her. Then one day something happened that made the girl take her heart and put it in a safe place. However, after that it seemed that the world was emptier than before. But would she know how to get her heart back? | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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I Remember by Jeanne Willis
George's granny is quite forgetful. Sometimes, she can't even remember George's name. But George doesn't mind. Together they play in the garden, dance, and share chocolate biscuits. Granny might not always remember the little things, but George knows she loves him more than words can say. A celebration of the unforgettable love between a grandparent and grandchild, proving that even though the mind can sometimes forget, the heart will always remember. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Hey You! by Dapo Adeola
Remember to dream your own dreams. Keep searching - you will find the right stories for you. Love your beautiful skin. This moving picture book honestly addresses the experiences Black children face growing up with systemic racism, as well as providing hope for the future. Written by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola as if speaking to his younger self, the narrative also delivers a poignant, empowering, and deeply affecting message to a new generation of dreamers. | Ages: 0+ | eBook | Physical Book |
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Spreading my wings by Nadiya Hussain
On his first day of holiday camp, a little boy arrives with his bird best friend perched proudly on his shoulder, but he soon discovers that he is different from everyone else - no one else has a bird. He hides Rayf away to try and fit in but it's hard to pretend to be someone else for long. A beautiful story about finding the confidence to spread your wings and fly as your true self. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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We are all different by Tracey Turner
There are billions of wonderful ways to be human - as many ways as there are people on planet Earth. 'We Are All Different' is an inspiring celebration of the fact that all of us are individuals, and has been created in conjunction with several Inclusive Minds Inclusion Ambassadors. This vibrant, inclusive book introduces us to a cast of children who have different abilities and disabilities, likes and dislikes; who come from different places and have different cultures and ethnicities; and who have different family structures and gender identities. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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My big fantastic family by Adam Guillain
Lily-May's parents separate and everything changes. The story shows that this change can be difficult but that having such a big family now has lots of benefits. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Why don't we all live together anymore? by Emma Waddington
Advice and guidance from two child psychologists on talking to your child after a family break-up. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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It's a no money Day by Kate Milner
Mum works really hard, but today there is no money left and no food in the cupboards. Forced to visit the local foodbank, Mum feels ashamed that they have to rely on the kindness of others, but her young daughter can still see all the good in her day like reading and drawing, and even the foodbank. Maybe one day things will be different but for now together they brighten up even the darkest of days. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Little seahorse and the big question by Freddy McConnell
Here is a lyrical, heart-warming picture book that celebrates the special bond between parent and child. Join Papa and Little One on a very ordinary day, as they explore Little One's extraordinary question: 'What do we need'. Together, they decide they need lots of things - clean water, friends, a home - but, above all, they need each other. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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My friends and me by Stephanie Stansbie and Katy Halford
This funny, heart-warming picture book celebrates different kinds of families and the bond between adult and child. Whether your little one has two mums or one, two dads or none, the only thing that matters is the love you share. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Remixed by Arree Chung
When Colours of different kinds fall in love they mix, creating families that come in every possible combination of colour, shape, and size. But sometimes their feelings change, and change in a family isn't always easy. It can be especially hard for young ones to accept and get used to, and it might make them feel worried, anxious or sad. An inspiring, uplifting story 'Remixed' celebrates the strength of remixed families and the beauty of chosen families, while reassuring young children that while change is scary, everything usually turns out just as ok as it was before, and sometimes even better. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Elephant has a brother by Sue Graves
When Elephant's brother arrives, Elephant is not happy. He has to share everything! And nobody seems to have any time for him any more. Luckily, Monkey is on hand to help him enjoy the new arrival. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Fergal meets Fern by Robert Starling
When Fergal's mum and dad bring home an egg, his life will never be the same again. In the weeks after his sister Fern hatches, Fergal feels jealous, angry and worried. But believing those emotions are 'bad' he hides them. Luckily Dad is around to help Fergal deal with his feelings by talking about them, and discover what a great big brother he can be. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Say Hello to Baby by Smriti Prasadam-Hall
This picture book is the perfect guide to reassure older siblings when the family has a new arrival, letting them know that they will always have a special place in their parents' hearts. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The new baby by Lynne Benton
Holly wants a little sister, so when her mum has a baby boy, Holly is disappointed. In this sweet tale of worry, assumptions and big changes, Holly learns that little brothers can be great fun too! | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Tiny Penguins and the New Baby by Jane Porter
Meet the Tiny Penguins! The Tiny Penguins LOVE helping humans to keep their house tidy, and they have one special rule - stay out of sight! But when they see a sad little girl, Gertie, hiding under her bed, they decide SOME rules are made to be broken. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Milo Imagines the World by Matt De La Pena
Follow Milo as he journeys with his big sister to visit their mum in prison. Sparked by what he sees, Milo draws busily all the way, imagining what the people might be doing next. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Hello! A counting book of kindness by Hollis Kurman
Come with a family as they travel out of danger to a safe place and meet all kinds of people who show them kindness along the way. This unique and beautiful counting book is full of empathy and hope for all children, everywhere. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Don't go there! by Jeanne Willis and Hrefna Bragadottir
Lid up, pants down, bottom on the seat! They mustn't have toilets in outer space, because this baby Martian keeps going in the wrong place: a bird bath, a bin, an up-turned hat. Perhaps if he masters 'The Toilet Song', he might learn where to go. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Strong and Tough by Rico Hinson-King
A story of hope and resilience, this gentle, inspiring picture book tells the tale of Charlie, a little boy who was taken into care when he was very small. Charlie dreams of finding his forever home to share with his sisters. Sometimes he feels scared. Sometimes he wants to scream and cry (and he does, just a little). But he is strong. He is tough. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The blanket bears by Samuel Langley-Swain
Written by an adoptive dad, 'The Blanket Bears' sensitively and accurately outlines the adoption process from a child's perspective, helping young children to understand the concept of adoption. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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When you joined our family by Harriet Evans
A gentle exploration of the adoption experience, from first meetings to creating new family traditions. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Goodbye Hobbs by Emma Bettridge
Merlin won't go out. Not without his best friend Hobbs. Join Merlin as he goes on an adventure to learn how to say 'Goodbye Hobbs'. A story of what it means to love and lose a friend, and to find reasons to go for a walk again. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Rabbityness by Jo Empson
When Rabbit suddenly vanishes, he leaves a deep dark hole in the lives of his friends but they soon see that the best way to remember him is by carrying on all the things that had made him happy. A simple story for young children about death, loss and living again. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The Window by Laura Gehl
All the other windows in the hospital look out on dull, grey buildings, but Daria and her grandpa can see the beach from the window in his room. Whenever Daria visits, she and her grandpa sit and watch crashing waves, flying kites, and happy families. Daria hopes for the day she and Grandpa will be able to visit the beach and build sandcastles together. The surprise twist at the end of the book offers a light-handed yet emotional punch, showing how even in the darkest places, hope can be found. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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When I'm gone by Marguerite McLaren and Hayley Wells
When someone you love has died there will be sad days and angry days but also happy days and fun days. Nobody lives forever - and some wish they could have stayed for longer. This sensitively-written and deeply-moving picture book will help children grieve, celebrate and learn how to live and love life when a parent is gone. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Lob by Linda Newbery
You have to be a special person to see Lob - that's what Lucy's Grandpa Will says. Lucy's parents don't believe in him. But Lucy does. And then she finally catches sight of the Green Man in Grandpa's garden. Lob is here - and he's real! | Ages: 8+ | Physical Book |
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The memory book by Louise Gooding
I love visiting my grandma. We read together, play her piano, feed the birds in the garden and we love looking through her big box of photos. But when Grandma starts to forget who the people in the photographs are, Mum explains that Grandma is living with something called dementia. She says, 'Grandma is still the person we know and love, she's just a little different now.' Here is a reassuring story about the love between a little girl and her grandma, with practical information to help young children understand dementia and the changes it can bring. | Ages: 6+ | Physical Book |
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I am me by Susan Verde
For anyone who's ever felt like too much or not enough, 'I Am Me' is an affirming reminder that difference is what makes life beautiful - and that each of us matters, just as we are. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Dealing with divorce by Tim Collins
This guide will help children to understand more about divorce and why couples split up. Understand how to deal with arguments and stress, or find out how to give advice and support to someone else whose parents might be separating. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book |
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Everything Changes by Clare Helen Welsh
Playing together as a family on the beach, it seems the happy, warm days of summer will never end. But then Mum and Dad say they can no longer live together, and everything changes. A lyrical and tender story about the difficult emotions a child can feel when their parents break up. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Two places to call home by Phil Earle
Florrie has two of everything. Two lovely brothers. Two smashing parents. Two very cuddled pets. But two isn't always a magic number, as Florrie now has to live in TWO different houses: one with her mum and one with her dad. An uplifting picture book that helps young readers discuss their feelings around divorce and embrace change. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Our Big Day by Bob Johnston
Uncle David and Simon are going to get married! There's lots to do, from making the invitations to arranging the decorations, but when the wedding rings go missing just before the ceremony, Bear the dog has to use all of his special skills to help save the day! | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Who are you? by Smriti Halls and Ali Pye
Perfect for ages 3+, this is a joyful celebration of all the pieces, places and people that make us who we are. It is a wonderful way to get children thinking about and learning about their own families, and also opening up discussions about all of the other pieces that come together to make us all unique: from our friends and food we eat, to activities we get up to and the places we go. Children will enjoy finding out more about themselves and their families, and thinking about other families and friends who are similar or different to their own. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Rory's room of rectangles by Ian Eagleton
Rory loves his dad, but he also really likes his step-dad, Tony. He has weekends with Dad in the park and makes imaginary dens with Tony, so when Father's Day comes, who should he make his card for at school? Spotting his frustration, Tony spends his 'rainy-day pennies' to take Rory somewhere new - an art gallery, full of wonders. As they pause to reflect in a huge room of rectangles, Rory sees his conflicting feelings glistening back at him in many powerful colours. Afterwards, a 'chance' encounter with Dad, under a red sky, helps Rory realise that he doesn't have to feel torn at all. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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The Light in Everything by Katya Balen
Told by Zofia and Tom, this is the story of them coming together into a new family. Zofia is confident and exuberant and Tom is the polar opposite. Can they make this new situation work for all of them when a new baby is announced. Tom's father has been sent to prison for his treatment of him and his mother. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book |
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Sidney makes a wish by Lisa Thompson
When Sidney spots a wishing well in the long grass on his way to school, he thinks he might have found the answer to the problems he's having with his friend Billy. If he can just wish for exactly the right thing, then surely Billy will want to be friends with him again? But as Sidney makes his wishes, what he doesn't realise is that the friend he's longing for has been beside him all the time. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Mind your manners, dinosaurs! by Danielle McLean
Follow along as each dinosaur shows off their mealtime manners. Ideal for introducing toddlers to manners and polite behaviour, including saying 'please', 'thank you', 'excuse me' and more. | Ages: 2+ | Physical Book |
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The comet by Joe Todd-Stanton
When Nyla is forced to leave her home in the country to start life again in the city, all she can think about is everything she misses from before. So when a comet comes crashing through the city streets and starts growing into a forest, Nyla can't resist a chance to head somewhere that feels closer to what she had before. But what starts as an escape could be just the thing to make her finally feel at home. 'The Comet' touches on the stress and pain of moving house, but also how it can open us up to new experiences. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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I really want to share by Simon Philip
A wonderful rhyming text which shares the worries of an older sister who is not quite sure she has perfected the art of sharing with her new sibling. Lots of laugh at in the pictures, as the family adapts from being 3 to 4. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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RoboBabies: Love Builds a Family by Laura Gallagher
Written by an IVF mum, this simple story celebrates the many ways babies come into families, like adoption, surrogacy, IVF, donors, fertility, premature babies, twins and triplets. The next time you look up at the night sky, look really hard; you might be lucky enough to see the sparkling metal planet with all its robots and all their robo-babies. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Saving the butterfly: a story about refugees by Helen Cooper
A poetic, powerful story about a little brother and a big sister finding a new home and new hope after being rescued from a boat lost in the dark sea. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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New baby by Sarah Shaffi
A first-experience story about coming to terms with a new baby in the family. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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We're Moving by Charlotte Guillain
This lively rhyming text follows 9 families around the world as they move house. It depicts a whole variety of buildings as well as an array of feelings linked to change. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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And Tango makes three by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Roy and Silo are just like the other penguin couples at the zoo – they bow to each other, walk together and swim together. But Roy and Silo are a little bit different – they’re both boys. Then, one day, when Mr Gramzay the zookeeper finds them trying to hatch a stone, he realises that it may be time for Roy and Silo to become parents for real. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The queen on our corner by Lucy Christopher
Nobody notices the queen on the corner. Nobody, that is except one young girl. Through her eyes, the woman who dwells in the abandoned plot is a warrior queen, with many battles fought and won. When, one day, danger comes to the street and the queen on the corner sounds the alarm, the little girl must find a way to thank her. Can she bring the community together to turn the queen's corner into a home? | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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The Road to Ever After by Moira Young
Davy David, an orphan, lives by his wits in the dead-end town of Brownvale. When a stray dog called George turns Davy's life upside down just days before Christmas, he sets in motion a chain of events which forces them to flee. A mischievous wind blows the two of them to a boarded-up museum on the outskirts of town where they meet the elderly recluse, Miss Flint. She has planned one last adventure before her time is up and hires the reluctant Davy and George to escort her. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book |
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Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
Anna Hibiscus lives in amazing Africa with her mother, her father, her baby twin brothers, and lots and lots of her family. Join her as she splashes in the sea, prepares for a party, sells oranges, and hopes to see sweet, sweet snow. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Smuggler's Fox by Susanna Bailey
Jonah is Rio's big brother. It's his job. It always has been. Especially when Mam does one of her disappearing acts, like now. Her name's Marina, which means 'from the sea'. And just like the sea: she changes with the wind. She comes, she goes. The sea was there the last time Jonah and Rio saw her. The Whitby Sea. And it wasn't in a good mood. No-one has seen Mam since that day and the social workers say - she's not coming back this time. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Air Miles by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury
Miles is a difficult dog who loves to ride in his motor car. He's growing older, but a new challenge awaits when he takes to the skies. A picture book of beauty, infinite possibility, and love, which explores loss and grief in subtle and comforting ways. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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Death and grief by Louise Spilsbury and Hanane Kai
This beautifully illustrated picture book about death and grief is a compassionate and informative book that helps young children navigate the complexities of loss. With gentle language and relatable examples, this fact-filled guide sensitively explores death, grief and coping strategies and is useful guide to share either with a child who has experienced loss, or with a child who simply has questions about this difficult topic. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Stewart's tree by Cathy Campbell
This colourful picture book for children aged 3+ offers a comforting story for grieving families, helping to explain sibling loss shortly after birth. It then focuses on the happy memories of a lost child and looks towards the future. Includes a guide to bereavement written by qualified clinicians. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The grief rock by Natasha Daniels
Sometimes grief can feel like a heavy weight you are carrying around. It can be difficult to explain how you feel or know how you will cope carrying the grief rock around. This gentle story explores how grief is filled with all the love we have for someone who was important in our lives. Perfect to open up the conversation on difficult feelings, the book also includes a short guide for adults with tips on supporting children after a bereavement. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Koozy by Anastasia Qarawani
Life surprises all of us sometimes with the sudden and unexpected absence of a loved one, and this can be especially hard for young children to process. This picture book tells the story of a little boy whose cat called Koozy has disappeared. He feels sadness and pain at her absence and tries to understand why his beloved friend is no longer around. Where could she have gone? And how will he be able to come to terms with her loss? | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The happy hut by Tim Hopgood
This story is all about the warm, loving relationship that three children share with their Grandpa Martin. The children visit Grandpa at his happy hut throughout the year, in spring, summer, autumn and even winter. Each season brings its own adventures and shows the hut in a new light each time. This poignant story goes on to depict the family coping with Grandpa Martin's death in a gentle, uplifting manner as they make sure that the happy hut stands as a reminder of all the memories they made together. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The Hare-shaped Hole by John Dougherty
A turtle and a hare are best friends and do everything together until hare dies. Turtle struggles with his grief and it is not until a bear comes along and tells him to fill the hare shaped hole he has with all his wonderful memories that he is able to start living again. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The laugh by Fay Evans
Once there was a lady with the loveliest laugh in the world. She and her daughter share big loud belly laughs, quiet giggles, and sometimes secret laughs between just the two of them. Until one day, the lady dies, and her laugh goes away with her. At first it seems impossible to go on without the lady - but when the little girl finds her laugh again, she knows that, no matter what, the memories and love that they shared will always be there. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The space we're in by Katya Balen
We are her world and her universe and her space and her sky and her galaxy and her cosmos too. Frank is ten. He likes cottage pie and football and cracking codes. Max is five. He only eats Quavers and some colours are too bright for him and if he has to wear a new T-shirt he melts down down down. Sometimes Frank wishes Mum could still do huge paintings of stars and asteroids like she used to, but since Max was born she just doesn't have time. When tragedy hits Frank and Max's lives like a comet, what will it take for Frank to piece together a universe in which he and Max aren't light years apart? | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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The thing at 52 by Ross Montgomery
The Thing at 52' is a beautiful picture book about friendship, loneliness and learning how to say goodbye. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Mr Mornington's favourite things by Karen George
A little girl lives next door to Mr Mornington, who has played saxophone all over the world. These days he's tired of all that travelling and isn't so good at remembering. But when Mr Mornington moves into a care home, his young friend wonders if there's something she can do to help? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Why are people different colours? by Dr Emma Waddington and Dr Christopher McCurry
Advice and guidance from two child psychologists on talking to your child about diversity and identity. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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My family's changing by Pat Thomas
Using beautiful but realistic artwork, Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker take the extremely sensitive and often painful subject of divorce and explain the facts, gently but seriously, for the very youngest of readers. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Stuck in the middle by Tom Tinn-Disbury
Divorce and separation can be hard on any family and a difficult topic for children to understand, including Tilly. Tilly lives in the mountains with her mummy and daddy. She loves it - there are beautiful views and lots of space to play. The only downside is that she lives some of the time with Mummy on one mountain and the rest of the time with Daddy on another. Even though their mountains are joined by a bridge, Tilly isn't allowed to use it. Instead, Tilly has to walk all the way down one mountain and trek up the next to get between the two houses, which makes her extremely tired and makes her wish that they all lived together. One day, when upset, Tilly decides to fix the old, wobbly bridge in the hope that it will fix her family. Will she succeed? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The hairdo that got away by Joseph Coelho
Once a month, Dad takes his son to the barbers, come rain or shine. But when Dad disappears, this little boy's hair grows big, ginormous, out of control - and so do his feelings. A touching and melodic story of family separation from a child's perspective. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Anger is OKAY Violence is NOT by Julie Federico
Anger is OKAY, Violence is NOT, written by Julie Federico and illustrated by Glori Alexander, is a thoughtful, much-needed addition to pre-school teachers' and social workers' libraries. With vibrant, TV-cartoon-like illustrations and simple, direct text appropriate for even the youngest children, this picture book explores the complexity and vitality of anger, and when it is appropriately expressed and when it is not. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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Cookie by Jacqueline Wilson
Beauty Cookson is no beauty - she's a plain girl, surrounded by super-confident, snooty girls at school. But worse than the teasing in the playground is her father's temper. Eventually, after an unbearable birthday party and a very real fear that Dad's temper is out of control, Mum and Beauty run away. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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Lola Rose by Jacqueline Wilson
When Jayni, her mum and brother have to run away from her abusive father, it starts off as an adventure. They slip out at night, go up to London and stay in a hotel, and even make up false identities. But when the money runs out, reality bites. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eAudiobook | eBook |
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Somebody cares by Susan Farber Straus
Somebody Cares' explores the feelings and thoughts many kids have when they've had to look out for themselves or be alone much of the time. A useful book to read with a caring adult - such as a parent, foster parent, kinship parent, or therapist - 'Somebody Cares' reassures children who have experienced neglect that they are not to blame for what happened in their family, and that they can feel good about themselves for many reasons. It takes time for kids to get used to changes in their family or living situation, even when they are good changes. This book will help kids learn some ways to feel safer, more relaxed, and more confident. An extensive 'Note to Parents and Caregivers', including a list of helpful resources, is available. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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Is that your mama? by Patrice Lawrence
A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly means to be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrence and Diane Ewen. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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My family, your family by Laura Henry-Allain
There is no one way to have a family and no right way to be a family. 'My Family, Your Family' is a powerful non-fiction book that focuses on what makes a family, explores how different families come together and celebrates the idea that every family is unique. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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A superfamily like ours by Dr Ranj
Rohan is excited for the Superfamily Summer Festival where everyone will come together for a day of games, music, food and fun. But do all families really have superpowers? From music and singing, to adventurous treasure hunts and family-famous recipes - join Rohan at the festival as he discovers the superpower of love that is always part of us - whether our family is near or far! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Fantastic families by Omari McQueen
A celebration of family from Omari McQueen, the youngest award-winning vegan chef in the UK. Omari's family is unique - but then again, isn't everyones?! Omari's story shows us how families can come in all shapes and sizes, and why families of all kinds are so special. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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My family and other families by Richard and Lewis Edwards-Middleton
There's only one thing on Liam's mind: getting to the big wheel on time. But who can help him find his lost ticket? Follow Liam's funfair adventure and see what different families can do! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The family tree by Kate Ferdinand and Emma Randall
In a magical forest full of busy birds and buzzy bugs, there stands a giant oak tree. This is where the fairy families live! Ash and Willow live in the Family Tree with their dad. They love baking and can't wait to enter the Busy Beetle Bake-Off, but everything changes when their dad introduces them to a new fairy, Hazel. With their bakes going badly, and a new member of the family to get used to, will Ash and Willow manage to find a way to win the contest? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Turtle moves house by Sue Graves
Turtle is moving house with her family. Everyone else is excited, but she isn't. She likes her house, and she loves living next door to Bear. Luckily, Bear's mum has some good ideas to help Turtle feel better about the move. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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The invisible by Tom Percival
The Invisible' is the story of a young girl called Isabel and her family. They don't have much, but they have what they need to get by. Until one day, there isn't enough money to pay their rent and bills and they have to leave their home full of happy memories and move to the other side of the city. It is the story of a girl who goes on to make one of the hardest things anyone can ever make a difference. And it is the story of those who are overlooked in our society - who are made to feel invisible - and why everyone has a place here. We all belong. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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Home for Grace by Kathryn White
A powerful and compassionate introduction to homelessness, and the need for kindness, understanding and friendship. No one knows who Grace is. One day, she appeared in a shop doorway in a sleeping bag, with a cat called Luna, surrounded by strange things. When Jess and her mum strike up a friendship with Grace, Jess has questions: why did she leave her home? Does she have enough to eat? And what happens when the cold weather comes? | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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How will it be with baby & me? by Anna Friend and Jake Biggin
Beautifully illustrated and simply written, this picture book offers a moving, yet reassuring, journey through a child's feelings of anxiety about a new arrival. With his mum announcing that he will have a new baby brother, Jack is worried what will happen when he arrives. Will Mummy take her love for Jack and give it away? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Don't! by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick
Once there was Daddy and Mummy and me. Then there was Daddy and Mummy and me and - BOO! Boo can roar, kick and bite. But so can Geraldine. And she's not going to be left out! Full of empathy and humour, this delightful story perfectly captures the feelings of a child with a new baby in the family. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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My brother is an avocado by Tracey Darnton
A little girl is very excited that Mummy is having a baby and even more excited as her parents describe the baby in terms of fruit and vegetables as it grows in mummy's tummy. Perfect for children eagerly awaiting the new arrival. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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Everybody's welcome by Patricia Hegarty and Greg Abbott
Wouldn't it be great if you could build a home that opened its doors to everyone - tall or short, fat or thin, rich or poor. Well, perhaps if everybody pitches in to help, one little mouse can achieve that dream. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The suitcase by Chris Naylor-Ballesteros
When a strange-looking animal arrives pulling a big suitcase, the other animals are curious. What on earth could be inside the suitcase? When the animals break into the suitcase and discover a very special photograph, they begin to understand what the strange creature has been through, and together they create a very special welcome present. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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No matter what...we all belong by Becky Davies and Fernando Martín
No matter what the music, no matter what our name. No matter what our language, our smiles are the same! An irresistibly squishy, shiny rainbow accompanies an uplifting rhyming text, with the unifying message that we ALL belong, no matter what. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Welcome by Barroux
When Polar Bear and his friends are swept away from their icy home, they hope to find refuge in a new land. But when they are turned away from one new place after another, they start to doubt that they will ever find somewhere they will be made welcome. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Koala goes on holiday by Sue Graves
Koala is going on holiday, and everyone is very excited - everyone except Koala. She is nervous about being away from home. What if she doesn't like the beach? What if she doesn't like the food? Luckily, her sister is there to reassure her. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Grandpa and the kingfisher by Anna Wilson and Sarah Massini
Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life. Mum reassures her daughter that her whole family – Daddy, Uncles, Aunties, Grandparents and friends – will become a little bit more like Mum, and show her every single bit of love that she needs to help her heal after Mum is gone. The book ends asking her child to remember all the joy and fun they had when they were still together. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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A stone for Sascha by Aaron Becker
This year's summer holiday will be very different for a young girl and her family without Sascha, the beloved family dog, along for the ride. But a walk along the beach to gather cool, polished stones becomes a brilliant turning point in the girl's grief. There, at the edge of a vast ocean beneath an infinite sky, she uncovers, alongside the reader, a profound and joyous truth. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Badgers Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
Badger was dependable, and always ready to lend a helping paw. He was very old and wise, and knew that he would die soon. Susan Varley wrote this book to help children overcome the death of loved ones, and it has since become a children's classic. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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ClownFish by Alan Durant
Dak's dad has been dead for seven days when suddenly he reappears. He's the same in almost every way, with one startling exception: Dad has turned into a clownfish, and now lives in a tank at their local aquarium. Dak is delighted by the news - he has Dad back, even if he isn't quite as he was before. Deciding to keep Dad's transformation a secret, Dak visits him at the aquarium as often as he can, and ends up spending so much time there that they offer him a job. This is how he comes to meet Violet, the owner's prickly but kindhearted niece; when the aquarium is threatened with closure, the pair must work together to save it. For Dak, the stakes couldn't be higher - after all, if the aquarium shuts down, what will happen to the fish? | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eAudiobook | eBook |
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Death, duck and the tulip by Wolf Erlbruch
Duck, Death and the Tulip' will intrigue, haunt and enchant readers of all ages. Simple, warm and witty, this book deals with a difficult subject in a way that is elegant, straightforward, and life-affirming. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Everyone sang: a poem for every feeling by Emily Sutton
This anthology contains over 100 poems, chosen by creator of the bestselling 'The Poetry Pharmacy', William Sieghart, and illustrated by Emily Sutton. Divided into four thoughtfully-curated sections, including Poems to Make You Smile, Poems to Move You, Poems to Give You Hope and Poems to Calm and Connect You, the poems originate from an extraordinary and diverse range of sources, from Maya Angelou to A.A. Milne, Lemn Sissay, Jackie Kay, Carol Ann Duffy, Joseph Coelho, Kae Tempest, W.B. Yeats, Christina Rossetti and Emily Dickinson, among many others. | Ages: 7+ | Physical Book |
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Fox: a circle of life story by Isabel Thomas and Daniel Egnéus
In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies. But what happens then? Can new life grow from old? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Goodbye Mog by Judith Kerr
Mog was tired - dead tired. She thought, 'I want to sleep for ever'. And so she did. But a little bit of her stayed awake to see what would happen next. So Mog keeps watch over the upset Thomas family, who miss her terribly, and she wonders how they will ever manage without her. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Grandad's Island by Benji Davies
A beautifully realised, delicately handled story about a little boy coming to terms with the loss of his much-loved grandfather. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Granpa by John Burningham
This special friendship between one small girl and her grandfather is captured in this gently humorous, touching story that will delight adults and children alike. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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I have a question about death by Ed Gaines and Arlen Grad
Death is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more so when the child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Special Educational Needs. This book is designed specifically to help children with these additional needs to understand what happens when someone dies. Using clear illustrations throughout, this book is essential for families with a child aged 5-11 with ASD or other special needs. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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If all the world were… by Joseph Coelho
A moving, lyrical picture book about a young girl's love for her granddad and how she copes when he dies, written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho. This powerful and ultimately uplifting text is the ideal way to introduce children to the concept of death and dying, particularly children who have lost a grandparent. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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King and the dragonflies by Kacen Callender
In a small but turbulent Louisiana town, King lost his older brother. To move on, he must find himself. King is convinced his brother isn't dead, that he has instead turned into a dragonfly, and he searches for Khalid down by the bayou. Khalid visits him in turn, in King's dreams. King must keep these secrets to himself as he watches grief transform his family. It would be easier if King could talk with his best friend, Sandy. But King had ended their friendship. Before his death, his brother had said, 'You don't want anyone to think you're gay too, do you?' But when Sandy goes missing, sparking a town-wide search, King finds his former best friend and the two begin an adventure as they hide Sandy down by the bayou, among the dragonflies. As King's friendship with Sandy is reignited, he's forced to confront questions about himself and the reality of his brother's death. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eAudiobook |
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Mum's jumper by Jayde Perkin
If Mum has gone, how do you carry on? Missing her feels like a dark cloud that follows you around, or like swimming to a shore that never comes any nearer. But memories are like a jumper that you can cuddle and wear. And Mum's jumper might be a way to keep her close. A simple, heartfelt and ultimately uplifting book for anyone coping with loss. Originally published: 2019 | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Sad Book by Michael Rosen
We all have 'sad stuff' to deal with in life. What makes Michael Rosen most sad is thinking about his son, Eddie, who died. In this book he writes about his sadness, how it affects him, and some of the things he does to try to cope with it. Originally published: 2004 | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The 1,000-year-old boy by Ross Welford
Alfie Monk is like any other nearly teenage boy - except he's 1,000 years old and can remember the last Viking invasion of England. Obviously no one believes him, so when everything Alfie knows and loves is destroyed in a fire, and the modern world comes crashing in, he embarks on a mission to find friendship, acceptance, and a different way to live - which means finding a way to make sure he will eventually die. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eAudiobook |
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The copper tree by Hilary Robinson
When Olivia's teacher, Miss Evans, dies, the children at her school are encouraged to think of everything that reminds them of her. This book is about love and legacy and will help children understand that while sadness is an inevitable part of grief, death is not necessarily the end for what is left behind can be everlasting. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The memory tree by Britta Teckentrup
Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest. One day, he lies down in his favourite clearing, takes a deep breath and falls asleep forever. Before long, Fox's friends begin to gather in the clearing. One by one, they tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. And, as they share their memories, a tree blooms, big and strong, eventually watching over all the friends, just as Fox did when he was alive. This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies. Originally published: 2013 | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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The pond by Nicola Davies
The Pond' is a touching picture book about a young boy and his family, overcoming the loss of his father through a small pond in the garden. This colourful, emotional book is filled with natural imagery and will teach children not only about death, and loss, but the importance of the natural world. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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The tiger rising by Kate Camillo
Grief, loneliness and bullying are dealt with in this sensitive book. Rob's mum has recently died and with no-one to talk to he keeps his worries to himself. His life begins to change when he finds a caged tiger and decides to set it free. | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book | eAudiobook | eBook |
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Waiting for Wolf by Sandra Dieckmann
Fox and Wolf spend all their perfect days together - talking and laughing for hours, swimming together in the big blue lake, and watching the stars come out, one by one. Until one day, Wolf is gone. This is a moving tale of friendship and loss and learning to carry on. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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When dinosaurs die a guide to understanding death by Laurie Krasny Brown
Explaining the concept of death to a child can often be an upsetting experience. This book deals with the issue in a healthy, open manner, addressing children's fears and curiosities head-on, therefore making the grieving process as painless as possible. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Always your stepmum by Stephanie Stansbie and Tatiana Kamshilina
Whatever you do, wherever you go, whoever you become - I'll always be your stepmum. This lyrical love letter of a book explores the unique challenges, joys and experiences of becoming a blended family. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Love makes a family by Sophie Beer
Whether you have two mums, two dads, one parent or one of each, there's one thing that makes a family a family ... and that's love. Celebrate the variety of families, and the common theme of love, in this illustrated board book for young readers. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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What makes a family? by Molly Potter
What Makes a Family?' explores different types of families, from what makes them unique to what they all have in common. Using everyday examples, clear explanations and colourful illustrations by Sarah Jennings, this book encourages children to celebrate families of all shapes and sizes. This diverse picture book covers lots of different family structures, including nuclear families, blended families, LGBTQ+ families, single-parent families, fostering and adoption. It's the perfect resource for starting important conversations with children about what different families can look like, and the love that holds them all together. | Ages: 5+ | Physical Book |
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Wherever you go by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman
Follow a group of families whose preschool children are finally heading to 'big school'. As all the kids prepare for their big graduation day, their parents look back on how their little ones have grown and promise them that they will always be loved. That they will always belong. That wherever they go and whoever they become, their families will always be proud of them. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Deep by Stephen Hogtun
When a tiny whale calf is born, his mother raises him to the surface to take his first breath. She guides him as he grows, until he is strong enough to swim at her side, and they set off together on a great journey across the oceans. One day, the time will come for the grown calf to set out on his own - but wherever he goes and whatever he does, his mother will be waiting for him and sending her song of love across the oceans. Filled with beautiful, luminous artwork, this stunning picture book tells a universal story about love and family that's perfect for readers young and old. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book | eBook |
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My magic family by Lotte Jeffs and Sharon Davey
There are billions of families, a million ways to be. But in my magic family it's Mummy, Mum and me! Let's tell our family stories - fantastical and true - and we'll find out who's who to me, and who is who to you. In this celebratory, reassuring rhyming story a little girl with two mummies shares the magic of her family and discovers how magic all her friends' families are too. This is a warm, funny read-aloud that's perfect for opening up conversations about different families in a playful, creative way. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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When I became your sister by Susannah Shane and Britta Teckentrup
A heart-warming picture book about the love between siblings, featuring shimmering gold foil on every page! Whether they're adventuring in the forest, sharing berries, or wishing on shooting stars, there's nothing this little raccoon cub loves more than spending time with their big sister. With a gentle rhyming text by Susannah Shane and stunning artwork by award-winning and internationally bestselling illustrator Britta Teckentrup, this book makes the perfect gift following the arrival of a new baby. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Red is home by Emma Bettridge and Josephine Birch
Red the dog lives in two different places with members of his family. There are things he does to feel safe in each home, but on Monday one of those homes will change. How will he cope when things are no longer the same? | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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April's garden by Isla McGuckin and Catalina Echeverri
April and her mother have been housed in temporary accommodation. Promised a brighter future by her mother, April finds her life there to be filled with things that are old, broken and impersonal. She longs for her own things and for some beauty in her life but experiences only frustration and disappointment until one day she plants some seeds. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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What does baby want? by Tupera Tupera
This baby is not comforted by a teddy bear or toy. This baby wants only one thing: milk! | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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To the other side by Erika Meza
A young boy and his older sister have left home to play a game. To win, she tells him, they must travel across endless lands together and make it to the finish line. Children they meet along the way imagine what might be waiting for them across the border: A spotted dog? Ice cream! Or maybe a new school. But the journey is difficult, and the monsters are more real than they imagined. And when it no longer feels like a game, the two children must still find a way to forge ahead, and reach the other side. This is a symbolic and emotionally rich picture book about the spirit and strength it takes to leave your home behind. | Ages: 0+ | Physical Book |
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Somewhere for Little Bear by Britta Teckentrup
Here is a thoughtful and beautifully illustrated story about opening our homes and our hearts to those in need of a warm welcome. Little Bear lives happily in his cosy cave deep in the woods. He loves picking berries in the day, listening to the birds sing under his favourite tree in the evenings, and curling up comfily on his soft leaves to sleep each night. But when Bear wakes up one morning to find his beloved forest ablaze, he must make a quick escape, away from his cosy cave, friendly faces and the comforts he knows. He walks and walks in search of somewhere new to call home, but finds he's not welcome in the places that look most familiar to him. Feeling hopeless and alone, Little Bear must journey even further into the unknown. And only in the most unfamiliar of places, does the kindness of new animal friends lead Little Bear to discover the true meaning of home. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Facing your fear of flying by Heather E. Schwartz
Does the rumble of a plane's engines make you nervous? Do take-offs and landings make your stomach queasy? You're not alone. In this book, explore the reasons many people are afraid of flying on an aeroplane and discover simple tips for facing this fear safely. Reassuring facts and helpful photos provide the knowledge young readers need to face their fear of flying. | Ages: 4+ | Physical Book |
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My friend Andy by Emma Chinnery
A carefully-observed story that challenges us to re-evaluate perceptions of homelessness. Everyday, little dog Fluffy walks through the city with Mum and Lilly. And everyday, they walk past Andy. But they are never allowed to play with him. Until one day, Fluffy gets lost, and this changes forever. With the help of Andy and his Dad, Fluffy searches high and low for Lilly. But will they ever be reunited? Told through Fluffy's eyes, this book brilliantly grasps a child-like naivety that questions what is and encourages us to imagine what should be. | Ages: 3+ | Physical Book |
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Has anyone seen Archie Ebbs? by Simon Packham
Archie Ebbs has the perfect life. Good friends, a nice home and classmates who laugh at (nearly) all his jokes. But all that is about to change. As his family have to face unsettling times, Archie has his own worries. Is he really starting to become invisible? | Ages: 9+ | Physical Book |
