Book Suggestions
Where’s My Daddy? – Zoe Jones
Written from personal experience, this book helps children understand why their father is no longer in their lives following an abusive relationship. It offers mothers a gentle way to explain difficult family circumstances while reassuring children that they are loved, safe, and never to blame.
A Terrible Thing Happened – Margaret M. Holmes
A gentle story that helps children process difficult or traumatic experiences. Through Sherman, a young raccoon struggling with confusing emotions after witnessing something upsetting, the book explores feelings of fear, anger, and worry. It encourages children to express their emotions and shows how talking to a trusted adult can help them begin to he
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept – Jayneen Sanders
A sensitive, age-appropriate story that teaches children about body safety, personal boundaries, and the difference between safe and unsafe secrets. Through gentle storytelling, children learn to recognize inappropriate touch, trust their feelings, and speak up when something makes them uncomfortable. The book emphasizes that children should never
Some Days He Growled – Nicole Kimball Ostrowski
A powerful children’s story that explores the cycle of abuse through the relationship between Wolf and Ghost. When Wolf becomes controlling and hurtful, Ghost begins to lose its sense of self, despite Wolf’s occasional kindness and gifts. Through child-friendly storytelling, the book helps children recognize unhealthy relationships, understand pattern
The Day My Daddy Lost His Temper – Dr. Carol S. McCleary
A children’s book addressing the difficult experience of a father’s anger and loss of control. It may help families begin conversations about frightening parental behaviour, children’s emotional responses, and the importance of feeling safe at home.
The Invisible String – Patrice Karst
Children often feel unsafe and afraid when they’re with the other parent. In this heartwarming story, help your child understand that you’re always with them. Through the idea of an invisible string connecting us to the people we love, it helps reassure children that love and connection remain strong, even when we are physically apart. For children experiencing
The Kissing Hand – Audrey Penn
A heartwarming story about Chester, a young raccoon who feels anxious about leaving his mother to start school. His mother shares a special ritual that helps him feel her love even when they’re apart. This comforting book helps children navigate separation anxiety, transitions, and time away from a parent, reminding them that love and connection remain even when they
When I Am Not With You – Sarah Wright Olsen
A comforting story that helps children understand that love and connection continue even when loved ones are physically apart. Through a family of koalas, the book explores ways to feel close despite distance, offering reassurance to children experiencing separation anxiety, time away from a parent, or changes in family routines.
Brave Can Wait – Ella Moon
A children’s book about courage, emotional readiness, and learning that being brave doesn’t always mean facing something before you’re ready. It introduces the idea that children can acknowledge their fears, take things at their own pace, and find strength in their feelings.
Your Feelings Matter! – Amber Holmes & Tiffany Sanders
A supportive children’s book specifically written for children who have witnessed domestic violence. It helps children recognize and understand their emotions, reassures them that their feelings are valid, and explores how emotions can affect their bodies. Through guided questions and therapeutic activities, the book encourages open conversatio
Owl Babies – Martin Waddell
Three baby owls wake up to find their mother gone and anxiously wait for her return. The book explores feelings of separation, fear, and uncertainty while offering comfort through the mother’s loving reunion with her babies. Particularly helpful for young children experiencing separation anxiety or struggling with being apart from a parent.
Mommy Always Comes Back – Ella Moon
A children’s book that focuses on reassuring young children during separations from their mother. It introduces the comforting idea that saying goodbye doesn’t mean being forgotten and that children can feel loved and connected even when their mother is away.
Ruby Finds a Worry – Tom Percival
A gentle, relatable story about a little girl named Ruby who discovers a worry that grows bigger the more she keeps it to herself. When she learns to share her feelings with someone else, her worry begins to shrink. This book helps children recognize anxiety, understand that worries are normal, and discover how talking about their feelings with someone they trust c