This is a page I am currently adding to, however I decided to press publish as there are already some great books on here!
“Hey Warrior” by Karen Young from Hey Sigmund is hands down my favourite book to use to talk to children about anxiety. Offering both understanding of what anxiety is, how it can help and when it doesn’t she explains the neuroscience in a child friendly way along with what to do when faced with a feeling which can be overwhelming.
“Dear You, Love from your Brain” by Karen Young is another favourite of mine. I’ve found that many young people find big emotions less frightening when they understand what is happening. This book offers both that understanding and strategies for big feelings. It’s one I’d love to see on the bookshelf in every home.
“The Sad Book” by Michael Rosen is very poignant. I love that it doesn’t offer nice neat answers, but more of a journey through the way sad can feel and present. He includes talking about his grief about the loss of his son, but somehow manages to do this in a child friendly way. This is a book which gives a sense of learning to sit with big feelings. It’s got lovely illustrations throughout.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is aimed at younger children and talks about how we are connected to loved ones even when we are apart. It’s a lovely way to introduce the idea of attachment and how even when separated there is still connection. If you have a child struggling to be apart from you this is a lovely way to talk this through.
“My Grandma Died” by Lory Britain is a book for a particular season. When my father in law died my daughter was just 5 and this book was really helpful to put into words what was happening for her. This book is suitable for age 5+
