Separation and Divorce: Recommended Books for Children
Dinosaurs Divorce
by Marc Brown & Laurene Krasny Brown
This informative childrens book not only shares what kinds of feelings a child may experience if their parents divorce, but how to deal with those emotions. It teaches that although a divorce in the family changes some things, one of those things is not how much the parents love their child. Age 3-6
Its Not Fair: Bród’s Journey through their Parents Break-up
by Deirdre McCarthy (Author), Bex Sheridan (Illustrator)
Bród is having a difficult time, their parents are breaking up and this is very confusing. Bród doesn’t know what their family will look like now, what home will be like and how everything will will feel as they try to make sense of it all. But Bród has help! Thanks to their family, friends and teacher, they learn how to cope when everything feels over whelming.
This book was developed by a Social Worker with child protection experience and a level 9 certificate in Trauma informed Care. The book is gender neutral, looks at modern family types as well as traditional ones, so it embraces LGBTQI families.
There is a companion workbook if needed for a child to build their own story and care plan which is available in print.
Mum and Dad Glue
by Kes Gray
A book about a boy coming to terms with his parents’ divorce, with a powerful message that even though his parents may be broken, their love for him is not. Age 3-6
Two Homes
by Claire Masurel
Alex has two front doors, two bedrooms and two very different favourite chairs. He has a toothbrush at Mummy’s and a toothbrush at Daddy’s. But whether Alex is with Mummy or Daddy, one thing stays the same: Alex is loved by them both by always. This portrayal of the life of a child whose parents are divorced is full of warmth, comfort and affection. Age 3-6
Man’s Work
by Annie Kubler
This book contains no words just pictures so the story can be made up by the parent. It could be good for single dads, to show dads and their sons together without their other parent. It contains drawings of daddy and his son doing household chores, such as cleaning the house together. They vacuum, wash up, pick up toys and make the house spick and span. Age 3-6
Mum and Dad split up
by Elizabeth O’Loughlin and Kayleigh Adams
The simple story of a family splitting up is told from a child’s point of view and illustrated by a child, letting young readers know they are not alone. Designed for adults and children to read together, or for older children to read by themselves, the book acknowledges children’s distress and encourages children to find their own way of coping with the trauma and upheaval life has thrown at them. Age 4+
Rainy Day
by Emma Houghton
It’s far too wet for the fair, and Ned thinks his special day with Dad is ruined. What can they do when it’s pouring with rain? Luckily, Dad has plenty of ideas and gradually Ned finds out that rainy days aren’t so bad – and they don’t last forever. Age 4+
Two of everything
by Babette Cole
Demetrius and Paula are two perfectly beautiful children, but they have a pair of parents who do nothing but argue, bicker and clash. In fact, they begin to worry that it’s their entire fault, which leaves them feeling very sad and confused. So they call a meeting at school to see if anyone else is in the same parental predicament – and it turns out they’re not alone! Age 4+
Where has daddy gone?
by Trudy Osman and Joanna Carey
When parents separate, children can be casualties. This story of what happened to one little boy provides a sympathetic opportunity to broach the subject within the family, and help children not personally involved to understand what may be happening to their friends. A family story which tackles the subject of separation in a simple and sympathetic way. Age 4+
Since Dad left
by Caroline Binch
Sid is cross. He doesn’t understand why his mum and dad don’t live together anymore. Sandra, his mum, arranges for him to spend some time with Mick, his dad, but Sid doesn’t want to go. But Mick slowly wins him over, and by the time he returns to his mum, Sid feels he really has a dad again. Age 4+
Mom’s house, Dad’s house for kids
by Isolina Ricci
The focus of this book is the positive and proactive things kids can do to feel better. It gives tips on how to talk to parents about problems, strategies for addressing and resolving problems and answers to kids’ unasked questions. The book doesn’t end with the divorce, but continues with what to expect and how to cope when the family changes once again into a stepfamily. A must-read for kids whose parents are separating, divorcing, dating, or remarrying. Age 4+
Jigsaw puzzle family; the step kid’s guide
by Cynthia MaGregor
Step For all the kids who wonder how the jigsaw puzzle pieces of their newly combined family will ever fit together, a warm and understanding resource for children of divorce. Jigsaw Puzzle Family helps kids realize they’re not alone — many other kids are dealing with a new stepparent, new stepbrothers and/or stepsisters, a new house with new rules. Readers will find dozens of practical and helpful suggestions for making step-family life better. Age 4+
Children don’t divorce
by Rosemary Stones and Nicola Spoor
Covering issues around divorce e.g. the effects on friends at school, visits by a social worker and the arrival of a new partner. Looking at separation and divorce from the child’s angle and offers a good opportunity for children to explore and express their feelings. Age 4+
Was it the chocolate pudding?
by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo
A story about divorce in a typical family, with age-appropriate explanations with childlike innocence and humour, this book explains divorce from a kid’s point of view. Age 4+
My 3 Houses
by Dita Lester
A self help book for children, written by a seven year old girl about her parent’s separating, moving house and leaving friends and family behind to begin again in a new town, start a new school and make new friends. Age 4+
When Katie’s Mum and Dad separated
by Sarah, Duchess of York
Provides child-friendly advice when parents separate, and gives reassurance for children who think they may be responsible for their parents’ separation. Katie realizes that her parents are happier apart-and that no matter what, some things will never change: she loves her dad and mom very much, and they will always love her back. Age 4+
My family’s changing
by Pat Thomas and Lesley Harker
This is a picture book that takes the subject of divorce and explains the facts gently but seriously. It addresses the child directly and is designed to encourage interaction between parents and the child, dealing with difficult personal and emotional issues for younger children. Age 4+
The Nubbler
by Pam Ayres
Rufus is miserable because his parents are constantly arguing. The Nubbler is a dragon-like creature who helps him cope with the rows and their eventual separation. Age 8+
My Family and Other Natural Disasters
by Josephine Feeney
Thirteen year old Patrick has to write his life story for school but his parents have just separated and refuse to answer any of his questions about the past. A story about family break-up. Age 12-14
The Suitcase Kid
by Jacqueline Wilson
When her parents divorce and remarry, only child Andy, has to adjust to moving between two homes and two new families. But all she really wants is to go back to her first home. Age 9-12
What Do We Think About Family Break-up?
by Jillian Powell
A book for young children which explores family break-up and the changes and emotions involved. Age 6-9