This World Book Day we’re celebrating some of the amazing books that provide support to children and young people during tough times.

We know that books can be a way for children to use their imagination and escape reality, but they’re also a great resource for dealing with difficult topics.

With the help of our Children and Young People Team here at Glow, we’ve put together a list of 15 books that can help children understand topics that can be tough to talk about.

This includes domestic abuse, coercive control, mental health, grief, nightmares, consent and gender identity.

1.      Floss and the boss.  Catherine Lawler (2021)

Written for primary-aged children, this book helps children understand domestic abuse and coercive control through the story of a puppy called Floss.

2.     Arlie and the witch of Hookety Crook.   Charlie Claydon (2020)

This illustrated book explores mental health and contains some self-care activities to support healthier minds.

3.     Something bad happened: a kid’s guide to coping with events in the news.  Dawn Huebner (2020)

This book is a great resource for adults to use with children aged six to 12 to help talk about disasters in the news.

4.     Help: my feelings are too big: making sense of yourself and the world after a difficult start in life: for children with attachment issues.  K.L. Aspden (2019)

This book helps children learn about emotions such as anxiety, attachment disorders and trauma.

5.     Up and down mum. Summer Maçon (2019)

This story helps children to understand bipolar disorder and how we can better understand those around us who have it.

6.     The unworry book.  Alice James (2019)

This is an activity book to help calm children down. It shows them how to create a worry box, how to make a mood grid and features mindfulness activities such as doodling and colouring in.

7.     Mum’s jumper.  Jayde Perkin (2019)

This is a heartfelt and uplifting story for anyone coping with the loss of a loved one. It’s a way to explain grief to children and help them come to terms with it.

8.     The mermaid who couldn’t.  Ali Redford (2018)

Written for children aged four and older, this picture book uses a simple metaphor to show how children who have experienced neglect or who lack confidence can learn to find a sense of self-worth.

9.     Mud boy: a story about bullying.  Sarah Siggs (2019)

For ages five and over, this book is about bullying. It shows how children can go from happy to deflated as a result of bullying. The book offers support and advice for dealing with
similar situations.

10.  Neon the ninja: activity book for children who struggle with sleep and nightmares. Karen Treisman (2019)

This story is perfect for a child or young person struggling with nightmares.

11.   Sometimes I feel sad.  Tom Alexander (2018)

This book explains to children that they’re not alone if they feel sad and don’t know why. It’s useful for children who struggle to express their feelings and encourages them to open up.

12.  I won’t go with strangers.  Dagmar Geisler (2018)

This illustrated book helps teach children about ‘safe’ adults and how to create one with their parents or carers.

13.  Vincent the vixen.  Alice Reeves (2018)

This story helps children learn about gender identity. It encourages acceptance and aims to take away any prejudices in young children.

14.  It’s my body.  Louise Spilsby (2018)

In this book, children will learn that their body belongs to them and they can always say ‘no’ if they don’t want someone to touch them. The story is about respecting other people’s boundaries and staying safe.

15.  Two mums.  Carolyn Robertson (2018)

This story celebrates the diversity of LGBT family life. It’s full of humour and shows how every family is special in their own way.

Find out more about our Children and Young People Team here.