Explaining complex or difficult concepts to young children can be challenging. Picture books can be a valuable asset in this task, providing kid friendly explanations and scenarios, and providing a starting point for important conversations.
These books are only a few of the many, many themed picture books available. A sample, if you will, of books that have been tried and tested by my crew, and where possible are available through the excellent public library service in the ACT.
Empathy and Compassion
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
When Taylor’s grand construction falls down he is very upset. Animal after animal comes to make things better, but that isn’t what Taylor needs right then.
Available at Libraries ACT
Inclusion and Tolerance
I’m Australian Too by Mem Fox
A celebration of all Australians, irrespective of their origins.
Available at Libraries ACT
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Brian is so shy and quiet that he disappears into the background of his class. A new student shows him kindness and helps him to grow his confidence.
Available at Libraries ACT
The Day War Came by Nicola Davies
A young child loses everything and everyone she knows when her home city is unexpectedly bombed and she becomes a refugee.
Available at Libraries ACT
Kindness
I’m (almost) Always Kind by Anna Milbourne
Being kind can be difficult, and sometimes it requires looking at things from other perspectives.
Available at Libraries ACT
The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
All the bear wants to do is sleep, but a group of animals interrupt him.
Available at Libraries ACT
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
When Stick defends Stone against a bully, the two become friends.
Available at Libraries ACT
Grief and Loss
The Hug Blanket by Chris Gurney
When a young girl’s Nana dies suddenly, she is very sad, but her Nana left her with many lovely memories of their time together.
Available at Libraries ACT
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
A mum explains that we are connected to our loved ones by an invisible string. Useful when children are separated from their parents.
Available at Libraries ACT
Families
Who’s Your Real Mum? by Bernadette Green and Anna Zobel
Elvi has two mums. When her friend Nicholas wants to know which one is her real mum, Elvi tries to explain that they are both her real mums.
Available at Libraries ACT
And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson
Two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo are life partners. When they are given an egg to nurture, just like the other penguin couples, their family grows.
Available at Libraries ACT
Bodies, Babies and Boundaries
Mummy Laid an Egg! by Babette Cole
Mum and Dad make lots of silly suggestions as to where babies come from, so the kids have to set them straight.
The Amazing True Story of How Babies are Made by Fiona Katauskas
A funny and frank look at how babies are made.
Read a review here!
Available at Libraries ACT
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