Picture books tagged with: absence

The World Made a Rainbow

This reassuring book may help children who are struggling to adapt to social distancing, or who are finding it hard to be separated from friends or family due to the Coronavirus pandemic

This powerful story about a family's forced migration to a new country gives children the chance to empathise with people in difficult circumstances. It promotes greater understanding and respect for those with different origins and cultures. Children who are refugees themselves may recognise something of their own story here.

Mummy’s Home!

This book helps explain to children why a parent must sometimes temporarily leave their family in order to work; it acknowledges the challenges associated with having an absent parent, while remaining positive; the book provides the child with coping strategies to help them through a period of absence.

My Daddy’s In Jail

When a family member goes to prison, young children can be frightened and confused and perhaps feel they are in some way to blame. This important book, sensitively written by a former prisoner, is packed full of comforting explanations and reassurance for children in this challenging situation.

A Day With Dad

Shows how the love between a child and an estranged parent can remain strong regardless of how far apart they are. Reinforcing the pride a father and son can have for each other.

What Makes Me Happy?

May help a child to identify emotions they are experiencing and encourage them to discuss any they feel uncomfortable with. Reassures children that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

Daddy’s Time Out

Having a loved one in prison can be bewildering and distressing for a young child. They may feel shame, guilt, separation anxiety, and a host of other challenging emotions, or feel that they are no longer loved by (or feel that it is no longer appropriate for them to love) the estranged person. This simple, age-appropriate story helps to reassure, educate and comfort.

Virtual Hug for The World

Inspiring children to use imaginative play to make imposed restrictions such as lockdowns, sheltering in place or quarantine easier to cope with.

My Hero Is You

This free e-book contains lots of information for children to help them cope with anxieties surrounding Coronavirus.

Under the Love Umbrella

A book to comfort 'anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost or alone'. Useful for children who are experiencing separation anxiety or loneliness, it sends the comforting message that wherever you are, you are loved.

See You Later Mum

Comforting for children starting playgroup or nursery.

Dear Daddy

Reassuring children that they are loved despite the fact that a parent sometimes needs to be absent for extended periods. Acknowledging separation anxieties and sadness children may experience when a parent is away from home.

Tommy’s Dad

Informing and comforting children who have a loved one in prison

Molly and Her Dad

A touching portrayal of the bonding process between a distant father and his daughter. Although their interaction is awkward at first, love shines through and their similarities become obvious to the reader. As the book progresses, Molly adopts her father's funny expressions and behaviour.

The Journey

Mummy’s Home!

My Daddy’s In Jail

A Day With Dad

What Makes Me Happy?

Daddy’s Time Out

Under the Love Umbrella

See You Later Mum

Dear Daddy

Tommy’s Dad

Molly and Her Dad

Claydon Was a Clingy Child

Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes

My Daddy’s Going Away

Ladder To The Moon

My Mum Goes to Work