Picture books to help you talk about tough topics

How will little Gerda cope when Orlo dies? An invaluable picture book to talk about love, death and making lasting memories. 

Ruby loves being Ruby. Until, one day, she finds a worry – and it won’t stop growing. How can Ruby get rid of it and feel like herself again? A very beautiful, sensitive look at anxiety and how a problem shared is a problem halved. 

First days at nursery can be really hard for little ones and grown-ups. What Does The Crocodile Say? is a wonderful and emotive picture book that manages to express all the anxieties, along with a happy reassurance that nursery is actually quite fun.

Kaya’s mother says that to hear your heart song, you must quieten your mind. This picture book aims to promote mindfulness and there’s an explanation of the word at the back of the book, but it can also be read as a fantasy story.

A stunningly illustrated reworking of a classic ​“monster under the bed” story, which helps defuse the fear for the next generation of youngsters.

How are you feeling today? This warm-hearted and thoughtful picture book explores a whole range of emotions that children might experience.

It’s Mae’s first day of school, but she doesn’t want to go. Instead, she climbs a tree and refuses to come down. This charming, stylish and reassuring picture book acknowledges the anxiety that children might have about starting school.

Introducing the concept of mental wellbeing, this picture book helps children to recognise and understand difficult emotions. The result is a contemplative and ultimately uplifting tale.