For Caregivers

Helping you navigate tough conversations with your kids

At Our Home With Friends, we understand that talking about tough subjects with your child can be challenging. That's why we're here to offer support. Browse through our thoughtfully curated lists of children's book recommendations to find the perfect resources to help kickstart those important conversations. Let's tackle tough topics together, one story at a time.

Our topics… so far!

Poverty & Hunger

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Different Abilities

Talking to kids about grief

Age range: 4 - 8
"Ida, Always" is a touching book about two polar bears, Gus and Ida, who share a special friendship in a zoo. When Ida becomes sick, Gus learns to cope with her eventual death, teaching young readers about love, loss, and the enduring power of friendship.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Memory Box" by is a poignant book about a young girl who experiences a significant loss. Feeling overwhelmed by sadness, she decides to create a special memory box to honor and remember her special person. Through the process of collecting items and memories, she learns to cope with her grief and find comfort in the cherished moments they shared together. The book sensitively addresses themes of loss, love, and the healing power of remembering, offering solace to young readers navigating the complexities of loss.
Age range: 5 - 9
"The Next Place" by Warren Hanson is a comforting and poetic picture book that gently explores the concept of life after death. Through beautiful illustrations and lyrical prose, it offers comfort to readers, assuring them of a peaceful "next place" where love and joy persist beyond life's end.
Age range: 4 - 7
"Tough Boris" is a charming book about a fierce pirate who unexpectedly shows his tender side when his beloved parrot dies. Through Boris's journey of grief, young readers learn about empathy and the complexity of emotions.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Invisible String" is a heartwarming book that explores the idea of an invisible string connecting us to the people we love, even when they are far away. Through gentle and reassuring prose, the book illustrates how this invisible string can offer comfort and support during times of separation, fear, or loneliness.
Age range: 4 - 8
"Lost in The Clouds" is a book that follows Billy, a young boy coping with the loss of his mother. As Billy navigates his grief, he finds solace in his vivid imagination and thoughts of his mom in the clouds above him. With heartfelt storytelling and evocative illustrations, the book explores themes of loss, grief, and the healing power of imagination. "Lost in The Clouds" gently reminds readers that memories of loved ones can bring comfort and strength, even in the midst of sorrow.

Talking to kids about different abilities

Age range: 4 - 8
"Just Ask! Be Different, Be Brave, Be You" celebrates diversity and inclusion through colorful characters who learn to embrace their unique abilities and challenges. The book encourages children to ask questions, fostering empathy and understanding towards others.
Age range: 3 - 7
"Can Bears Ski?" is a charming book about Little Bear who struggles with his hearing and has dreams of skiing despite doubts from his friends. With determination and support, he learns that anything is possible. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book inspires young readers to pursue their dreams with courage and resilience.
Age range: 5 - 9
"My Brain is Magic: A Sensory Seeking Celebration" is a colorful book that celebrates sensory processing differences. Through engaging storytelling and vibrant illustrations, it encourages readers to embrace their unique sensory experiences and celebrates the diversity of neurodiversity.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Mermaid with No Tail" is a book about a mermaid named Jessica who was born without legs. Despite feeling different, she learns to embrace her uniqueness with the help of her underwater friends. Through courage and self-acceptance, Jessica discovers her own strengths and finds her place in the world.
Age range: 3 - 9
"Come Over to My House" celebrates diversity in homes worldwide through vibrant illustrations and simple text. It invites readers to explore various types of homes and families, fostering a sense of connection and understanding across cultures.
Age range: 3 - 5
"What Happened to You?" is a picture book about Joe, a boy with one leg, and how he responds when other kids ask about it. Through Joe's story, readers learn about empathy, acceptance, and the importance of understanding differences.
Age range: 4 - 8
You Are Enough is a picture book inspired by the life of Sofia Sanchez who is a model who has Down Syndrome. "You Are Enough: celebrates diversity and acceptance. Through colorful illustrations and simple text, it reassures children that they are valued just as they are, promoting empathy and respect for differences.
Age range: 5 - 10
"The Black Book of Colours" offers a unique perspective on colors through the eyes of a blind person. Using raised images and Braille text, it invites readers to experience colors through touch, smell, taste, and sound, fostering a deeper understanding of perception and inclusivity.
Age range: 5 - 9
"Rescue & Jessica: A Life Changing Friendship" is a heartwarming children's book based on a true story. It follows the bond between Jessica, who loses her legs in the Boston Marathon bombing, and Rescue, a service dog trained to assist her. Through vivid illustrations and poignant storytelling, the book chronicles their journey of recovery and the profound impact of their friendship on each other's lives. "Rescue & Jessica" is a touching tale of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of unconditional love and support.
Age range: 4 - 8
"I Will Dance" by Nancy Bo Flood is a children's book about Eva, a girl who dreams of dancing despite physical challenges. Through determination and support, she learns to embrace her uniqueness and pursue her passion for dance.

Talking to kids about mental health

Age range: 5 - 10
"The Tricky Sticky Addiction Monster" is a children's book that introduces the concept of addiction through relatable storytelling and colorful illustrations. It helps children understand the behaviors and emotions associated with addiction in their families, emphasizing empathy and the importance of seeking support.
Age range: 4 - 8
"I Am Stuck" is a book about overcoming challenges with resilience and support. Through relatable storytelling and engaging illustrations, it encourages problem-solving skills and seeking help when needed, offering a message of hope and friendship.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Whatifs" is a book featuring Cora, a girl accompanied by little monsters representing her worries. These "Whatifs" often fill her mind with nervous thoughts. With the help of a friend, Cora learns to shift her perspective, considering positive "Whatifs" such as making new friends. Through charming illustrations and relatable storytelling, the book encourages children to confront their worries and focus on the possibilities of positive outcomes.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Snurtch" is a picture book about Ruthie, who is shadowed by a troublesome creature called The Snurtch. Despite its rude behavior, Ruthie learns to tame The Snurtch by giving it positive attention, realizing that everyone has their own inner challenges to overcome.
Age range: 4 - 9
In “How To Tame My Anxiety Monster," a child shares their struggles with an Anxiety Monster with their mother, who reveals she has one too. Together, they explore strategies like naming the monster, playing outside, doing art, sensory stimulation, and seeking help. This heartwarming picture book offers valuable tools and reassurance for children dealing with anxiety.
Age range: 4 - 8
In “A Blue Kind of Day," Coen struggles with depression despite his family's efforts to cheer him up. Through their comfort and patience, especially spending time cuddling, Coen's feelings gradually lighten, and he begins to feel better again. This touching picture book underscores the importance of understanding and support in overcoming tough times.
Age range: 3 - 7
"When Sadness is at Your Door" is a comforting picture book that helps children understand and cope with feelings of sadness. Through simple suggestions like naming the feeling, going outside, drawing, or listening to music, it offers practical ways to address and manage emotions in a healthy manner.
Age range: 4 - 8
"In the Blue" is a poignant picture book that follows the journey of a child and their dad as they navigate the complexities of depression. The story unfolds as the child observes their dad's fluctuating moods, from bright and sunny to deep, dark sadness. Together, the family experiences waves of emotions, learning to support each other through the highs and lows. Through their journey, they discover the power of love and togetherness in overcoming challenges and finding resilience in the face of mental health challenges.
Age range: 7 - 11
"Blueloon" is a rhyming picture book about a balloon struggling with depression. With the help of its mother and wise friends, Blueloon learns to cope by finding joy in familiar activities, cultivating positive thoughts, exercising, and getting rest. This heartwarming story emphasizes the importance of seeking support from loved ones during difficult times.
Age range: 4 - 8
"Danny and the Blue Cloud" is a picture book about a small animal named Danny who is followed by a blue cloud of sadness. With the help of his friend Barnaby, Danny learns to overcome his negative feelings by following "Feel-Good Rules." As he engages in activities that bring him joy, his blue cloud transforms into a beautiful rainbow, symbolizing his newfound happiness.
Age range: 4 - 8
"Mama's Waves" is a heartfelt picture book that follows Ellie, a young girl whose mother battles depression. As Ellie grapples with her mother's absence and the complexities of her condition, the other adults in her life provide comforting explanations, helping her navigate the mix of emotions that arise. This touching narrative sheds light on the challenges of mental illness within families while also highlighting moments of connection and understanding. By popular demand, Chandra Ghosh Ippen has also penned "Daddy's Waves," offering insight into the impact of depression on fathers and their families. Together, these stories provide comfort and support to young readers facing similar experiences.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Bipolar Bear Family" is a picture book about Mama Bear, Papa Bear, and Baby Bear navigating Mama Bear's bipolar disorder. With Dr. Penny's help, Baby Bear learns about Mama Bear's condition and how to support her. This story highlights the importance of understanding and managing mental health challenges within families.

Talking to kids about war & peace

Age range: 4 - 8
"The Rare, Tiny Flower" is a captivating picture book centered around a small, multicolored flower that blooms. As people flock to see the flower, they argue passionately about its true color, each holding a different opinion. This disagreement serves as a metaphor for the conflicts of war. However, the story concludes on a hopeful note, emphasizing the importance of expanding our perspectives, being open-minded, and allowing love to guide us. Through this tale, readers are reminded of the transformative power of empathy and understanding in overcoming differences and fostering peace.
Age range: 3 - 5
"Green Lizards VS. Red Rectangles" is a thought-provoking picture book that depicts a war between two groups: the Green Lizards and the Red Rectangles. As the conflict rages on, both sides suffer until they finally agree to a truce. In the end, they learn to coexist peacefully, demonstrating the transformative power of reconciliation and cooperation. Through this story, readers are reminded of the importance of resolving conflicts and working towards harmony.
Age range: 3 - 6
"The Peace Book" is a picture book that highlights different acts of kindness and compassion, such as sharing meals, learning languages, and ensuring everyone has a home, all contributing to peace.
Age range: 4 - 8
"The Map of Good Memories" is a poignant picture book following Zoe, a girl forced to flee her country due to war. Using a map, Zoe marks down her happiest memories from her city before leaving. As she reflects on these cherished moments, Zoe finds solace in knowing that her memories will always stay with her, no matter where her family goes next. Through Zoe's journey, the book underscores the resilience and strength found in treasured memories during times of upheaval and uncertainty.
Age range: 8 - 12
"The Banana-leaf Ball" is a touching picture book recounting Deo's journey after his family is forced to flee their farm due to war. Separated from his family, Deo finds himself in a refugee camp in northwest Tanzania. Initially bullied by another boy named Remy, Deo's life takes a turn when he joins a group of children playing soccer. Through the shared love of the game, Deo and Remy forge a deep friendship, finding solace in each other's company and shared experiences of missing their families. Their friendship becomes a source of comfort, helping them feel less alone amidst the challenges of refugee life.
Age range: 6 - 10
"My Beautiful Birds" is a book depicting the journey of a Syrian refugee family forced to flee their home due to war. Young Sammy, feeling lonely and sad in the refugee camp, longs for the freedom he once shared with his pet birds back home. Through Sammy's eyes, the book explores the profound sadness caused by war and the enduring hope for peace. As Sammy grapples with his emotions, the story invites readers to empathize with the plight of refugees while highlighting the resilience and longing for a brighter future.
Age range: 6 - 8
"Global Conflict" is an informative picture book that explores the concepts of harmony and conflict among people, groups, and countries. Through clear and approachable language, the book delves into topics such as war, violence, terrorism, and the role of organizations like the United Nations in resolving conflicts. By explaining the causes and consequences of conflicts, "Global Conflict" aims to help readers understand these complex issues. The book concludes on a productive note, encouraging readers to communicate their feelings about conflict with adults, fostering understanding and dialogue.

Talking to kids about poverty & hunger

Age range: 5 - 8
"Poverty and Hunger" is a compassionate picture book that offers a simple and approachable explanation of what poverty and hunger entail. Through clear language and relatable illustrations, the book helps readers understand the causes and consequences of these challenging issues. Ending on a positive note, "Poverty and Hunger" encourages readers to express their feelings to adults if they are upset about poverty and hunger, fostering empathy and understanding in addressing these pressing global concerns.
Age range: 4 - 8
"Saturday at the Food Pantry" is a touching picture book that follows Molly and her mom as they visit a food pantry for support. Through Molly's eyes, the story captures the experience of a family in need receiving assistance through food donations. Molly's mom emphasizes the important message that everyone needs help sometimes, promoting empathy and understanding. Through this heartwarming tale, readers learn about the importance of community support and compassion towards those facing hardship.
Age range: 6 - 10
"On Our Street" is a compassionate picture book that delves into complex topics such as homelessness, poverty, refugee experiences, and fundamental human rights. Through a non-judgmental and curious approach, the book offers explanations of these difficult issues, using a combination of illustrated images and real-life photographs. Despite the challenging subject matter, "On Our Street" concludes on a hopeful note, providing easy-to-accomplish suggestions for helping people living in poverty. Through its informative and empathetic narrative, the book encourages readers to engage with these issues with compassion and understanding.