Being a mum means being the person your kids come to with the big questions, the big issues or just things they’re interested in learning more about. Whether it’s dealing with the loss of a loved one, a bully on the bus or learning about inclusivity and diversity, here are some books for kids that cover the big questions.
Ready to find the right book to answer your child’s burning question? Use the quicklinks below to easily navigate these books for kids that cover the big questions.
- Body and safety
- Sex
- Toilet training
- Death & Grief
- Starting school
- Anxiety
- Bullying
- Different families
Books for kids about Bodies and Safety
My Body! What I Say Goes!
By Jayneen Sanders, Anna Hancock (Illustrator)
Approximately 20% of girls, and 8% of boys will experience sexual abuse before their 18th birthday (Pereda, et al, 2009). The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, “This is my body! What I say goes!”
Through age-appropriate illustrations and engaging text this book, written by the author of ‘No Means No!’ and ‘Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept’, will teach children the following crucial and empowering skills in personal body safety: – identifying safe and unsafe feelings – recognising early warning signs – developing a safety network – using the correct names for private parts – understanding the difference safe and unsafe touch – understanding the difference between secrets and surprises – respecting body boundaries. Buy online.
My Underpants Rule!
By Rod Power, Kate Power (Illustrator)
My Underpants Rule! is fun, bright and lively, encouraging toddlers and primary children to empower themselves without causing alarm. “What’s under my pants belongs only to me!” is reinforced by rhymes and scenarios, ingraining what is appropriate and inappropriate, and what to do in difficult situations. Like a nursery rhyme, reading this book with your child will ensure the lessons stay with them for life. Buy online.
Boss Of My Own Body
By Byll and Beth Stephen
You’re not the boss of many things
because you’re little and still learning.
You’re not the boss of anyone else,
you’ve got to let them be themselves.
But you ARE the boss of one thing …
A fresh and funny picture book from the two women behind everyone’s favourite kids’ band, Teeny Tiny Stevies. Buy online.
Books for kids about Sex
It’s NOT the Stork
By Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley (Illustrator)
Young children are curious about almost everything, especially their bodies. And young children are not afraid to ask questions. What makes me a girl? What makes me a boy? Why are some parts of girls’ and boys’ bodies the same and why are some parts different? How was I made? Where do babies come from? Is it true that a stork brings babies to mommies and daddies?
It’s Not the Stork! helps answer these endless and perfectly normal questions that preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary school children ask about how they began. Through lively, comfortable language and sensitive, engaging artwork, Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley address readers in a reassuring way, mindful of a child’s healthy desire for straightforward information. Two irresistible cartoon characters, a curious bird and a squeamish bee, provide comic relief and give voice to the full range of emotions and reactions children may experience while learning about their amazing bodies.
Sex Is a Funny Word
By Cory Silverberg
A comic book for kids that includes children and families of all makeups, orientations, and gender identities, Sex Is a Funny Word is an essential resource about bodies, gender, and sexuality for children ages 8 to 10 as well as their parents and caregivers. Much more than the “facts of life” or “the birds and the bees,” Sex Is a Funny Word opens up conversations between young people and their caregivers in a way that allows adults to convey their values and beliefs while providing information about boundaries, safety, and joy.
Making a Baby
By Clare Owen
Every child deserves to see their birth or family story reflected in books about where babies come from, and this is what Making a Baby is all about. All families start in their own special way, and every family is amazing.
In this honest, accessible illustrated guide to how babies are made, young readers can find out exactly what is needed to grow a baby, from introducing the basic building blocks of life such as sperm and eggs, to explaining the different ways that these building blocks can be put together to create a family.
Working closely with a leading national LGBT organisation, this inclusive guide to Making a Baby covers sex, sperm and egg donation, IUI, IVF, surrogacy and adoption, as well as explaining how a baby grows in the womb and about different kinds of births.
Written in gentle and accessible language that can be shared with younger children or read alone by confident readers, we hope this book and its charming illustrations will provide the stepping stone for every parent to have an open conversation with their child about how babies are made, and their family began.
Books for kids about Toilet training
On My Potty
By Leslie Patricelli
There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s nappy is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: Should I go in my potty? With pitch-perfect humour and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favourite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top expression of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud. “I did it!”
- Hands down, the funniest potty book on the market.
- Hilarious look at Baby’s thought process as he decides whether to use the potty.
- Ideal for use as an entertaining toilet-training tool!
Once Upon a Potty (Boy or Girl editions available)
by Alona Frankel
This is THE potty training book. It has it all, bright graphics, simple language, fun story and an anatomically correct hero. With an edition for each gender, the book relates directly to the child, making the potty-training process relatable and easy to understand.
With Once Upon a Potty, a parent reads the book to their child or allows the child to read it while on the potty. Not surprisingly, the book takes some wear. This new board book edition will withstand such heavy use and survive the occasional water spill too. Buy online.
Poo Poo Bum Bum Wee Wee
by Steven Cowell and Erica Salcedo
A fun rhyming picture book to encourage toddlers and young children to use the toilet with confidence. Toilet training can often be an extremely stressful time for both parent and child. With the average age for a child to be potty trained now at age three-and-a-half, parents often face lots of pressure for their little one to reach this important milestone before they start school.
Featuring bright, friendly illustrations and a very catchy rhyme, this fun picture book has been written in consultation with parents to break down all the stages of using the toilet into easy steps, from how to wipe to handwashing.
This book will help take the stress out of toilet training for parents and carers, as children can sing the song and learn to use the toilet without fear or fuss. Buy online.
Books about Death and Grieving
Finn’s Feather
by Rachel Noble and Zoey Abbott (Illustrator)
Finn knows his brother is gone. But he also knows that Hamish sent the beautiful white feather on his doorstep.
Finn runs to shows his mother the feather from Hamish, but she only gives him a big hug. In school, Finn’s teacher responds similarly. Why isn’t anyone as excited as he is? Finn sits quietly, cradling the beautiful, amazing feather. “Why did Hamish give it to you?” asks his friend, Lucas. “Maybe he wanted to say hi?” wonders Finn. “Maybe,” Lucas says, “Hamish wanted you to have fun with it.”
Finn’s Feather is a story about resilience and memory about a child, his brother, and a friend who meets him where he is.
The Memory Tree
By Britta Teckentrup
A beautiful and heartfelt story about the death of a loved one and the memories that comfort those left behind.
Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest. One day, he lies down in his favourite clearing, takes a deep breath, and falls asleep for ever. Before long, Fox’s friends begin to gather in the clearing. One by one, they tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. And, as they share their memories, a tree begins to grow, becoming bigger and stronger, sheltering and protecting all the animals in the forest, just as Fox did when he was alive. This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies. Buy online.
Goodbye Mog
by Judith Kerr
Say goodbye to MOG in this incredibly moving and stunningly illustrated story from Judith Kerr, creator of The Tiger Who Came to Tea and the MOG series. Mog was tired. She was dead tired… Mog thought, ‘I want to sleep for ever.’ And so she did. But a little bit of her stayed awake to see what would happen next.
Join the Thomas family as they say goodbye to their dear pet Mog, and get a new kitten. It could all be a disaster, but Mog is still there to help…
A touching tribute to a character beloved for generations of children, Goodbye Mog is the perfect story for a gentle introduction to the subjects of grief and bereavement, with the one and only MOG herself.
Mog the Forgetful Cat was first published over fifty years ago, and Mog has been delighting children all over the world with her adventures ever since. These books are the perfect gifts for boys, girls and families everywhere.
Books about Starting School
First Day
By Andrew Daddo and Jonathan Bentley (Illustrator)
Are you ready? It’ll be fun! You’ll make new friends. New BFFs! You might have to be a bit brave … It’s the first day of school, but who is the most nervous about the big day?
An adorable picture book about first-day nerves from the team who brought you I DO IT and CHECK ON ME. Buy online.
Starting School
By Jane Godwin and Anna Walker (Illustrator)
Tim, Hannah, Sunita, Joe and Polly are all off to school for the first time. Would you like to meet them and see how they go? There are new friends to make, fun ways to learn, and lots of different things to discover.
From Jane Godwin and Anna Walker comes this beautiful book focussing on the experiences and feelings of five very different children as they begin at school for the first time.
Jane’s simple words and ideas combine with Anna’s gentle and detailed illustrations to help children feel comfortable about taking this big step. Buy online.
Books about feeling anxious
The Invisible String
By Patrice Karst and Joanna Lew-Vriethoff
Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” T
he answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
Don’t Think About Purple Elephants
By Susan Whelan and Gwynneth Jones (Illustrator)
Sometimes Sophie worries — not during the day when she is busy with family and friends, but at night when everything is calm and quiet. Her family all try to help, but somehow they just make her worries worse.
Until her mother thinks of a new approach … that might just involve an elephant or two! But wait, don’t think about purple elephants, whatever you do! Whimsical and humorous, this little girl’s story of finding a way to ease her worry will resonate with children and parents everywhere. Buy online.
Wilma Jean the Worry Machine
By Julia Cook
“My stomach feels like it’s tied up in a knot.
My knees lock up, and my face feels hot.
You know what I mean?
I’m Wilma Jean,
The Worry Machine.”
Anxiety is a subjective sense of worry, apprehension, and/or fear. It is considered to be the number one health problem in America. Although quite common, anxiety disorders in children are often misdiagnosed and overlooked. Everyone feels fear, worry and apprehension from time to time, but when these feelings prevent a person from doing what he/she wants and/or needs to do, anxiety becomes a disability.
This fun and humorous book addresses the problem of anxiety in a way that relates to children of all ages. It offers creative strategies for parents and teachers to use that can lessen the severity of anxiety. The goal of the book is to give children the tools needed to feel more in control of their anxiety. For those worries that are not in anyone’s control (i.e. the weather) a worry hat is introduced. A fun read for Wilmas of all ages. Buy online.
Books for kids about Bullying
Bird Boy
by Matthew Burgess
Nico was new, and nervous about going to school. Everyone knew what to do and where to go, but Nico felt a little lost.
So, he did what he loved to do:
Watched the insects
Sat in the grass
And most importantly… befriended the birds.
Before he knew it, Nico was known as BIRD BOY. But Nico didn’t mind. Soon, he made one friend, then two, as the other kids learned to appreciate Nico for who he was. Before long, Nico learned he could be completely, delightfully, himself. This dreamy story will encourage all readers to express who they are unapologetically. Buy online.
Lunch Box Bully
by Hans Wilhelm
Big Bob is a bully who takes Max’s lunch. Max’s friends try to help Max deal with it. “Don’t look at him,” says one friend. Max takes his friend’s advice, but the bully takes Max’s sandwich anyway. “Be nice to him. Give him a gift,” suggests another friend. Max gives Big Bob a lemon ice, but the bully squashes it on Max’s head. Big Bob doesn’t like lemons which proves to be useful information.
Max starts bringing lemon-flavored lunches. And once his lunches are safe, Max reaches out to Big Bob in friendship. Bob accepts, and all of the children enjoy lunch together.
This easy-to-read story includes extra material for both kids and adults on dealing with bullies– for young readers: a list of Do’s and Don’ts; for grown-ups: where to go for help. Buy online.
My Secret Bully
by Trudy Ludwig
Here is the all-too-familiar story of Monica. She and Katie have been friends since kindergarten. Monica loves being around her when she’s nice. But there are times when Katie can be just plain mean. And Monica doesn’t understand why.
Monica is a target of relational aggression, emotional bullying among friends who will use name-calling and manipulation to humiliate and exclude. But with a little help from a supportive adult-her mother-Monica learns to cope and thrive by facing her fears and reclaiming power from her bully.
Including a foreword by the founder of the The Ophelia Project, as well as helpful tips, discussion questions, and additional resources, My Secret Bully is a vital resource for children, parents, teachers, and counsellors. Buy online.
Tease
By Amanda Maciel
Emma Putnam is dead, and it’s all Sara Wharton’s fault. At least, that’s what everyone seems to think when Sara, along with her best friend and three other classmates, has been criminally charged for the bullying and harassment that led to Emma’s shocking suicide.
Now Sara is the one who’s ostracised, already guilty according to her peers, the community and the media. But Sara is sure she hasn’t done anything wrong. Emma brought it on herself. Emma stole Sara’s boyfriend. Emma stole everyone’s boyfriends. Surely Sara was the victim, not Emma.
During the summer before her senior year Sara is forced to reflect on the events that brought her to this moment – and ultimately consider her role in an undeniable tragedy. And she’ll have to find a way to move forward, even when it feels like her own life is over.
A story of everyday jealousies and resentments, misunderstandings and desires, Tease is a thought-provoking must-read that will haunt readers long after the last page.
Books about different kinds of families
Just the Way We Are
By Jessica Shirvington
Meet Anna, Chiara, Henry, Izzy and Jack.
Their families might not look like your family, but that’s okay … they’re perfect, just the way they are!
From bestselling author Jessica Shirvington and much-loved illustrator Claire Robertson comes a gorgeous, heart-warming new picture book, celebrating families of every shape and size!
I’m Australian Too
By Mem Fox and Ronojoy Ghosh (Illustrator)
“I’m Australian! How about you?”
Many people from many places have come across the seas to make Australia their home. How Australian is that? From countries near and far, many have made their home in Australia, sharing it with the original inhabitants, and living in peace beneath the Southern Star. Mem Fox celebrates Australia’s incredible multicultural heritage in this beautiful book illustrated by Ronojoy Ghosh. Buy online.
My Family’s Changing
By Pat Thomas
Are there children in your life who are experiencing the pain of their parents’ divorce? This book will help give advice and information in a gentle and sensitive way. It will help children face their fears, worries and questions when the family is going through a break-up.
Parents, teachers, and gift givers will find:
- language that is simple, direct, and easier for younger children to understand
- information about a divorce in my family
- a helpful book written by a psychotherapist and counsellor
- a whole series of books for children to explore emotional issues
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