Children’s Book Reviews
In a world filled with children’s books, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to find those which reflect your family and your lives.
We have done some of the ground-work for you.
Here you will find books in which breastfeeding , babywearing and family beds are normalised. Books to help toddlers on the journey to weaning. Books for children with big feelings and books about living your best life, whatever that looks like. Families come in all shapes and sizes and here you will see them in all their diversity. We have found books showing children growing up around the world and books showing families navigating big changes.
We have stories which honour the land on which we live and the people who have lived here for tens of thousands of years - and those who have recently arrived. And we have books about the wonderful planet we share, the challenges it faces and the ways we can help. We have books about the beginning of life … and the end and all the stages in between. Books for babies about their world and books for teens as it changes around them.
We love exploring books for children and the adults raising them to share and to enjoy in quiet moments.
We hope you enjoy them too.
Worries Are Like Clouds
This gentle and reassuring book explains that worries, like clouds, can drift across our minds—but they don’t have to stay. It encourages children to notice and name their feelings, and offers simple strategies to help worries pass, such as talking to someone, breathing deeply, or focusing on things they enjoy.
Life is Like the Wind
This tender picture book offers a gentle introduction to the concepts of life and death, using the metaphor of wind to explain that although we can't always see or hold on to someone we love, their presence and influence remain. It supports children through grief with honesty and comfort.
The Internet is Like a Puddle
In this timely title, the internet is compared to a puddle—fun to jump into, but deeper than it looks and sometimes filled with hidden dangers. It gently introduces children to the idea of digital safety, online kindness, and the need for adult guidance when exploring technology.
The Playground is Like a Jungle
This playful title explores the social and emotional challenges children may face in playground settings. By comparing the playground to a jungle, it illustrates that navigating friendships, turn-taking, and group play can sometimes feel wild or overwhelming—but also exciting and full of possibility.
Friendship is Like a Seesaw
Using the familiar image of a seesaw, this book explores the ups and downs of friendship. It helps children recognise that friendships can sometimes feel unbalanced, and that it’s normal to experience change, conflict, or hurt feelings. The book encourages communication, kindness, and mutual respect.
Anger is Like Armour
This thoughtful book helps children understand anger as a kind of armour we wear when we feel hurt, scared, or vulnerable. It gently explores the reasons behind angry feelings and offers reassurance that it's okay to feel anger, while also guiding children to express those feelings in safe and kind ways.
A Family is Like a Cake
This gentle picture book uses the metaphor of a cake to explore the idea that every family is made up of different ingredients—each one unique, yet still a family. The story shows that families can be small or large, sweet or surprising, traditional or different—and all are valid and valuable.