The Glow
Written by Rebekah Lipp. Illustrated by Craig Phillips. The Glow is a poetic story that gently introduces children to the concepts of life, death, and the light within. Through rhythmic verses and evocative imagery—like twinkling stars and inner glows—it reassures young readers that loved ones never truly leave us. Their light lives on in memories, in our…
Read MoreAroha’s Way
This beautiful picture book takes children on a journey through emotions associated with anxiety and shows simple yet effective ways to help manage them. It has also been translated into Te Reo Māori by the talented Dr Karena Kelly. It isn’t a straight translation but is in keeping with the deeper meaning of the book…
Read MoreGoodbye, Mousie
Written by Robie H. Harris. Illustrated by Jan Ormerod. One morning a boy finds that his pet, Mousie, won’t wake up. The truth is Mousie has died. At first the boy doesn’t believe it. He gets very mad at Mousie for dying, and then he feels very sad. But talking about Mousie, burying Mousie in…
Read MoreA Teaspoon of Light
Written by Peter O’Connor. Illustrated by Nisaluk Chantanakom. A story about making and saving loving memories. Marley’s dream cloth reminds her of the people she loves, and of safe and happy times. When times get tough and the cloth rips in two, those memories begin to slide away. Marley must make new loving memories before…
Read MoreHare & Ruru
Written by Laura Shallcrass This is the story of Hare, who struggles with an un-named mental malady self described as ‘noise’. Noise could be runaway thoughts, voices in Hare’s head, or loud feelings and general anxiety. Hare goes on a journey to try and find a solution. Just when Hare thinks there’s no hope a…
Read MoreThe Invisible String
The perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. Link to purchase
Read MoreThe Bear and the Wildcat
Written by Kazumi Yumoto. Illustrated by Komako Sakai. “A picture book with delicate illustrations that explains the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding. When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures…
Read MoreA Terrible Thing Happened
Sherman Smith saw the most terrible thing happen. At first he tried to forget about it, but soon something inside him started to bother him. Link to purchase
Read MoreThe Fox and the Star
From an award-winning designer comes an original fable about need and loss. Link to purchase
Read MoreAmy & Louis
Libby Gleeson & Freya Blackwood Amy and Louis live next door to each other, and their lives are closely intertwined. Theirs is a life rich in imagination-they see dragons in the clouds and make castles out of cardboard. But when Amy’s family moves to another country, the children are separated and the colour drains out…
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