Before I Leave
Leaving her best friend is difficult for a young hedgehog whose family is moving, but everyone assures her that things will be alright.
Here to Help: Books about Separation
By sharing stories together and having conversations about the books you read, you can help young children understand the world around them. Seeing diverse experiences represented in books helps children to explore their own identities and develop empathy for others.
When parents have to be gone from their little ones or when a friend moves away, children may struggle with the separation from the ones they love. These picture books may help children cope with their separation anxiety.
Not every book is available at all locations, but any title can be requested. The children’s librarian at your neighborhood library is also here to help, with suggestions for additional titles on topics of interest–or feel free to suggest some titles to us. New books are always being added to the collection. You can find more Here to Help booklists on different topics by clicking here.
Brave Like Me
When someone is serving our country, far from home, everyone in their family has to be brave. Including — and sometimes especially — the kids. This book speaks to all kids in this situation in telling the story of a boy and a girl with parents away on duty.
Coming Home
Follows the emotions of a young boy as he waits at an airport for a family member to return home from serving in the military.
Come Home Soon: A First Look at When a Parent Goes to War
Written by a psychotherapist and counselor, this reassuring picture book explores the issue of parents who are away from home while serving their country in the armed forces.
Daisy Gets Lost
A young dog experiences the fear of being lost and the joys of being found when she becomes separated from her owner.
The Kissing Hand
When Chester the raccoon is reluctant to go to kindergarten for the first time, his mother teaches him a secret way to carry her love with him.
Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
While traveling with her family to Holland to visit her grandparents, Trixie once again loses her beloved Knuffle Bunny.
Llama Llama Misses Mama
Llama Llama experiences separation anxiety on his first day of nursery school.
Looking for Bongo
When a boy’s abuela accuses him of being careless with his beloved Bongo, he devises a trap and catches the toy thief red-handed.
Maple & Willow Apart
Sisters Maple and Willow miss each other when Maple starts school, leaving Willow behind at home.
Owl Babies
Three owl babies whose mother has gone out in the night try to stay calm while she is gone.