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Books can be wonderful tools to use with children who have experienced difficult times such as trauma or loss. Reading (or being read to) and talking with adults can help children understand and cope with their feelings in developmentally appropriate ways. Reading also offers a great way to spend time with a child, reinforce a sense of normalcy and security, and connect with them, all of which are important to recovery from a traumatic experience.

Parents and caregivers who want to find books that may open the doors to conversation and connections, can look for books that address children’s grief and loss, peace, hope, feelings, anxiety, and dealing with tragedy. Talk to a children’s librarian or your child's teacher for additional ideas and resources.

read aloud tips

Make connections with the characters in the story to help your child understand how to cope. Discuss ways to feel less anxious or nervous about what is happening. How did the characters respond to their problem in the story?
Stop throughout the reading and allow the child(ren) to ask questions about what they see. Be willing to answer your child’s questions simply, at their level of understanding.
Let your child(ren) know that it is normal to cry, feel scared, or want comfort during difficult times. Provide them with opportunities to share their feelings. (NOTE: See feelings books listed below.)
Identify the caregivers or helpers in the books you read (if applicable). Remind children that you, the caregiver/parent are there for them, and that you are always willing to help them when times are difficult.
Encourage children to talk about the pages and events in the stories you read. How are you like the characters in the book? How are you different? How do the characters respond to the problems they have in the story?
As you read books about peace and hope (see ideas below), discuss ways that your classroom or family can help to make your community a place.
Let children know that they are loved and cared for. Reach out to other family members or close friends who could also support your child/ren.

	*The Peace Book*, Todd Parr (2009) Ages 4-8 This book helps put peace into a child's perspective, from making new friends, listening to different kinds of music, keeping the streets clean, and helping your neighbor. Book concludes with “peace is being who you are.” Colorful illustration and world view of positive messages for peace can help spark discussion in children and families. How do we still see peace in our world, even with recent events of traums?
	*Only One You*, by Linda Kranz (2006) Ages 4-8 There's only one you in this great big world. Make it a better place. Adri's mama and papa share some of the wisdom they have gained through the years with their eager son. Their words, simple and powerful, are meant to comfort and guide him as he goes about exploring the world.
	*Hope Is an Open Heart*, by Lauren Thompson (2010) Ages 4-8 When the world seems cold and dark, comfort can come to us in many ways, as it does in this very special book. Thompson's luminous text, paired with breathtaking photographs from around the world, provides an uplifting introduction to the meaning of hope.
	*Sometimes I'm* *Scared* by Jane Annunziata (2009) Ages 4-8 Kids can be afraid of lots of things—it's normal. But these fears can seem really big! This book outlines easy steps kids can use to overcome their everyday fears. An extensive Note to Parents gives parents additional information on why fears naturally develop and how to help their kids understand and deal with common fears.
	*How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods* by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers (2004) Ages 3-6 Introduce children to different types of feelings using the emotive faces of vegetables and fruits with moods. This book can provide a starting point for talking about feelings with children and encourages them to think about their own feelings. Honor all children's feelings, both positive and negative feelings are normal and can feel more accepted when the topic of feelings are incorporated into your daily conversations. Ask children how they are feeling regularly. Share your own feelings with your children. If your children have trouble expressing emotions, ask them to pick a picture that looks like how they feel.
	*Feelings* to Share A to Z by Todd and Peggy Snow (2007), Ages 4-6 Knowing how to describe our feelings is important to our emotional health. So is knowing it's okay to talk about our feelings with others. Feelings can be confusing when we don't have the words to express them; they can be overwhelming and even scary when we keep them to ourselves. In rhyming poems and engaging illustrations, this book helps children build and use a vocabulary for communicating their emotions.
	*Once When I was Very Scared* by Chandra Ghosh Ippen (2017) Ages 5-8 A little squirrel announces that he was once very, very, scared and finds out that he is not alone. Lots of little animals went through scary experiences, but they react in different ways. Turtle hides and gets a tummy ache, monkey clings, dog barks, and elephant doesn’t like to talk about it. They need help, and they get help from grown-ups who help them feel safe and learn ways to cope with difficult feelings. This story was written to help children and grown-ups understand how stress can affect children and ways to help them.
	*The Way I* *Feel* by Janan Cain (2000) Ages 3-8 Kids need words to name their feelings, just as they need words to name all things in their world. The Way I Feel uses strong, colorful, and expressive images which go along with simple verses to help children connect the word and the emotion. Your child will learn useful words, and you will have many chances to open conversations about what’s going on in her/his life.
.	*You Are Brave* by Maren Green.(2007) Ages 2-5 Every child is brave in his or her own way, and there are many different ways to be brave. With simple words and vivid illustrations that relate to children's everyday lives, You Are Brave lets very young children know that bravery is about all kinds of things: walking and running, meeting new people, climbing and jumping, trying new foods, and more. The "superhero" cover reinforces the message. A warm, affirming, important little book that helps children know they are precious and valuable.
	*A Terrible Thing Happened* by Margaret Holmes (2000) Ages 4-8 This gently told and tenderly illustrated story is for children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fire. An afterword by Sasha J. Mudlaff written for parents and other caregivers offers extensive suggestions for helping traumatized children, including a list of other sources that focus on specific events.
	*Jenny is Scared! When Sad Things Happen in this* *World* by Carol Schuman (2006) Ages 4-8 A comforting, coping story for children who are aware of the threats of violence and terrorism in the world. A range of fears, feelings and questions are explored. The child reader is encouraged to talk to parents, friends and other caregivers.
	Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Chilldren by Caroline Stewart (2001) This beautifully illustrated children's storybook about Brave Bart, a kitty who had something bad, sad and scary happen to him. Helping Hannah helps Brave Bart overcome his fears and become a survivor. This storybook helps to normalize trauma reactions, talk to children about trauma and offers comfort while helping them move from victim to survivor-thinking.

Brave Bart: A Story for Traumatized and Grieving Chilldren by Caroline Stewart (2001)