Dealing with separation is tough for adults and children. Whether a child is separated from a caregiver on a work trip, a sibling who goes off to school, or a family member who is incarcerated, the situations are hard. These children’s books about separation can help to comfort and guide a conversation about how a child is feeling.
Books For Kids About Separation
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Books for Kids About Being Separated From a Loved One or Loved Object
I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca is the story of a family separated by a great distance. But, love can span any distance. This hopeful story will warm your heart even when you are separated from the ones you love. This book is a Family Dinner Book Club choice. (missing a relative in another country)
Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour is for every little one who misses someone. Mommy leaves for a work trip and it makes for a long week of waiting and missing. Life moves on, Mama helps by being there to listen and support, and phone calls with Mommy help. But, when Mommy returns, can everything be healed with just a hug? The illustrations are gorgeous and the message is relatable and reassuring. (missing a parent on a work trip)
Henry at Home by Megan Maynor is the story of a brother and sister who enjoy spending time together. In fact, they do everything together from haircuts to getting flu shots. But, things change when sister Liza starts school. There are lots of feelings that bubble up with this new situation. But, Henry and Liza will always be brother and sister. (missing a sibling who goes off to school)
Sweet Pea Summer by Hazel Mitchell is a beautiful picture book. A young girl stays with her grandparents while her mom has to go to the hospital. At first, things are hard, but the girl soon begins working with her grandfather in his garden. The young girl cares for some sweet peas in hopes of entering them into a contest. With lots of love, learning, and patience, her sweet peas bloom and even win a prize. But, the best prize is her parents showing up and her mom being released from the hospital. (missing a loved one who is in the hospital)
A Grandma’s Magic by Charlotte Offsay is about all the fun we have with grandma when she comes to visit from the dancing to the eating. Then grandma has to leave and that can be hard. But, the magical thing about grandma is that her magic always stays with you even after she leaves. (grandma visiting and then leaving)
In My Heart by Mackenzie Porter is a board book making it a great pick for young children and families. In this story a mother who works outside the home shares all the ways she is still connected with her child even if they are in the same place. (missing a parent at work/board book)
It can be hard to separate from a loved object. In Piper and Purpa Forever! by Susan Lendroth, we meet Piper. Piper loves her purple sweater that she calls Purpa, but that sweater is getting too small. Her family tries to give it away, but Piper protests and wants to keep trying to squeeze into it. Then, Dad gives Piper a new stuffie and Purpa is just the right fit for that stuffie. So, Piper discovers she can holp on to Purpa in a new way. (child separating from a loved comfy object)
Sometimes Love by Katrina Moore is the story of a family delighted to get a new puppy. However, the military family receives orders to deploy overseas and the family must leave their dog behind. While they are away an organization takes care of their pet. Later the family has to say goodbye to new friends but they get to reunite with their dog again. (military family separated temporarily from a pet)
Sleepovers sound amazing until it gets late, the lights go out, and you don’t have “your things.” Should Ira take his teddy bear to his sleepover in Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Weber? (separation while attending a sleepover)
Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family When a Loved One Is Incarcerated by Beck Bertha explores the emotions and questions children have when a loved one is separated due to incarceration. (missing loved one who is incarcerated)
*For a chapter book, my friend Jen recommends One Amazing Elephant by Linda Oatman High.
Books for Kids About Moving
Moving to a new place means separating from lots of things we love from friends, school, and that secret hiding spot. This collection of books will help with a move.—> Books About Moving for Children
Books for Kids About Divorce
Divorce is hard on everyone in the family. Happily Ever Elephants shares a book list for books on the topic of divorce.—>Divorce List
Death and Grief Books for Kids
A permanent separation of death can cause lots of feelings and emotions. This list can help with coping with the loss of a pet, sibling, or loved one.—> Books About Death and Grief
Printable Book List of Books About Separation for Children
Grab a printable list of the books and conversation starters. Just click the purple printer button below.
I hope these books help you and the children who need them.