From our founder Bijal Shah: Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading, a guide to reading your way through life's harder chapters.

Children's Edition

The A–Z of Book Prescriptions for Children

A curated list of books for parents, teachers and carers. Find the mental health theme or issue, go to the age group of your child and choose a book that speaks to you or your child the most. This list is for children up to the ages of 12. For teenagers, you might find our young adult and adult book prescriptions A-Z library helpful.

Browse the A–Z Literary Notes

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Members unlock all 130 themes from A to Z, with six age-matched book recommendations for every theme.

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AThemes

A

Anxiety & Big Worries

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For children experiencing anxiety or significant worries. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise these feelings and model coping strategies for managing them effectively.

This is a free taster — unlock all 130 themes from £3.99/month.

A

Anger & Frustration

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For children experiencing intense anger or frustration. Bibliotherapy supports emotional regulation by offering narratives that name, contain, and channel difficult feelings constructively.

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A

Adventure & Bravery

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For children developing courage and resilience. Bibliotherapy fosters bravery by presenting narratives where characters overcome challenges, providing models for navigating new or frightening experiences.

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A

Attention & Focus

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For children experiencing challenges with attention and focus. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that support sustained engagement and help develop cognitive strategies for concentration.

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A

Absence & Missing Someone

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For the child experiencing grief, loss, or separation from a loved one. Bibliotherapy provides comfort and understanding, helping them process emotions and navigate feelings of absence and longing.

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BThemes

B

Bedtime Battles

For children experiencing difficulty with bedtime routines or resistance. Bibliotherapy provides narrative frameworks to normalise fears and establish predictable, comforting transitions for sleep readiness.

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B

Bullying & Unkindness

For children experiencing or witnessing bullying and unkindness. Bibliotherapy provides narratives for understanding social dynamics, fostering empathy, and developing constructive responses to challenging interactions.

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B

Being Different

For children navigating feelings of being different or an outsider. Bibliotherapy validates their unique experiences, fostering self-acceptance and a sense of belonging through relatable narratives.

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B

Belonging & Friendship

For children navigating social connections and forming meaningful relationships. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore social dynamics, empathy, and the development of healthy friendships.

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B

Bereavement & Loss

For the child experiencing bereavement or significant loss. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that acknowledge grief, validate emotions, and support coping mechanisms through shared experience.

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CThemes

C

Change & Moving House

For children navigating the significant life change of moving house. Bibliotherapy provides narrative frameworks to process loss, adapt to new environments, and embrace transitions.

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C

Confidence & Self-Esteem

For children developing a sense of self-worth and capability. Bibliotherapy provides empowering narratives that affirm individuality and foster belief in one's potential and strengths.

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C

Curiosity & Questions

For the child who asks many questions and explores the world around them. Bibliotherapy encourages inquiry and critical thinking by validating their natural desire to understand new concepts and experiences.

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C

Creativity & Making

For children exploring their imagination and creative potential. Bibliotherapy encourages divergent thinking and problem-solving, fostering a positive attitude towards experimentation and learning from mistakes.

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C

Calm & Quiet

For the child seeking solace from overstimulation or a chaotic environment. Bibliotherapy offers calming narratives that promote relaxation, focus, and a sense of peaceful quietude.

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DThemes

D

Divorce & Two Homes

For children navigating parental separation or living between two homes. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize this transition and affirm their emotional experiences during family change.

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D

Disappointment & Setbacks

For children experiencing disappointment or setbacks. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise these experiences and model adaptive coping strategies for emotional resilience.

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D

Determination & Grit

For children developing resilience and a persistent mindset. Shared stories illustrate the value of perseverance, motivating sustained effort and the ability to overcome challenges.

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D

Doctors, Dentists & Hospitals

For children anticipating or experiencing medical appointments, treatments, or hospital stays. Bibliotherapy offers narratives to demystify procedures and alleviate anxieties by fostering understanding and resilience.

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D

Daydreaming & Imagination

For children who frequently engage in imaginative play or fantasy. Bibliotherapy supports healthy cognitive development and offers narratives that encourage creative thought and expression.

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EThemes

E

Empathy Deficit

For the child exhibiting difficulties understanding or sharing the feelings of others. Bibliotherapy fosters perspective-taking by presenting diverse experiences, encouraging recognition and understanding of others' emotional states.

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E

Envy & Jealousy

For children experiencing envy or jealousy towards others. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore these feelings, promoting empathy and constructive coping strategies.

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E

Exclusion & Loneliness

For children experiencing feelings of exclusion or loneliness. Bibliotherapy offers connection through shared narratives, validating their experiences and fostering a sense of belonging.

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E

Eating & Mealtimes

For the child experiencing challenges, anxiety, or curiosity around food. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise diverse eating experiences and foster a positive relationship with food and mealtimes.

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E

Energy & Restlessness

For children experiencing high energy levels or restlessness. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore impulse control and provide tools for mindful engagement and self-regulation.

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FThemes

F

Fear of Failing

For children experiencing fear of failure or perfectionism. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise mistakes, promote resilience, and reframe effort as more valuable than faultless outcomes.

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F

Fear & Night Frights

For children experiencing fear, anxiety, or night terrors. Bibliotherapy offers comfort and strategies to understand, name, and cope with scary thoughts and feelings.

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F

Family & New Siblings

For the child adjusting to the arrival of a new brother or sister. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize this significant family transition, offering strategies for adapting to changing family dynamics and roles.

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F

Friendship Fights

For the child navigating disagreements with friends. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise conflict resolution and foster skills for repairing relationships and sustaining friendships.

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F

Feeling Left Out

For children experiencing feelings of exclusion or isolation. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate these experiences and foster a sense of connection and belonging.

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GThemes

G

Grief & Goodbyes

For children navigating loss and the complex emotions of grief. Bibliotherapy provides narrative comfort, helping children process sorrow and understand the permanence of goodbyes in a supportive context.

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G

Goodbyes & Transitions

For children navigating goodbyes, changes, or significant transitions in their lives. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise experiences of loss and adaptation, fostering resilience and coping strategies.

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G

Gratitude & Contentment

For children learning to appreciate what they have. Bibliotherapy helps foster a sense of contentment and promote recognition of positive aspects in their lives.

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G

Grief & Bereavement

For children experiencing loss or bereavement. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate feelings of grief, helping children to process and understand their complex emotions.

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G

Growing Up & Puberty

For the child experiencing physical, emotional, and social changes associated with puberty. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise these transitions, promoting understanding and self-acceptance during this developmental stage.

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HThemes

H

Homesickness

For children experiencing feelings of homesickness or separation anxiety. Bibliotherapy offers comfort and reassurance through stories that validate their emotions and explore coping strategies.

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H

Honesty & Truth-Telling

For the child learning about honesty and truth-telling. Bibliotherapy explores the importance of integrity and the consequences of dishonesty, fostering ethical decision-making.

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H

Helping Others

For children exploring prosocial behaviour and community engagement. Bibliotherapy fosters empathy and understanding of how individual actions positively impact others and foster collective well-being.

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H

Homesickness at Camp & Sleepovers

For children experiencing homesickness during sleepovers or camp. Bibliotherapy provides comfort and strategies for managing separation anxiety, helping children build resilience away from home.

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H

Hope & Optimism

For the child needing to cultivate a positive outlook. Bibliotherapy fosters resilience by presenting narratives that explore possibilities and encourage a forward-looking perspective.

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IThemes

I

I'm Bored

For children experiencing feelings of boredom or listlessness. Bibliotherapy provides creative narratives that inspire engagement and encourage imaginative exploration.

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I

Illness & Being Unwell

For the child navigating experiences of illness or hospital stays. Bibliotherapy provides a narrative space for processing unfamiliar situations and associated anxieties through relatable stories.

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I

Impatience & Waiting

For the child experiencing difficulty with patience or delayed gratification. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that explore the nature of waiting and foster adaptive coping strategies for managing anticipation.

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I

Identity & Self-Discovery

For the child exploring their personal identity and sense of self. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate self-exploration and promote a healthy understanding of one's unique qualities.

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I

Inclusion & Kindness

For children learning to embrace diversity and show compassion. Bibliotherapy fosters empathy and prosocial behaviors by presenting narratives that model understanding, acceptance, and kindness towards others.

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JThemes

J

Jealousy of a New Sibling

For children adjusting to a new sibling and feelings of jealousy. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalise complex emotions and support healthy adaptation to family changes.

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J

Jealousy & Sibling Rivalry

For children experiencing feelings of jealousy or sibling rivalry. Bibliotherapy offers stories that explore complex family dynamics and validate children's emotional experiences within the home.

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J

Joy & Celebration

For children exploring feelings of happiness and positive experiences. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that highlight moments of delight, connection, and the richness found in everyday life and special occasions.

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J

Journeys & Travel

For the child experiencing transitions, relocation, or unfamiliar environments. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise change, foster adaptability, and introduce new perspectives, aiding emotional preparation and adjustment.

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J

Judging Others

For children who are quick to judge others based on initial impressions. Bibliotherapy fosters empathy and understanding by exploring diverse perspectives and challenging preconceived notions about individuals.

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KThemes

K

Kindness, Running Low

For children navigating environments where kindness feels diminished. Bibliotherapy cultivates empathy and prosocial behaviour, fostering a supportive and harmonious atmosphere.

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K

Kindness & Empathy

For children developing an understanding of others' feelings and experiences. Bibliotherapy fosters social emotional learning by exposing children to diverse perspectives and encouraging compassionate responses.

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K

Knowing & Learning

For the child encountering academic or developmental challenges. Bibliotherapy fosters a growth mindset by illustrating perseverance and the progressive nature of skill acquisition.

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K

Keeping Calm

For children learning to manage strong emotions and find inner peace. Bibliotherapy offers strategies and narratives to develop self-regulation and foster a sense of tranquility.

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K

Kisses & Affection

For the child exploring concepts of love, affection, and belonging. Bibliotherapy helps normalize emotional connection and provides language for expressing care and receiving warmth.

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LThemes

L

Loneliness

For children experiencing feelings of isolation or loneliness. Bibliotherapy offers companionship and validates emotional experiences through relatable narratives and shared stories.

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L

Lying & Truth

For children grappling with telling the truth or fabricating stories. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore honesty's importance, the consequences of deceit, and finding courage in truthfulness.

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L

Loneliness & Isolation

For children experiencing feelings of loneliness or social isolation. Bibliotherapy provides relatable narratives that validate these emotions and offer pathways for connection and belonging.

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L

Love & Attachment

For children navigating connections and relationships. Bibliotherapy offers narratives exploring the development, security, and endurance of loving bonds and attachments.

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L

Listening & Being Heard

For children developing listening skills or feeling unheard. Bibliotherapy provides models for active listening and validates the child's own experiences and emotions.

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MThemes

M

Meltdowns & Big Feelings

For children experiencing overwhelming emotions or meltdowns. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate intense feelings and provide strategies for understanding and managing emotional intensity.

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M

Mistakes & Perfectionism

For children struggling with perfectionism or fear of making mistakes. Bibliotherapy helps normalize errors as part of learning, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.

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M

Moving House

For the child adjusting to the challenges of moving house. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise transitional feelings and promote coping strategies for new environments.

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M

Manners & Social Skills

For the child developing an understanding of social norms and appropriate interaction. Bibliotherapy provides narrative models and scenarios that illustrate positive social behaviors and respectful engagement with others.

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M

Mindfulness & Presence

For the child who struggles with focus or being present. Bibliotherapy fosters attention and self-awareness by offering stories that encourage observation and calm engagement with the moment.

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NThemes

N

Nightmares

For children experiencing distressing nightmares or fears about sleep. Bibliotherapy offers narrative tools to process anxieties, fostering a sense of control and promoting peaceful rest.

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N

New School & Transitions

For children experiencing significant transitions, such as starting a new school. Bibliotherapy provides narrative models and coping strategies, helping children understand and adapt to unfamiliar environments and routines.

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N

Nightmares & Bad Dreams

For children experiencing distressing dreams or night terrors. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise these fears and provide strategies for coping and finding comfort.

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N

New Baby & Siblings

For the child adjusting to a new baby or sibling. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore changing family dynamics, fostering understanding and emotional adaptation to this significant life event.

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N

Noticing Nature

For children who may benefit from developing observational skills and appreciation for the natural world. Bibliotherapy cultivates mindfulness and curiosity, encouraging connection with their environment and fostering a sense of wonder.

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OThemes

O

Outsider Feelings

For the child experiencing feelings of being different or not belonging. Shared stories offer validation and foster empathy, showing diverse perspectives and shared human experiences.

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O

Overwhelm & Too Much

For children experiencing sensory overload or feeling overwhelmed by external demands. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate these feelings and introduce coping strategies for managing intense sensory input.

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O

Optimism & Hope

For the child who struggles with pessimistic thoughts or a lack of hope. Bibliotherapy fosters a positive outlook by presenting narratives that illustrate resilience and the potential for positive outcomes.

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O

Obedience & Boundaries

For children learning about rules and expectations. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore the importance of boundaries and the benefits of following guidance.

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O

Ordinary Magic

For the child learning to appreciate everyday enchantment. Bibliotherapy cultivates observation and gratitude by highlighting the beauty and significance in routine experiences.

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PThemes

P

Perfectionism

For the child exhibiting unhelpful perfectionistic tendencies or fear of making mistakes. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise imperfection, reduce anxiety, and foster a growth mindset regarding effort and learning.

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P

Pressure & Getting It Right

For the child struggling with perfectionism or fear of failure. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that promote embracing imperfections and developing resilience in the face of challenges.

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P

Patience & Waiting

For children learning to manage delayed gratification or anticipate future events. Bibliotherapy offers stories that explore the concept of waiting, fostering resilience and a greater understanding of patience.

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P

Play & Fun

For children struggling to engage in joyful, spontaneous activities. Bibliotherapy can reintroduce the value of play and lightheartedness, fostering a sense of curiosity and imaginative exploration.

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P

Picky Eating

For the child experiencing challenges with food acceptance or mealtime anxiety. Bibliotherapy offers gentle exposure and normalisation through stories, promoting comfort and curiosity around new foods.

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QThemes

Q

Quietness Mistaken for Shyness

For the child whose quiet nature is misunderstood as shyness. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate introverted temperaments, promoting self-acceptance and understanding of diverse social styles.

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Q

Questions & Curiosity

For children developing a natural sense of inquiry and exploration. Bibliotherapy nurtures their curiosity, validating the importance of asking questions and seeking understanding.

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Q

Quiet & Introversion

For the child who prefers quiet reflection or has an introverted nature. Bibliotherapy provides affirming narratives that validate their internal experiences and demonstrate the unique strengths of their temperament.

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Q

Quarrels & Making Up

For children experiencing conflicts with peers or siblings. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that model conflict resolution and the restoration of positive relationships.

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Q

Quality Time

For children whose primary love language is quality time with caregivers. Bibliotherapy reinforces the value of dedicated attention and shared experiences, fostering stronger bonds and emotional security.

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RThemes

R

Reading Reluctance

For the child exhibiting reluctance towards reading. Bibliotherapy provides accessible and engaging narratives that can reignite interest and foster a positive association with books.

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R

Resilience & Bouncing Back

For children navigating adversity or significant life changes. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that model adaptive coping strategies and foster a sense of perseverance and emotional strength.

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R

Respect & Manners

For the child learning about social interaction and considerate behavior. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that model empathy, thoughtful communication, and the importance of respecting others' boundaries and feelings.

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R

Reading & Stories

For the child discovering the intrinsic value of reading. Shared stories foster literacy development and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for narrative and learning.

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R

Regret & Saying Sorry

For the child struggling with expressing remorse or offering apologies. Bibliotherapy provides models for acknowledging mistakes, understanding impact, and navigating reconciliation through narrative examples.

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SThemes

S

Starting School

For the child adjusting to the new experience of school. Bibliotherapy provides a safe narrative space to explore new routines and manage separation anxieties.

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S

School Anxiety

For the child experiencing worry or distress related to school. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize these feelings and offer strategies for coping with educational pressures.

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S

Separation Anxiety

For children experiencing distress or anxiety when separating from caregivers. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize these feelings and offer strategies for coping with temporary goodbyes.

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S

Self-Esteem

For the child struggling with self-worth or negative self-perception. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that build confidence, promote self-acceptance, and affirm inherent value.

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S

Sharing & Turn-Taking

For children learning to navigate shared spaces and resources. Bibliotherapy fosters understanding of social reciprocity and the benefits of collaborative interaction.

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TThemes

T

Tantrums (Toddler)

For the child experiencing overwhelming emotions that lead to tantrums. Bibliotherapy offers stories that normalize intense feelings and model constructive coping strategies for emotional outbursts.

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T

Tantrums & Big Feelings

For children experiencing overwhelming emotions and behavioral outbursts. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize intense feelings and model constructive ways to manage them.

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T

Toilet Training

For the child navigating the process of toilet training. Bibliotherapy provides a supportive framework for understanding bodily functions and adopting new routines with confidence.

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T

Truth & Honesty

For children learning about truthfulness and its implications. Bibliotherapy supports moral development by exploring the impact of honesty and dishonesty in various situations.

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T

Trying New Things

For children hesitant about new experiences or change. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise uncertainty and encourage adaptive approaches to novelty and growth.

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UThemes

U

Unfairness & Injustice

For children grappling with perceptions of unfairness or experiences of injustice. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that validate these feelings and offer models for understanding and addressing inequitable situations.

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U

Understanding Disability

For children encountering or experiencing disability. Bibliotherapy fosters empathy and understanding of diverse abilities and experiences, promoting inclusivity and positive representation.

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U

Unkindness & Bullying

For children experiencing or witnessing unkindness and bullying. Bibliotherapy offers narratives to process experiences, promote empathy, and equip children with coping strategies and self-advocacy skills.

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U

Upset & Tears

For children experiencing unexplained upset or frequent tears. Bibliotherapy offers comforting narratives that normalize and validate emotional experiences, promoting understanding and release.

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U

Uncertainty & the Unknown

For children grappling with uncertainty or fear of the unknown. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize ambiguity and foster resilience in navigating unpredictable situations.

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VThemes

V

Voice, Losing One's

For the child struggling to express needs or desires. Shared stories can illuminate pathways for self-advocacy and encourage clear communication of personal boundaries.

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V

Vulnerability & Opening Up

For children who struggle to express their inner thoughts and feelings. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise vulnerability, encouraging safe disclosure and emotional connection.

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V

Visits & Separations

For children experiencing parental separation or frequent visits away from home. Bibliotherapy provides comfort and understanding, helping children process complex emotions associated with these transitions.

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V

Values & Morals

For children exploring their understanding of right and wrong. Bibliotherapy fosters moral development by presenting ethical dilemmas and demonstrating the consequences of various choices.

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V

Voices & Speaking Up

For children who struggle to express themselves or find their voice. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that encourage self-expression, build confidence, and validate the importance of speaking up.

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WThemes

W

Worrying About the World

For children experiencing distress or anxiety about global challenges. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate these feelings and inspire agency through understanding and constructive action.

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W

Worries & What-Ifs

For children experiencing anxious thoughts or excessive 'what-if' scenarios. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that normalize these feelings and offer strategies for managing uncertainty and worry.

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W

Whining & Demands

For the child who frequently whines or makes excessive demands. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that model effective communication and promote understanding of others' perspectives.

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W

Waiting & Patience

For children learning to manage delayed gratification. Bibliotherapy provides narratives that illustrate the value of patience and develop strategies for coping with waiting.

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W

Wonder & Awe

For children experiencing a diminished sense of wonder or curiosity. Bibliotherapy cultivates observation and appreciation for the extraordinary in the everyday world.

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XThemes

X

X-Ray Eyes (Comparing Themselves)

For the child comparing themselves negatively to others. Bibliotherapy fosters self-acceptance and positive self-image by exploring narratives that celebrate individuality and personal strengths.

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X

Xenophobia & Difference

For children encountering difference or diversity. Bibliotherapy fosters empathy and understanding, challenging preconceived notions and promoting acceptance of others.

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X

eXtra Energy

For the child who exhibits high energy levels or finds it challenging to remain still. Bibliotherapy can help them understand and channel their energy productively, promoting self-awareness and focus.

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X

eXams & Tests

For children experiencing anxiety or pressure related to exams and tests. Bibliotherapy offers strategies to manage stress, build confidence, and promote a healthy perspective on academic assessment.

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X

eXpectations & Pressure

For children experiencing internal or external pressure to meet high expectations. Bibliotherapy offers reassurance and promotes self-acceptance, encouraging a healthy perspective on personal worth.

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YThemes

Y

Yearning to Belong

For children experiencing feelings of isolation or a desire for deeper connection. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that explore identity and community, fostering a sense of acceptance and inclusion.

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Y

Yelling & Big Voices

For children who express themselves through yelling or loud voices. Bibliotherapy provides models for effective communication, helping children discover quieter ways to be heard and understood.

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Y

Yearning & Longing

For the child experiencing feelings of deep desire or unfulfilled wants. Bibliotherapy provides a safe space for exploring these complex emotions and finding comfort in shared human experiences.

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Y

Yes & Boundaries

For the child developing an understanding of personal boundaries and consent. Bibliotherapy aids in recognising their own and others' limits, fostering respect and confident self advocacy.

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Y

Young Carers

For the child who helps care for a family member. Bibliotherapy acknowledges their unique responsibilities, fostering empathy and providing narratives for understanding their experiences.

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ZThemes

Z

Zooming Minds (Can't Settle)

For children who experience difficulty settling or focusing. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that validate these experiences while gently encouraging mindful engagement and internal regulation.

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Z

Zest & Enthusiasm

For children displaying high energy or strong enthusiasm. Bibliotherapy can help them understand and appropriately channel their powerful emotions and joyful dispositions.

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Z

Zzzs & Sleep

For children experiencing difficulties with sleep or settling at bedtime. Bibliotherapy provides soothing narratives and establishes calming routines, supporting the development of healthy sleep patterns.

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Z

Zen & Calm

For the child needing support with stillness or quiet focus. Bibliotherapy offers narratives and activities that promote mindfulness and gentle self-regulation practices.

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Z

Zigzags & Setbacks

For children navigating nonlinear progress or unexpected difficulties. Bibliotherapy offers narratives that normalise setbacks, foster resilience, and encourage perseverance through challenges.

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Anxiety, bereavement, bullying, divorce, friendship, moving house, school refusal, sleep, worry and more — over a hundred further themes with age-matched recommendations from £3.99 a month. Cancel anytime.

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The Writing Portal

Writing Portal

Literary Notes

A short, unhurried note written after the last page — by the child, or by you together. Just the trace a story leaves behind.

Keep them in one notebook per child. Read the notes back aloud at the end of term or the end of the year; children are astonished by who they used to be.

A FEW PROMPTS TO GUIDE YOU

1.Which character would you sit next to at lunch, and why?
2.Copy out one sentence you'd like to keep. What made you choose it?
3.What stayed with you?
4.Is there anything you would have done differently in the story?
5.Draw the place you'd most like to visit in the book. Label up to three things.
6.Write one line to the author. You don't have to send it.

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