About 6 months ago, I moved my business from my bedroom and kitchen to an actual office! It’s been a gradual process and I’ve been trying to sort and declutter as I go along.

One of the last things to sort has been the bookcase in my bedroom. We love books in our house, and have a bookshelf in almost every room. But this little one was tucked away in a corner. And it was crammed full. The top two shelves were, to be honest, gathering dust: most of these are now either going to charity or to my daughter’s bookshelf, now that she is ready to read them. However, there is a shelf that I take books from on a regular basis, and these are the ones I use for work. As I’ve been sorting through them, I thought it might be an idea to share my favourites. Don’t worry – these books now have a new home in the new office!

Bereavement and Loss:

Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children (Looking Up), by Doris Stickney
Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
Michael Rosen's Sad Book by Michael Rosen
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died (Early Years) by Diana Crossley
As Big As It Gets: Supporting A Child When A Child Is Seriously Ill (Winston's Wish) by Julie A. Stokes and Diana Crossley
WHEN SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL DIES: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marge Heegaard
The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back: A Story for Children Who Have Lost Someone They Love, Margot Sunderland

Divorce

Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray
When Mom and Dad Separate: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marge Heegaard

Books to help manage anxiety

Little Meerkat's Big Panic: A Story About Learning New Ways to Feel Calm by Jane Evans
What To Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide To Overcoming Anxiety by Dawn Huebner
The Huge Bag Of Worries by Virginia Ironside

Separation Anxiety

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Mummy Goes To Work by Kes Gray

Dealing with anger

No Matter What by Debi Gliori
What To Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide To Overcoming Anger by Dawn Huebner

General Emotional Well-being

How are you feeling today? by Molly Potter
Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud
Relax Kids - How to be Happy: 52 positive activities for children by Marneta Viegas

If you would like recommendations for a particular issue or concern not mentioned here, please do get in touch.

These are titles I have found to be useful in my work with children and indeed with my own children. There are, of course, many other titles available. All the books listed can be used by parents with their children. Some are stories, others are workbooks or activity books.

If you have a book you would recommend, please do let me know - I'll always find more room on the shelf!