Let’s talk picture books!
One of the things on my to-do list for play therapy is to begin building a library of books that will support the work that I do. While I like to think that I can talk and explain many things to kids so that they understand, I am definitely open to a bit of help. If someone has written an engaging, beautifully illustrated book that provides words to something I need kids to know, I want it!
There are so many advantages to having a good book that opens conversations on tricky topics. Some of these include:
- Creation of an emotional distance that feels more comfortable
- Normalising a child’s own experience
- Creating consistency in a story
- Helping with revisiting stories multiple times
- Building connection that offers emotional support
Books are a great conversation starter. They can put a real life story such as parental divorce, feelings of anxiety and worry or death into a format that feels safer for children to talk about. It can sometimes feel easier to talk about Wilma’s Worries than it might to start straight away with a conversation on “my worries.
Reading a book that explores an issue or challenge that a child is going through also creates the feeling that others are experiencing it too. When life gets difficult it can feel like we are the only one with troubles and big feelings. This can feel isolating. Having them experience their own story or a similar story in a book, with a relatable character can create a sense of a shared experience. They are not going it alone.
Sometimes challenges are so tricky to explain it is great to be able to offer a consistent story. A book, read by all members of the family, can offer a joint language and way of communicating about an issue. It can make sure everyone is (on the same page!) sharing the same central story and understands what or how an issue is being approach with a particular child. It can also give a parent or adult a good way to remind themselves of how they want to explain a tricky issue too. We can often stumble on our own words when we find ourselves explaining something to a child the first, fourth or tenth time.
A picture book can also be accessed and available to a child when a trusted adult is not. There may not always be someone there to go over a story with them but, with a book, they may be able to reread it on their own. This can be very useful as even the most attentive adult cannot always be present
It can feel so nice to cuddle up and share a book together. Being able to share a book together, on a tricky subject, can help build connection. It can say I’m here with you, I’m happy to talk about this with you, even when we feel like we don’t have the words of the know how. A book can help build that bridge
Below I have listed a handful of useful picture books. Some I have read and love, others I have had recommended to me and plan to investigate further.
If you have a favourite book that has helped you or a child you know with a particular challenge please comment. I’d love to hear how bibliotherapy has impacted you.
Hey Warrior – A book for Kids About Anxiety – Karen young
My Amazing Brain – Kathy Cawood
Dinosaur’s Divorce : A Guide For Changing Families – Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown
The Colour Monster – Anna Llenas
After the Fall –Dan Santat
