This blog post is brought to you by Fostering Hampshire Children. Check out their #OpenYourDoor campaign to learn more about what foster care is and how you can support children across the county who need our help.
Libraries have long been a haven for adventurers, mystery solvers, romantics, inventors and historians to settle down with a title to quench their curiosity. And it’s not just books that libraries provide; there are courses to learn a new skill, clubs to spark imagination, groups to make connections and resources to support you through some of life’s challenges.
There’s so much your local library can do for you and your family that it can be hard to know where to begin, so we’ve rounded up some of the best free and low-cost things Hampshire Library has on offer for families.
Connect with clubs
Hampshire Libraries’ various clubs and activities are a great way to catch kids’ curiosity! Maybe they want to learn about coding, or perhaps they want to try constructing something from their wildest dreams. Whatever their interest, they’ll be able to meet and make friends with other young people while learning something new and having fun. The best thing? Most of these activities are free, meaning you save money on toys and teaching!
Books, but different
Not everyone likes reading hard copy books, and that’s okay! BorrowBoxhas eBooks and audiobooks that you can access wherever you are, and specially curated lists put together by Hampshire Libraries’ very own teams. There are also titles for children and young adults, meaning that they don’t even have to put down their phone or tablet to lose themselves in a good story.
The reason for rhyme
Did you know that bringing your little one along to a rhymetime session at your local library can be helpful for their development? Not only will it help them learn new sounds and words, it can boost the social skills they’ll need when they start school. You’ll also get to meet other parents and carers giving you some of that much needed adult time – don’t believe the myth that you have to be silent in the library, stay afterwards for a natter with your new friends!
Get online
Broadband speed in a slump? PC on the fritz? Missing technology needn’t be a barrier to getting homework sorted or emails seen to. There’s free WiFi in all of our libraries, computersthat are completely free for all library card holders to use, and access to printers and photocopying for a small charge. Plus, you can use Access to Research on any Hampshire Libraries computer, giving you access to 15 million peer-reviewed articles. Homework = sorted!
There’s lots more to Hampshire Libraries than books, so find your local branch and see what’s on!
This is the 23rd year there’s been a World Book Day, and on 5 March 2020, children of all ages will come together to appreciate reading. Very loudly and very happily. The main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.
15 million children (under the age of 18) will be given a £1 voucher to purchase one of the 2020 World Book Day books at participating book sellers. And we are delighted to announce that a set of all 12 books from the 2020 list will be available to loan in libraries across Hampshire from the 5 March 2020.
Here are the World Book Day Books that you will be able to borrow:
Whether you’re looking for an event, activity or just some books – your local libraries have something on this half term. All our libraries run regular groups and activities for children and families – almost all of these continue during the school holidays! Most of which are drop in; so there’s no need to book, just turn up and have fun.
Check out what’s on this half term; and don’t forget to stock up on books while you’re visiting. It’s not just picture books, chapter books and information books that can be found at the library.
Regular groups and activities taking place can be found here, and includes: Construction clubs, where children get to play with building blocks of different sizes. Storytime, 30 minutes of stories for children of all ages, stories are aimed at ages 2-5. Rhymetime, 30 minutes of music, songs and rhymes. For infants, babies and toddlers – but enjoyed by all ages. Craft clubs, regular crafting sessions at the library for different ages. These are just four of the regular activities taking place, check out the website or speak to a member of staff at your local library to find out more about regular groups and activities.
Below are the cool, one off events and activities happening during half term! Check them out today;
Come and join Percussionist Harriet Riley and String player Neil Valentine for a rip roaring ride through the world of hitting things! ABC Family Concerts brings incredible artists who present their favourite musical styles for you and your baby to enjoy. From the majestic marimba to the dancing djembe, Harriet will take you on a world of fun with all things percussive. This concert will take you around the world, with thumping beats and toe-tapping fun. Plus a few familiar tunes and some audience participation of course! You will clap, dance, jig, sing and laugh your way through some of the greatest music for strings in this engaging and fun concert. One not to be missed!Concerts are open access; you are free to move around, feed, drink, walk, jump, clap, laugh, cry, shout, sing, roll or change a nappy.
Trying to fit into the modern world when you are a caveman isn’t easy. Ogg always seems to get things wrong, with hilarious results. Poor Ogg, he just wants to fit in. Luckily he has his best friend Penny to help him.
Join author and illustrator Tom Tinn-Disbury as he reads from, and talks about, his book The Caveman Next Door, followed by a fun craft activity. A creative and entertaining event, to inspire and engage children aged 3-7 years. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. This is a FREE event but places are limited, so advanced booking is adviced. To book your space, please visit Fareham Library.
An interactive cookery workshop to excite the senses, offering a Latin American experience for children. Parents are invited to enjoy their children’s food during the final half an hour of the workshop. Be amazed by your child’s ability to cook authentic cuisine! Ages 8-12
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
An interactive cookery workshop to excite the senses, offering a Latin American experience for children. Parents are invited to enjoy their children’s food during the final half an hour of the workshop. Be amazed by your child’s ability to cook authentic cuisine! Ages 8-12
Tuesday 29 October
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Basingstoke Discovery Centre.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Tadley Library.
Come along and listen to a storyteller tell a wooly yarn and make your own puppet. This event is suitable for children under 8 and is part of the Darkfest festivities.
Advanced booking is adviced.
Lego® Robotics Basingstoke Discovery Centre 2pm Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along to meet a variety of animals from around the world at the Quirks’ Animal Roadshows workshop. You’ll have the opportunity to stroke and hold the animals as well as discovering lots of interesting facts about where they come from, what they eat and what makes them unique. Suitable for ages 4+, buy your tickets directly from Chineham Library.
Come along to construction club and build a creepy house, drop in between 2pm and 4pm, followed by Halloween stories and rhymes from 4pm to 4.30pm. Free tickets available from the library, booking is essential to avoid disappointment.
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Handle and learn more about guinea pigs and rabbits with Furlock Holmes. Furlock Holmes Animal Care is a registered animal rescue charity based in Whitchurch, Hampshire. Specialising in rabbits and guinea pigs, we take in unwanted, abandoned, neglected and mistreated animals with the aim of rehabilitating and re-homing them. Any animals requiring ongoing treatment or needing special care remain at the rescue with us as permanent residents. As well as rescuing animals, we also offer a boarding service and care for pets when people go away, whether they are going on holiday or having to stay in hospital and being unable to care for their pets. We strongly believe that not only can people help animals, but that animals can also help people. Ticket price is per participating child with one accompanying adult free.
Join local author Rachel Jane as she shares her stories about the campervans from Red Hatch Farm! You’ll join in the adventures of Milo, Lil and Tallulah followed by fun campervan crafts. Rachel will also be signing copies of her books afterwards. Book your space from staff at Basingstoke Discovery Centre.
Join Diamond a Pets as Therapy dog. Reading to a PAT dog like Diamond, can help a child feel less self-conscious and more confident about reading. Parents and carers to stay with their children. For more information please contact the library.
Thursday 31 October
Lego® Robotics Hythe Library 10am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Bluebird the Storyteller will tell a Baba Yaga tale and other stories for Halloween. All Russian Children know of the wicked Witch Baba Yaga who lives in a house raised up on Chicken legs. She has 3 black geese who round up children to bring to her. Come along to listen to what happens when a young lad finds the strange house in the woods. Bluebird in her own free style will enchant and enthral listeners even on the scariest of days with spooky Halloween tales. Aimed at audiences of 7+ Booking is essential
With trick or treat games for children aged 6 to 10 years Free but booking is essential. Please speak to a member of staff in the library to book a space. Parents and carers to remain with their children during this activity
Join local author Rachel Jane as she shares her stories about the campervans from Red Hatch Farm! You’ll join in the adventures of Milo, Lil and Tallulah followed by fun campervan crafts. Rachel will also be signing copies of her books afterwards.
Lego® Robotics Gosport Discovery Centre 11am Tickets: FREE
Parent and child will work together to Code and program EV3 Robots. Using pre-built EV3 space models controlled via iPads participants will work in pairs to write the code necessary to program the EV3 to complete a space-based mission. No previous experience is required. The child must be accompanied by an adult (18+), booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Book your space at the library.
Come along and meet the Hampshire Bat Group and their brilliant bats during half term and create your own bat craft to take home. Booking essential. Parents/carers to stay. For more information please contact the library.
Come along and meet the Hampshire Bat Group and their brilliant bats during half term and create your own bat craft to take home. Booking essential. Parents/carers to stay. For more information please contact the library.
This week we are presenting a range of book related fun as part of the half-term book festival. An older children, teen and young adult author panel discussion, revealing the secrets of writing and tip for inspiring new writers. Featuring: – Perdita and Honor Cargill, mother and daughter writers of the warm and witty ‘Waiting for Callback’ series – Kate Mallinder author of new release ‘The Summer of No Regrets’ a perfect teen read about friendship, bravery and hope. – Kirsty Applebaum is debut author of The Middler, about the trials and frustrations of being the middle child
Books available on the day from P&G Wells booksellers, for signing by the authors.
Most people like to feel they belong, but what if you don’t look like other people in your street, in your school, or even in your own family? These books show a variety of people and families living their daily lives and may help a child to feel part of our multi-cultural society.
Grandad Roy plays in a steel band; Grandad Harry plays in a brass band. Aston loves both styles of music. When the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures.
Age: 5+
Alvina has two grannies: Grannie Vero is from Trinidad, Grannie Rose is from the north of England. When her parents go away on holiday, both grannies move in to Alvina’s house to look after her. Each granny want to do things her way. The grannies get crosser and crosser until Alvina steps in.
Age: 4+
Jo and her friend Sita are excited about their visit to the park with Jo’s parents, but there are so many delays they fear they’ll never get there. The lively, detailed illustrations include a wealth of information about our multicultural society.
Age: 2+
When the day comes for Billy and Belle’s mum to have her new baby, Belle is allowed to go to school with Billy. Everything goes according to plan until Belle gets into a spot of bother with her pet spider.
Age: 3+
There are almost as many kinds of families as colours of the rainbow and this book illustrates some of them: from a mum and dad or single parent to two mums or two dads, from a mixed-race family to children with different mums and dads, from families with a disabled member to those with a mum or dad in prison.
Age: 5+
Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa. Her mother is from Canada and her father is from Africa. This book contains four stories about Anna Hibiscus and her large family. (For younger children, try the Anna Hibiscus picture books.)
Age: 7+
Adoption and fostering can be difficult subjects for young children to understand. Sharing stories about other families in similar situations can put a child’s mind at ease and encourage discussions. Stories may make difficult transitions easier to cope with and to understand.
A book with very few words, but the words and illustrations work to show how the child is feeling. Quite powerful but could be difficult to share. Would certainly promote discussion.
Age: 5+
A charming and informative book that explores the many different ways a new baby might join your family, including adoption and fostering. Also looks at different types of families.
Age: 4+
This book introduces a whole host of silly animal families, who all carry the same message. It doesn’t matter how your family is made up – if you love each other, then you are a family.
Age: 3+
After a fire in their flat caused by their mother smoking, Scarlet and her autistic brother are sent to different foster homes. This is the story of Scarlet fighting to keep her family together
Tom has always liked being adopted, but when he finds out his mum is expecting a baby, he starts to worry his parents will love the new baby more than him. Tom decides he needs to find a place that truly belongs to him.
Age: 7+
Ben’s two dads adopted him when he was four. This story encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents, as well as looking at the different sorts of families that there can be.
Age: 4+
George doesn’t want to spend his summer with yet another foster family. Tom is angry that a foster child is coming to ruin his summer holiday – again. Can they overcome their hostility and become friends?
Age: 7+
The Families series provides readers with an inclusive and diverse introduction to families as they exist around the world. In Foster Parents children learn about foster care, foster parents, and how all families are special.
Age 3-7
This story gives an interesting twist on adopting a child from a very different background. It stresses that family is all about love, not necessarily about blood.
Age: 3+
World Book Day is back! Taking place on Thursday 7 March, providing children and young people with the opportunity to purchase their own book using a £1 World book day token. Here are the 10 books available for children and young people to choose from.
How does World Book Day Work?
Millions of book tokens are sent to children and young people across the UK, where children and young people can take their book token to a local book seller and use it to choose out of the selected books which are new and exclusive!
Or if they would rather children and young people can use their token to get £1 off any book or audio book costing over £2.99 at participating bookshops.
Other ways to celebrate World Book Day
Share the celebration on social media using the hashtag #WorldBookDay. Read with the family, whether its new or old books, recreate stories and go on adventures, dress up or write down ideas for new stories and make sure to visit your local library for more World Book Day celebrations!
These books are perfect to read together, and available from Hampshire Libraries!
Stuck
by Oliver Jeffers
Floyd gets his kite stuck up a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that gets stuck, along with a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orang-utan and a whale, amongst other things! Will Floyd ever get his kite back?
The book with no pictures
by B.J. Novak
You might think a book with no pictures seems boring and serious. Except, here’s how books work. Everything written on the page has to be said by the person reading it aloud. Even if the words say ‘blork’ or ‘bluurf’. Even if the words are a preposterous song about eating ants for breakfast, or just a list of astonishingly goofy sounds like ‘blaggity blaggity’ and ‘glibbity globbity’.
We’re going on a bear hunt
retold by Michael Rosen
We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. Will you come too? For a quarter of a century, readers have been swishy-swashying and splash-sploshing through this award-winning favourite. Follow and join in the family’s excitement as they wade through the grass, splash through the river and squelch through the mud in search of a bear. What a surprise awaits them in the cave on the other side of the dark forest!
Oi Frog!
by Kes Gray
This is a tale about a frog who discovers that all animals have their special places to sit! Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools and gofers sit on sofas, but Frog does not want to sit on a log! Jam-packed with animals and silliness, this original story will have young children in fits of laughter.
Happy times in Noisy Village
by Astrid Lindgren
In the middle of the countryside, there are three farms, all in a row, where Lisa, her two brothers, and their friends live. There’s never a quiet day for the children of Noisy Village!
You’re a bad man, Mr Gum!
by Andy Stanton
Mr Gum is a truly nasty old man. He’s absolutely grim. But this book’s not just about him. There’s also a little girl called Polly, an evil butcher, heroes and sweets and stuff, and Jake the dog, who must be saved from terrible, terrible evil.
How to train your dragon
by Cressida Cowell
Hiccup Haddock Horrendous III was a truly extraordinary Viking hero. The warrior chieftain and awesome sword fighter was known as ‘the Dragon Whisperer’, on account of his power over these terrifying beasts. But it wasn’t always like that, and this is the story of his rise to fame, in his own words.
The 13-storey treehouse
by Andy Griffiths
Andy and Terry live in the world’s best treehouse! It’s got a giant catapult, a secret underground laboratory, a tank of man-eating sharks and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you’re hungry! Just watch out for the sea monkeys, and the monkeys pretending to be sea monkeys, and the giant mutant mermaid sea monster – oh, and, whatever you do, don’t get trapped in a burp-gas-filled bubble!
Harry Potter and the philosopher’s stone
by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter lives in a cupboard under the stairs at his Aunt and Uncle’s house. He is bullied by them and his spoilt cousin, and lives a very unremarkable life. But then Harry is transported to a world of magic and excitement.
The crooked sixpence
by Jennifer Bell
When their grandmother Sylvie is rushed to hospital, Ivy Sparrow and her annoying big brother Seb cannot imagine what adventure lies in store. Returning to Sylvie’s house, they find it has been ransacked by unknown intruders – before a mysterious feather scratches an ominous message onto the kitchen wall. A very strange policeman turns up on the scene, determined to apprehend them . . . with a toilet brush. Ivy and Seb make their escape – only to find themselves in a completely uncommon world, where ordinary objects have amazing powers. The forces of evil are closing in fast, and Ivy and Seb must get to the bottom of a family secret . . . before it’s too late.
The giver
by Lois Lowry
It’s a perfect world, where everything looks right. But ugly truths lie beneath. In a future society, life appears civilised and ordered. But when 12-year-old Jonas is given the job of ‘Receiver of Memories’ he realises the horrible truth that lies behind the perfect façade.
What’s your favourite book to read together? Tell us in the comments below!
Families, just like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Sharing stories about different families, and families similar to ones own, can help put a child’s mind at ease and show to them that no two families are alike, as well as make the child feel like they belong.
My Two Grandads by Floella Benjamin and Margaret Chamberlain
Grandad Roy plays in a steel band; Grandad Harry plays in a brass band. Aston loves both styles of music. When the school needs a band to play at the school fair, and both grandads want their own band to play. This delightful story of a mixed-race family reconciling their very different cultures is a wonderful celebration of diverse cultures. Age: 5+
My Two Grannies by Floella Benjamin and Margaret Chamberlain
Alvina has two grannies: Grannie Vero is from Trinidad, Grannie Rose is from the north of England. When her parents go away on holiday, both grannies move in to Alvina’s house to look after her. Each granny want to do things her way. The grannies get crosser and crosser until Alvina steps in. Age: 4+
Jo and her friend Sita are excited about their visit to the park with Jo’s parents, but there are so many delays they fear they’ll never get there. Age: 2+
Up and Down Mum by Child’s Play and Wellcome Trust and illustrated by Summer Macon Age range: 3+
Living with Mum is a bit like a roller coaster ride. At times, she is excited and full of energy, but at others, she is tired and withdrawn. But she’s always my mum, and we’re sharing the ride. For children who grow up in the care of a parent with mental health problems, life can be filled with anxiety and uncertainty. With the aid of a clear and simple information spread, this story helps us to understand the causes of mental illness and how we can learn to live with someone who has it. Developed in close consultation with families with parental mental health conditions and created in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust.
Heart warming story about a young girl learning to live with two families, one in Britain and one in Africa, after her parents divorce. Beautifully illustrated. Age: 5+
There are almost as many kinds of families as colours of the rainbow and this book illustrates some of them: from a mum and dad or single parent to two mums or two dads, from a mixed-race family to children with different mums and dads, from families with a disabled member to those with a mum or dad in prison. Age: 5+
A charming and informative book that explores the many different ways a new baby might join your family, including adoption and fostering. Also looks at different types of families. Age: 4+
This book introduces a whole host of silly animal families, who all carry the same message. It doesn’t matter how your family is made up – if you love each other, then you are a family. Age: 3+
Ben’s two dads adopted him when he was four. This story encourages an understanding and appreciation of same-sex parents, as well as looking at the different sorts of families that there can be. Age: 4+
Heather’s favourite number is two – she has two arms, two legs, two pets and two lovely mummies. But when Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy – and Heather doesn’t have a daddy! But then the class all draw portraits of their families, and not one single drawing is the same. Heather and her classmates realise – it doesn’t matter who makes up a family, the most important thing is that all the people in it love one another very much. Age: 5+
Molly hasn’t seen her dad for ages. Is she like him? A positive, light hearted story that captures Molly’s anxieties well. Lively vibrant illustrations with good use of speech bubbles. Age: 5+
The Colour Thief is a simple, heart-warming tale which helps to open up the conversations around depression and to support young children whose families have been affected. We follow a young boy who loves spending time with his dad, doing fun things together. When his father becomes sad and distant, he doesn’t understand and believes he has done something to make his dad so, despite being told otherwise. Narrated from the child’s perspective, this is the perfect book to read with children who are trying to understand the 11 cause and effects of depression and reassure them that depression passes, and their parents are not lost to them.
Contact a family: A national charity that exists to support the families of disabled children whatever their condition or disability.
Dad Info: Gives advice for parents from a dad’s perspective, including articles and ‘dad guides’ on pregnancy, birth and financial issues.
Family action: Transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country.
Family Fund Offer grants to low-income families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people.
Family Lives: A national charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life.
Gingerbread: Works nationally and locally for and with single parents to improve their lives.
Mencap Support for both adults and children with learning disabilities.
Having a parent in prison can be difficult for both the child and the parent, sharing stories about other children who’s parent is in prison can help put a child’s mind at ease.
Tommy Puddle returns from school one day to find out that his Dad isn’t at home – and nobody will tell him why his Dad isn’t around. The next day at school, though, one of his school friends tells him they’ve heard his Dad’s in prison – and later, he finally learns the truth. Soon Tommy and his sister receive a letter from their Dad, and find out that they can visit him. It’s difficult for everyone, particularly when it’s time for them to leave – but Tommy’s Dad helps reassure the children that everything will be alright. Age: 4+
When Mum tells Milly that Dad has been sent to prison, Milly feels angry and confused. She can’t believe her dad won’t be at home to read her stories and make her laugh. But soon Mum takes Milly and her brother Sam to visit Dad in prison. Age: 4+
Useful Organisations
Barnado’s: Support and advice for children who has one or more parents in prison.
The break down of a family is nearly always a traumatic event for those involved, especially for children. There are many books that present the subject in a postive and sensitive way. Sharing these books may be comforting to children going through similar situations.
A gentle story about family separation. When Baby Bird is born the nest starts to feel very small and Betty and Paul squabble. They decide Paul should live in a different nest and Baby Bird is able to spend time in both his homes. Age: 3+
Irreverent look at divorce with the underlying message that divorce is preferable to living with unhappy parents. This is not a serious examination of the issue! Age: 7+
Izzy doesn’t like Danny. And Danny will be coming to live with them after his mum marries her dad. When Danny comes for a sleepover, things are very strained. Then Izzy starts to see things from Danny’s point of view, and their relationship begins to change. Age: 6+
A little boy tries to find a pot of glue that will stick his parents’ smiles back on and make their marriage better. He learns that even though his Mum and Dad’s relationship may be broken, their love for him is not. Age: 4+
Heart warming story about a young girl learning to live with two families, one in Britain and one in Africa, after her parents divorce. Beautifully illustrated. Age: 5+
Family action: Transforms lives by providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country.
Family Lives: A national charity providing help and support in all aspects of family life.
Gingerbread: Works nationally and locally for and with single parents to improve their lives
Domestic violence can be difficult subjects to talk about, books talking about the topic can help explain to young children what happened and encourage discussions. Stories may make difficult transitions easier to cope with and to understand.
Another book from America, this one showing how hard it is when adults don’t teach children about feelings. Set against a background of implied neglect and, possibly, alcohol / drug abuse. Age: 3+
An American book that doesn’t show the ‘terrible thing’ that Sherman Smith saw, but instead focuses on how he feels afterwards and the help he is offered. Age: 5+
Flick is a happy child until the storms start at home. It looks at the unpredictability of home and how she needs to hide to find safety. When she asks for help her world changes and happiness returns. Age 4+
Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication.
This book is a reassuring story , designed to be used by an adult and a child together to explore the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.The young boy is encouraged to share his secret with his mother. Age: 3+
Nate and his mother run away from an abusive partner. They stay in a run down cottage in the grounds of a mansion. But Nate’s mum has disappeared and he must survive on his own whilst looking for her. Age 10+
Dad has run away in the middle of the night, taking Becket and his little brother Billy with him. They have left everything behind, including their almost-mum Pearl. The boys badly want to bring their family back together, but things aren’t always as they seem. The central theme of this book is of saying goodbye – to their late mother, to Pearl, even to Brian the snail. Age: 9+
Useful Organisation
Citizen’s Advice: Information, support and advice for both men and women.
Hampshire Libraries 