how one boy begins to approach the meaning of life—on a camping trip

how one boy begins to approach the meaning of life—on a camping trip

ages 8 to 14 years
Beloved by parents, in part due to the cloistered risks the trip offers to children, camping is the stuff of dreams for many children too. Except when it’s not. For Henry Hoobler, who will go into year 3 at school when his family camping trip ends, there's some mild anxiety going on...

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a profound exploration of death and the intertwining of grief and joy

a profound exploration of death and the intertwining of grief and joy

ages 6 years to adult
Because grief, when it visits, consumes us and seems to blanket all the world in sadness, our inclination is to shield children from its depths, or to show them how to escape as quickly as possible. It’s a strange, if quintessentially human, response. Our great love for the children we care about motivates us but 

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putting a name to emotions and feelings

putting a name to emotions and feelings

ages 0 to 8 years
 

Childhood is a wondrous and joyful time. Everything is magical and full of wonder. But it's easy to forget that childhood is also intense!

Those small bodies can experience such BIG emotions. Learning to understand, process and communicate emotions is a difficult process.

A book that's been incredibly helpful in our home recently is In My Heart: A Book Of Feelings.

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a fun chapter book for feeling safe even outside your comfort zone

a fun chapter book for feeling safe even outside your comfort zone

ages 4 to 12 years
With Marge in charge there’s plenty of fun, a fair smattering of risk taking, a few nervous moments and a whole of rule bending. A terrific book for early readers and for reading aloud to younger kids. The universal experience of waiting anxiously for a new babysitter will delight young readers – but they’ll probably never have a babysitter quite like Marge.

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a graphic portrayal of what it is to feel alone, and what it is to heal

a graphic portrayal of what it is to feel alone, and what it is to heal

A poignant look at living with the demons of anxiety and profound unhappiness. Small things lead to the demons that beset a young man, and small things lead to overcoming them. A lovely meditation on the impact small things can have.
ages 10 years to adult

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turning grumpiness around and helping friends feel better too

turning grumpiness around and helping friends feel better too

Grumpy feelings don't need to last all day - a cheerful gift, a bit of sharing, and giving to a friend help the animals in this story to get over their grumpy starts to the day.
ages 0 to about 6 years

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friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

friends, luck and work help when life’s storms become rough

The story of Milo, a dog with 'few complaints', whose life and perspective changes when he's tossed about in a gale. Luckily, he has friends and good luck on his side. A lovely way to begin a discussion about mental health issues - and more.

ages 2 to 8 years 

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