Just For Kids!

A Resource Guide to Picture Books Helping Children Cope with Issues Concerning Divorce, Child Custody, Grief & Loss

Presented by Castellanos & Associates, APLC

We understand that families often seek out books for guidance and comfort to deal with challenging and complicated family situations. We are collaborating with Los Angeles independent booksellers, Children's Book World, to curate a list of books that speak to many of the issues that can arise surrounding divorce, child custody, and other family law matters. Most of the books appearing on this list can be ordered, shipped or picked up directly from Children’s Book World during normal business hours. Children’s Book World is located at 10580 ½ W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064. You can reach them by telephone at (310) 559-2665. Please note that our firm does not receive any commission from the purchase of any book you obtain from Children’s Book World. We hope you will find this list of children’s books helpful to you and your family.

Here is an additional resource from The O'Mara Law Group: Single Mom's Divorce Guide 

Dinosaurs Divorce (Dino Tales: Life Guides for Families) By Marc Brown, Laurie Krasny Brown Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9780316109963
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - September 1st, 1988

For over 35 years, changing families have been using this classic, practical guide for learning to talk to each other about one of life's most difficult moments--from the creators of the beloved, bestselling Dino Life Guides!

* "Prediction: This will became a real 'security blanket' for those young readers in need." --School Library Journal (starred


Divorce Is Not the End of the World: Zoe's and Evan's Coping Guide for Kids By Zoe Stern, Evan Stern Cover Image
$9.99
ISBN: 9781582462417
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Tricycle Press - March 1st, 2008

"An upbeat look at the ways in which, with the right support, kids of divorce can grow stronger and more able to navigate life's storms. I recommend this kid-friendly, parent-helpful resource." --M. Gary Neumann, LHMC, Helping Your Kids Cope With Divorce the Sandcastles Way


Two Homes By Claire Masurel, Kady MacDonald Denton (Illustrator) Cover Image
$7.99
ISBN: 9780763619848
Availability: Not in stock but may be ordered. Subject to Publisher Availability.
Published: Candlewick - July 14th, 2003

"Parents looking for a book about separation or divorce will find few offerings as positive, matter-of-fact, or child-centered as this one. . . . Simple, yet profoundly satisfying." — Booklist (starred review)


Living with Mom and Living with Dad By Melanie Walsh, Melanie Walsh (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Melanie Walsh, Melanie Walsh (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780763658694
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Candlewick - June 12th, 2012

For young children who live in two homes, this bright, simple story with oversized flaps reassures young readers that there is love in each one.


Mom's House, Dad's House By Isolina Ricci, Ph.D. Cover Image
$19.99
ISBN: 9780684830780
Availability: Not in stock but may be ordered. Subject to Publisher Availability.
Published: Touchstone - November 18th, 1997

Internationally renowned therapist, family expert and mediator Isolina Ricci, Ph.D.


When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief (Drawing Out Feelings) By Marge Heegaard Cover Image
$9.95
ISBN: 9780962050237
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Woodland Press (MN) - July 23rd, 1996

Creates ways for children to explore the fright, confusion, and insecurity caused by traumatic events in their lives.


Who's In My Family?: All About Our Families (Let's Talk about You and Me) By Robie H. Harris, Nadine Bernard Westcott (Illustrator) Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780763636319
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Candlewick - September 11th, 2012

Trusted New York Times best-selling author Robie H. Harris continues her series for preschoolers with a look at the many kinds of families that make up our world.


The Great Big Book of Families By Mary Hoffman, Ros Asquith (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Mary Hoffman, Ros Asquith (Illustrator)
$17.99
ISBN: 9780803735163
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Dial Books - April 14th, 2011

This fun and fascinating treasury features all kinds of families and their lives together. Each spread showcases one aspect of home life-from houses and holidays, to schools and pets, to feelings and family trees. Ros Asquith's humorous illustrations perfectly complement a charming text from the acclaimed Mary Hoffman; kids will love poring over these pages again and again.


In My Heart: A Book of Feelings (Growing Hearts) By Jo Witek, Christine Roussey (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Jo Witek, Christine Roussey (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781419713101
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Abrams Appleseed - October 14th, 2014

Celebrate feelings in all their shapes and sizes with In My Heart: A Book of Feelings, a New York Times bestseller full-color, interactive picture book from author Jo Witek and illustrator Christine Roussey
 
Part of the Growing Hearts series!
 
“A must-have for any storytime.” ―Kirkus Reviews
 


The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions By Anna Llenas Cover Image
$18.99
ISBN: 9780316450010
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - September 4th, 2018

Unpack feelings with color in this international bestseller that helps young readers identify emotions and feel more in control.
  One day, Color Monster wakes up feeling very confused. His emotions are all over the place; he feels angry, happy, calm, sad, and scared all at once! To help him, a little girl shows him what each feeling means through color.


When Sadness is at Your Door By Eva Eland Cover Image
$17.99
ISBN: 9780525707189
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Random House Books for Young Readers - January 29th, 2019

A comforting primer in emotional literacy and mindfulness that suggests we approach the feeling of sadness as if it is our guest.

Sadness can be scary and confusing at any age! When we feel sad, especially for long periods of time, it can seem as if the sadness is a part of who we are--an overwhelming, invisible, and scary sensation.


Far Apart, Close in Heart: Being a Family when a Loved One is Incarcerated By Becky Birtha, Maja Kastelic (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Becky Birtha, Maja Kastelic (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9780807512753
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Albert Whitman & Company - March 7th, 2017

Children can experience many emotions when a parent is in jail or prison. They may be angry, sad, lonely, or scared. Sometimes friends act differently toward them. Sometimes the children begin acting differently too. In this important book, young readers will learn that even when it feels like nothing can get better again, there are ways they can improve their circumstances.


Families Change: A Book for Children Experiencing Termination of Parental Rights (Kids Are Important) By Julie Nelson, Mary Gallagher (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Julie Nelson, Mary Gallagher (Illustrator)
$11.99
ISBN: 9781575422091
Availability: Backordered - Subject to Publisher Availability
Published: Free Spirit Publishing - November 15th, 2006

All families change over time. Sometimes a baby is born, or a grown-up gets married. And sometimes a child gets a new foster parent or a new adopted mom or dad. Children need to know that when this happens, it’s not their fault. They need to understand that they can remember and value their birth family and love their new family, too.


Somebody Cares: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Neglect By Susan Farber Straus Cover Image
$9.95
ISBN: 9781433821103
Availability: On Our Shelves Now or Recently
Published: Magination Press - March 14th, 2016

Charlie Anderson By Barbara Abercrombie, Mark Graham (Illustrator) Cover Image
By Barbara Abercrombie, Mark Graham (Illustrator)
$8.99
Email or call for price.
ISBN: 9780689801143
Published: Margaret K. McElderry Books - March 1st, 1995

Charlie, a fuzzy gray cat, walked out of the woods one evening and into Elizabeth's and Sarah's hearts. Now he sleeps on their beds, lets them dress him up in doll clothes, and laps up warm milk on chilly nights. But where does Charlie go during the day?
It's not until a storm keeps Charlie away one night that the two sisters discover his other, daytime, home.