Parenting is hard, but parenting through divorce is harder. While dealing with our emotions, we must also help our kids understand and cope with the situation. Thank goodness for a wonderful range of children’s books about divorce and separation that are easily accessible these days to help kids cope.
Whether your kids are into colourful picture books or more on-point references, my specially curated list of books is comforting, stigma-free, and provides coping mechanisms. Many of my picks are written by children psychologists or formed from years of research.
SEPARATION & DIVORCE BOOKS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN
1. Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes (Age 5+)
By Melanie Walsh
This feel-good book is about a little girl whose parents got divorced and who is now living in two homes with two sets of everything. Sometimes she’s with her Dad, and sometimes she’s with her Mum, but she’s always having fun. The book shows how children of divorce can still enjoy their time with both parents. It comforts young children of separated parents that two homes can be just as normal.
Recommended for: Parents looking for a read-aloud book that teaches kids to accept families of all kinds and variations, especially single-mum families.
2. Mum and Dad Glue (Age 3-5)
By Kes Gray and Lee Wildish
Written by an award-winning author, I love the simplicity of this story. It is about a little boy who tries to find some glue to bind his mum and dad back together and restore their smiles, dealing with the emotions children of divorce often feel. The story reminds and helps children understand that even after witnessing their parents' divorce, they are still loved.
Recommended for: Parents who want to reassure their preschoolers that mum and dad loves them as much as ever.
3. The List of Things That Will Not Change (Age 8-12)
By Rebecca Stead
Bea is dealing with big changes after her parent's divorce, like living in two separate apartments and her dad announcing his upcoming marriage. It’s not always easy, but she copes by keeping a list of things that will always stay the same – her parents’ love for her and each other. This uplifting book is about the constancy of love through life's changes.
Recommended for: Middle-grade kids who are dealing with changes after divorce or separation. It is perfect for parents who want to reassure their children that they are always loved, no matter what happens.
4. Two Homes (Age 3-5)
By Claire Masurel
This book focuses on little Alex and his difficulties getting accustomed to living between two homes. It explains how, although his parents no longer live together, one thing always remains the same, which is that he is still loved. The matter-of-fact style of writing makes light of what can be a big issue. It focuses on what is gained when parents separate rather than what is lost. It helps kids become more optimistic about their situation.
Recommended for: Parents looking for a separation book that is child-focused and easy to understand. It can help kids become more optimistic about their situation.
Divorce books for children (cont.)
5. Dinosaurs Divorce (Age 3-6)
By Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown.
Through its fun dinosaur characters, this picture book explains why divorce happens, what changes to expect, and how to cope with emotions. Its friendly illustrations and straightforward language make it easier for young readers to grasp their feelings and situations.
Recommended for: Young kids who are into dinosaurs and picture books, as it will help them understand such sensitive issues.
6. It’s Not The End Of The World (Age 8-13)
By Judy Blume
This emotional story follows 11-year-old Karen, whose parents separated. It shows her journey from desperation for them to stay together and, eventually, to acceptance. It covers the frustrations and sadness of the situation, the value of good friends, and how, in time, it’s possible to feel happy again.
Recommended for: Older kids and preteens who are struggling to make sense of their new normal. This book will help them understand that divorce/separation is truly not the end of the world.
7. When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends (Let's Talk About It!) (Age 3-7)
By Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
This book follows a young child who notices that their parents are arguing more and eventually decides to live apart after getting a divorce. The story explores the child's confusion, sadness, and fear as they navigate this new reality. Through conversations and reassurance from both parents, the child learns that the separation is not their fault and that both parents still love them deeply.
Recommended for: Younger kids who are just beginning to read because of its simple text and engaging illustrations.
8. The Case of the Scary Divorce (Age 9-12)
By Carl Pickhardt
An unusual yet refreshing way of dealing with divorce issues, this book is about a ten year old boy with a helping investigator called Professor Skye. Between them they have to solve eight cases which deal with topics encountered during his parents break-up and divorce. Covering topics in this style is particularly helpful for boys who may not otherwise consider their feelings as closely.
Recommended for: Older kids who are struggling to cope with emotions like sadness and anger in the middle of a divorce. Great for kids who hate self-help books but love mystery books.
Our final selection of parents' divorce guides for kids
9. Was it the Chocolate Pudding? (Age 3-6)
By Sandra Levins
Through its fun dinosaur characters, this picture book explains why divorce happens, what changes to expect, and how to cope with emotions. Its friendly illustrations and straightforward language make it easier for young readers to grasp their feelings and situations.
Recommended for: Young kids who are into dinosaurs and picture books, as it will help them understand such sensitive issues.
10. Candyfloss (Age 9 to 14)
By Jacqueline Wilson
An endearing story of 12-year-old Floss, who has to cope not only with her parent’s divorce but with her mother and her new family moving to the other side of the world. This book presents the difficult choices that may have to be made and the emotions that accompany them. A riveting yet tender storyline demonstrates how even the hardest decisions can be made and overcome with parental love and support of good friends.
Recommended for: Preteens and younger teens who are dealing with the aftermath of divorce and all its complexities, including the difficulties of maintaining friendships.
11. The Suitcase Kid (Ages 9-14)
By Jacqueline Wilson
A heart-warming, realistic read about a young girl who lives week on/week off between her two stepfamilies, feeling she doesn’t really fit into either. It follows an unusual yet compelling structure as the chapters work through the letters of the alphabet. Dealing with upsetting issues which some children will find comfort relating to, it retains a perfect balance of sadness and comedy with a feel-good happy ever after.
Recommended for: Preteens and younger teens looking for reassurance, comfort and guidance after a parental split, especially on navigating new family dynamics.
12. Goggle Eyes (Ages 12-16)
By Anne Fine
This book combines comedy and charm. Kitty, who is dealing with the post-divorce trauma of her mother’s new boyfriend, helping kids cope with similar situations. She shares her feelings with her friend, who is also from a broken family but who has different circumstances and opinions. Her journey to learn how to accept change, however difficult, is sensitive yet amusing, making it an unputdownable preteen read.
Recommended for: Preteens and teens who are struggling with anger, sadness and fear that comes with adjusting to a new family member post-divorce.
Summary
Going through separation or divorce is tough for both parents and kids. The right books on separation help explain what's happening in a way, kids can understand and provide comfort during a confusing time. These divorce books can ease the sense of isolation your child may feel as they relate to fictional characters dealing with similar experiences.
After my divorce was finalised, my daughters and I read some of these books together. Doing so helped my kids express their feelings and ask questions. You, too, can help your child feel less alone and more secure. Sharing these stories can help your family connect, heal, and move forward with more understanding and love.
