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11 Read-Alouds for Difficult Times

Books can be a wonderful tool to use with children who have experienced difficult times such as trauma or loss. Reading, being read to, and talking with adults they love can help them understand and cope with their feelings in an age-appropriate way. To support all of you and your little learners as you navigate these difficult discussions we’ve curated a collection of our favorite books with soundscapes that address the big feelings that come along with tragic events.

All of the ebooks included in this collection are available for everyone to read aloud in the hopes that they may bring you and your little ones comfort.

The Rabbit Listened

Cori doerrfeld

This simple picture book is about empathy and kindness and helps little learners understand how we can support one another during times of sadness and fear by gently, carefully listening. 

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Love, Hugs, and Hope When Scary Things Happen

Christy Monson

Love, Hugs, and Hope validates scary feelings and focuses on how children can cope with significant and traumatic events in their lives.

Be Kind

Pat Zietlow Miller

This moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind.

Love You Forever

Robert Munsch

This classic story celebrates the power of love between parents and children.

Ibex Feels Deeply

Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard

Ibex Feels Deeply promotes emotional courage by sharing how Ibex learns to access resilience and do the right thing even when it is hard to do.

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind

Jessica Hirsche

This uplifting and positive book encourages kids to be grateful, helpful, and kind.

The Feels

Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard​

The Feels helps children learn about their emotions as they join Yeti on a journey of self-discovery as she meets her feelings and learns how to take care of each one. 

Alpaca Holds Your Worries

Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard​

Alpaca Holds Your Worries supports stress relief and anxiety management. Readers are encouraged to share their feelings and accept help when worries are too big to hold alone.

Guess How Much I Love You

Sam McBratney

Guess How Much I Love You shares a sweet and simple tale about the love a parent and child have for each other.

In My Heart A Book of Feelings

Jo Witek

In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically and empowers readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.

Sprite Offers Comfort

Callie Christensen and Kelly Oriard​​

Sprite Offers Comfort provides concrete tools that help children understand and process grief and loss. Readers learn that all emotions are welcome and memories of loved ones will remain in their hearts.

Download the Novel Effect app for free to bring these books to life with interactive soundscapes of music, sound effects, and character voices that respond to your voice as you read aloud.

Open the Big Feelings Collection

Scan QR code with a mobile device or tap below.

Download the Novel Effect app to bring stories to life with music and sound that respond to your voice. 

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