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The Best Children’s Books for Families Navigating Separation and Divorce

Published June, 2025

Going through a separation or divorce is challenging not only for parents but also for children. Kids often don’t have the language or emotional tools to process what’s happening in their family.
Fortunately, children’s literature can be a powerful way to help them understand and cope with big changes. At every developmental stage, the right book can validate their feelings, answer their questions, and reassure them that they are loved.
We have a range of children’s books at our office that clients are welcome to borrow.

Here are some of the best books to consider, broken down by age group:

Infants & Toddlers (0–3 Years)

At this age, children may not understand the concept of divorce, but they are sensitive to changes in routines and caregiver emotions. Board books and picture books with reassuring language and familiar routines are key.

Top Picks:

  • “Two Homes” by Claire Masurel, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
    A gentle, simple story that introduces the concept of having two homes, with loving parents in both. It focuses on continuity and stability.

  • “I Love You Like Crazy Cakes” by Rose A. Lewis
    While not about divorce, it reinforces unconditional love—an essential message during transitions.

Preschoolers (3–5 Years)

Preschoolers are beginning to understand relationships and routines. They often have magical thinking and may feel that the divorce is their fault. Books for this age group should offer comfort, clarify what’s happening, and affirm love from both parents.

Top Picks:

  • “Milly’s Parent Airport” by Rachel Brace
    A gentle, child-friendly story that helps kids understand and cope with the emotional ups and downs of shared parenting and transitions between two homes.

  • “Dinosaurs Divorce” by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown
    A classic with a light-hearted tone that explains divorce terms, feelings and changes. It’s thorough but accessible for young children.

  • “Two Homes, One Childhood” by Robert Emery
    Written for parents but full of insights for guiding young children through the emotional landscape of separation.

  • “When My Parents Forgot How to Be Friends” by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos
    Touches on conflict between parents and helps children understand that they are not to blame.

Early Elementary (6–8 Years)

Kids this age are developing empathy, reasoning skills, and a clearer sense of time. They may ask more detailed questions and worry about the future. Books should be honest, offer coping strategies and encourage dialogue.

Top Picks:

  • “It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear” by Vicki Lansky
    Designed specifically to help kids understand that the separation isn’t their fault, and offers activities for families to do together.

  • “Two Nests” by Laurence Anholt
    A story of a little bird whose parents separate and build new homes. Gentle, symbolic and relatable.

  • “Why Do Families Change?” by Jillian Roberts
    From the “Just Enough” series, this book answers common questions and opens up conversations about change, feelings and adjustment.

Tweens (9–12 Years)

Tweens may hide their feelings or express them through behaviour. They are capable of understanding more complex emotional and legal aspects of separation. Books should offer relatable characters, real emotions and hopeful outcomes.

Top Picks:

  • “The List of Things That Will Not Change” by Rebecca Stead
    A heartfelt novel about a young girl navigating her parents’ divorce, her father’s new marriage, and her own anxieties—anchored by the comforting idea that some things, like love, remain constant.

  • “My Parents Are Divorced, Too: A Book for Kids by Kids” by Melanie, Annie, and Steven Ford
    Real stories from kids who have experienced divorce, offering validation and peer perspectives.

  • “The Family Book” by Todd Parr
    Colourful, inclusive and celebratory of different family structures—great for reinforcing the idea that no two families look alike.

  • “Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids” by Isolina Ricci
    A practical guide for older children that addresses shared custody, emotions and how to manage change.

Teens (13+)

Teens can understand and articulate their feelings but may also withdraw or rebel. Books should respect their intelligence, offer nuanced portrayals of family issues and help them process identity, loyalty and boundaries.

Top Picks:

  • “Dear Zoe” by Philip Beard
    A beautifully written young adult novel that explores grief, change and resilience through the eyes of a teenage girl.

  • “Split in Two: Keeping it Together When Your Parents Live Apart” by Karen Buscemi
    Offers relatable advice, journal prompts and coping strategies directly aimed at teens.

  • “The Divorce Helpbook for Teens” by Cynthia MacGregor
    A straightforward, helpful guide that gives teens tools for managing anger, navigating change and building communication.

Reading together can be a powerful bonding experience during a difficult time. Whether your child is just beginning to ask questions or is grappling with complex feelings, the right book can provide a safe way to explore and express emotions.
As always, if your child is showing signs of distress, don’t hesitate to speak with a counsellor or family therapist who specialises in divorce-related transitions. We can provide you with some names if helpful.