Recommended children’s books about divorce

Finding the right advice for you and your family can be a challenge, especially if you’re separating or separated. There are many books out there offering advice to parents who are going through a separation. It’s tough to know who you should listen to. This blog includes a selection of co-parenting books that have been recommend by amicable’s co-parenting experts and includes titles for parents, and also some children’s books on divorce.

Recommended children’s books about divorce

1. 101 questions answered about separating with children

Created by OnlyMums & OnlyDads, a not-for-profit support and signposting service for separated/separating parents. This book covers the most frequently asked questions on divorce and separation.

2. The Guide for Separated Parents - Karen and Nick Woodall

This book helps parents to unlock and resolve the conflict surrounding contact with children that can arise during and after separation. With lots of positive reviews online, this title includes advice on parenting plans, scripted phone calls and parenting meetings. It aims to enable parents to communicate effectively about the most important things in their children's lives.

3. Mom’s House, Dad’s House - Isolina Ricci

This title helps separating or separated parents to create two happy homes for their child(ren). The book covers the needs of all concerned with creative co-parenting options and advice in the legal, emotional, and practical realities of creating two happy and stable homes.

4. Parenting Apart - Christina McGhee

This book provides quick and easy access to the information that can help resolve co-parenting problems. Instead of reading it cover to cover, this book was designed to be “parent-friendly” and gives you the freedom to dip in and out when advice is required.

5. Split Survival Kit: 10 Steps For Coping With Your Parents' Separation - Dr Angharad Rudkin

This is a brilliant book written by Dr Angharad Rudkin and Ruth Fitzgerald to help children navigate their parents’ divorce. It guides children through ten simple steps and techniques to help them with their parents’ divorce.

6. How to Be a Happy Single Parent

Author and founder of the single-parent community Frolo Zoë Desmond, and journalist and founder of the Single Mother Edit Rebecca Cox combine forces to bring us their new guide for 'How to Be a Happy Single Parent'. This is a must-read intended for single parents who can use it as a guide for all of the difficult situations single-parenthood presents.

amicable’s guide to Parenting Planning

amicable offers jargon-free advice on how to create a parenting plan that will create a happy, healthy environment where your child(ren) can thrive. Each section includes a worksheet so you can personalise the Parenting Plan to suit your needs.

Picture books for younger children to talk to them about divorce and separation

Dinosaurs Divorce - Laurene Krasny Brown & Marc Brown

A comforting explanation of what divorce means, why people divorce, how to live in two homes, how to tell your friends, how to accept new stepsisters and stepbrothers; plus, much more.

Two Homes - Claire Masurel  

Appropriate for four years and over. This book is written from a child’s point of view and describes what it is like to have two homes. Overall, a great children’s book on divorce and separation, and single-parent families.

Have any other book recommendations? Please comment below.

amicable helps couples agree on arrangements for their children. Book your session with a Co-parenting Specialist below.

FAQs

Are there any other children’s books about divorce, separation, and single-parent families?

Yes, there is a wide selection of books that we recommend for anyone seeking further advice about the effects of divorce on children or children’s books to help them understand that it is a completely normal experience for children to go through today.

Can you suggest any modern children’s books on divorce, single-parent families and parents living apart?

These books - "Was It the Chocolate Pudding?: A Story for Little Kids About Divorce" by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo and "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst and Geoff Stevenson - give a child-friendly understanding of what separation and divorce means for them.

Are there LGBTQ+ children’s books about separation?

There are lots of LGBTQ+ resources for children whose parents are separating. We recommend “Confessions Of the Other Mother: Nonbiological Lesbian Moms Tell All!” by Harlyn Aizley and “Journey To Same-Sex Parenthood and Lesbian and Gay Parents and Their Children” by Eric Rosswood.