5. The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup

When a much-loved fox dies all the animals in the forest gather around to swap stories of his life. As they talk, a great tree grows from where Fox is buried, which supports and strengthens all the forest and all the animals in it. It’s a thoughtful and meaningful way of understanding death, and the art style, which uses cut out paper to make the colourful and expressive animal characters, is as beautiful for its simplicity.

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4. This is MY body by Lil Carlé and Liuba Syrotiuk

Consent and bodily autonomy are important principles to teach, but many parents struggle to talk about such a serious topic. This book tells kids in simple terms that it’s ok to reject unwanted attention, that no means no, and how to be active in communicating their boundaries. Accompanying the important lessons are gorgeous watercolour illustrations that are a feast for the eyes. 

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3. Small Things by Mel Tregonning

Illustrated in meticulous detail by hand, this silent graphic novel tells the story of a young boy experiencing isolation and anxiety, artistically depicted as shadowy creatures schooling in his wake. As his grades and relationships suffer, he begins to come apart. His battle, and eventual victory, form a story of quiet wisdom and positivity, and as a reader you feel that catharsis quite palpably.

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2. Quaky Cat by Diana Noonan and Gavin Bishop

As a child of the earthquakes, I carry with me the memory of those turbulent times, the fear and panic, but also the support and sense of community. The author wrote this book as a way of using her skills to help people during the recovery, something that really shows in the final lines - a short poem about what counts as home. And it’s illustrated by Christchurch’s very own Gavin Bishop - what’s not to love!?

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1. Can’t you Sleep, Little Bear? by Martin Waddell and Barbara Firth

This book is so well crafted it took me right back to my own childhood and my collection of children’s books. It’s about an anxious little bear who can’t get to sleep for fear of the dark, and his Big Bear’s efforts to help him. The thing that makes this book my favourite is that, even though their efforts are again and again rebuffed, there’s no frustration or even gruffness on the part of Big Bear, just loving concern. You can feel that tenderness from every part of the text, and that feeling is heightened by the beautiful coloured pencil illustrations.

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