Abuse and Trauma
Help Your Dragon Cope With Trauma
This gentle, beautifully illustrated story uses the fun concept of having a pet dragon to help children understand and recover from trauma. When the dragon experiences something terrible and struggles with fear, bad dreams, and sadness, his young friend helps him process his feelings, find comfort, and rediscover joy. Without ever being scary or specific, this book offers practical ways for parents, teachers, and caregivers to talk with children about big emotions, healing, and hope after difficult experiences.
Once I Was Very Very Scared
This gentle and reassuring story helps children understand fear and learn healthy ways to cope after frightening experiences. When Squirrel shares that he was once very, very scared, he discovers that his animal friends—Dog, Turtle, Rabbit, Monkey, and Elephant—have all faced scary situations too, each reacting in their own way. With the help of caring adults, they learn that their feelings are normal and that safety and comfort can be found again. Designed to explain common trauma and stress responses (like fight, flight, freeze, and cling) in child-friendly language, this book helps parents, teachers, and therapists guide children in naming emotions, building resilience, and finding healing through supportive relationships. Available in multiple languages.
A Terrible Thing Happened
This tender and compassionate story follows Sherman Smith, a young boy who witnesses something truly terrible. At first, he tries to forget it, but soon the memories and emotions begin to surface. With gentle words and warm illustrations, the book helps children who have seen or experienced violence or trauma understand that what happened is not their fault, that their feelings are normal, and that it’s okay to talk to a trusted adult. An afterword for parents, caregivers, and professionals offers practical guidance and additional resources for supporting children as they begin to heal.
Do You Have a Secret?
This gentle, easy-to-understand book helps children learn the difference between fun secrets and secrets that make them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. It encourages kids to talk to a trusted adult—like a parent, foster parent, or caregiver—when a secret makes them feel sad, scared, or uneasy. Especially helpful for children in foster care, Do You Have a Secret? can be a valuable tool for opening up conversations about trust, safety, and sharing difficult experiences in a supportive way.
The Rabbit Listened
The Rabbit Listened is a tender story about empathy, healing, and the power of simply being present. When something sad happens, everyone around Taylor tries to fix it—by talking, shouting, or cheering up—but nothing feels right. Then the rabbit comes along and quietly listens, offering comfort through gentle presence instead of words. With its simple text and warm illustrations, this beautiful picture book teaches children—and adults alike—the importance of patience, compassion, and truly listening when someone is hurting.
When I Was Little… A Child’s Journey in Overcoming Abuse & Trauma
Written for children who have experienced abuse or trauma, this gentle story follows a child learning to understand and share difficult emotions. With the support of caring adults, the child discovers that talking about painful experiences can lead to comfort, safety, and healing. This book provides a reassuring way to open conversations about hard topics and is an excellent tool for foster parents and caregivers helping young children process their feelings in a safe and loving environment.
Healing Days: A Guide for Kids Who Have Experienced Trauma
Healing Days is a gentle, reassuring story designed for children who have lived through trauma. It helps kids recognize and understand the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that often follow frightening experiences, reminding them that what happened was not their fault. Best read alongside a parent, caregiver, or therapist, the book offers simple strategies for feeling safer, calmer, and more confident. An online guide for adults provides additional tools and resources to support children on their healing journey.
Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens
Winner of the 2022 Best Book Award in Young Adult Nonfiction, The Trauma Recovery Workbook for Teens helps young people ages 12–16 understand that healing after trauma is possible. Using clear explanations, real stories, and practical activities like journaling, meditation, and identifying triggers, it helps teens process their emotions, build resilience, and rediscover hope. Compassionate and easy to use, this trauma-informed guide empowers teens to work through difficult experiences and strengthen their confidence, self-awareness, and sense of control over their future.
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