Feb. 6, 2026 – The news can be overwhelming and scary sometimes, even for adults. Talking to kids about hard things they see on TV and in the news – or in their own community – isn't easy, and there's no set script for caregivers to follow. However, these books can help kids process feelings, embrace hope, and see they aren't alone.
"On the News: Our First Talk About Tragedy" by Jillian Roberts, illustrated by Jane Heinrichs (2018)
In age-appropriate language and tone, Dr. Roberts explains what tragedy is, the feelings it may create and how to manage those feelings. She also emphasizes the good that can come out of tragedy, looking at how people help one another in caring, compassionate and heroic ways. The book's question-and-answer format will help parents have a meaningful conversation about these difficult topics with their children and equip parents to better handle questions that arise when children are exposed to the news.
"The Breaking News" by Sarah Lynne Reul (2018)
When devastating news rattles a young girl's community, her normally attentive parents and neighbors are suddenly exhausted and distracted. At school, her teacher tells the class to look for the helpers―the good people working to make things better in big and small ways. She wants more than anything to help in a BIG way, but maybe she can start with one small act of kindness instead ... and then another, and another. Small things can compound, after all, to make a world of difference.
"Something Happened in Our Park: Standing Together after Gun Violence" by Ann Hazzard, Marianne Celano, & Marietta Collins, illustrated by Keith Henry Brown (2021)
When Miles's cousin Keisha is injured in a shooting, he realizes people can work together to reduce the likelihood of violence in their community. With help from friends and family, Miles learns to use his imagination and creativity to help him cope with his fears. This book can help provide parents with helpful messages of reassurance and empowerment. Includes an extensive Note to Parents and Caregivers with guidelines for discussing community gun violence with children, and sample dialogues.
"Most People" by Michael Leannah, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris (2017)
The world can be a scary place. Anxious adults want children to be aware of dangers, but shouldn’t kids be aware of kindness too? Michael Leannah wrote "Most People: as an antidote to the scary words and images kids hear and see every day. Jennifer Morris’s emotive, diverting characters provide the perfect complement to Leannah’s words, leading us through the crowded streets of an urban day in the company of two pairs of siblings. We see what they see: the hulking dude with tattoos and chains assisting an elderly lady onto the bus; the Goth teenager with piercings and purple Mohawk returning a lost wallet to its owner; and the myriad interactions of daily existence, most of them well intended.
"A Terrible Thing Happened: A Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma" by Margaret M. Holmes, illustrated by Cary Pillo (2020)
Some experiences are hard to talk about, especially for children. "A Terrible Thing Happened" is a comforting picture book that helps kids make sense of big emotions after something upsetting has happened. Without naming the event, the story follows Sherman, a young raccoon who begins to feel worried, angry, and confused. With patience, comfort, and support, Sherman learns that talking about his feelings can help him start to feel better.
"The Rabbit Listened" by Cori Doerrfeld (2018)
When something sad happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to act, and one by one they fail to offer comfort. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen ... which is just what Taylor needs.
"Come With Me" by Holly M. McGhee, illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre (2017)
When the news reports are flooded with tales of hatred and fear, a girl asks her papa what she can do to make the world a better place. “Come with me,” he says. Hand-in-hand, they walk to the subway, tipping their hats to those they meet. The next day, the girl asks her mama what she can do—her mama says, “Come with me,” and together they set out for the grocery, because one person doesn’t represent an entire race or the people of a land. After dinner that night, the little girl asks if she can do something of her own—walk the dog ... and her parents let her go. “Come with me,” the girl tells the boy across the hall. Walking together, one step at a time, the girl and the boy begin to see that as small and insignificant as their part may seem, it matters to the world.
"Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice" by Marianne Celano & Marietta Collins, illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin (2018)
Something Happened in Our Town follows two families―one White, one Black―as they discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. The story aims to answer children's questions about such traumatic events, and to help children identify and counter racial injustice in their own lives.
"I Walk with Vanessa: A Picture Book Story About a Simple Act of Kindness" by Kerascoet (2018)
Inspired by real events, "I Walk with Vanessa" explores the feelings of helplessness and anger that arise in the wake of seeing a classmate treated badly, and shows how a single act of kindness can lead to an entire community joining in to help. By choosing only pictures to tell their story, the creators underscore the idea that someone can be an ally without having to say a word. With themes of acceptance, kindness, and strength in numbers, this timeless and profound feel-good story will resonate with readers young and old.
"I Am We: A Book of Community" by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds (2024)
We are part of something bigger than ourselves, and when we each turn our goodness and compassion outward, we can create, learn, and love. Sometimes we may wonder, how does caring for ourselves help anyone else? But then we realize that the better we feel inside, the more we can be there for others—our friends, families, and communities. Whether it’s listening to a friend, welcoming newcomers with open arms, or standing up against injustice, I Am We shows us what true community looks like—and the amazing things that can happen when we come together.
"Something Happened to My Dad: A Story about Immigration and Family Separation" by Ann Hazzard & Vivianna Aponte Rivera, illustrated by Gloria Felix (2022)
Carmen loves doing magic with her Papi. He can make sarapes fly. He can make rabbits vanish! But one day, her Papi vanishes. She is sad and scared when she learns he has been detained because he is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. At first, Carmen's family keeps Papi's detention a secret, fearing that they might be judged negatively. As Carmen's community becomes aware of their situation, they rally around her family with love. Carmen learns she can find strength in herself and maintain her connection with Papi, no matter what happens.