Talking to children about difficult topics can be challenging in itself. We often ask, how do we explain something we struggle to understand ourselves? Grief. Death. Depression. World conflict. We hope children are shielded from these realities—but the truth is, they are affected.

These four powerful picture books offer thoughtful, age-appropriate ways to help children process big emotions and complex experiences. Each story not only introduces a challenging topic, but also provides a pathway for meaningful conversations between children and the adults who support them.

Something Sweet: A Sitting Shiva Story

by Lesléa Newman, illustrated by Sarita Rich

Hard Topic:

Grief, death, and mourning rituals (Jewish sitting shiva)

Why This Book Helps:

• Introduces children to grief through a gentle, culturally specific lens, helping normalize mourning practices.
• Models how to support a grieving friend, even when you don’t know what to say or do.
• Encourages children to understand that simply listening can be enough to support the other person.

"It is often a very emotional time; mourners may feel deep sorrow, anger, confusion, despair, or exhaustion. Memories may make mourners weep, smile, or even laugh. The most important thing a visitor can do is be fully present with the mourners and listen without judgment."—Lesléa Newman, Author's Note in Something Sweet

Popo the Xolo

by Paloma Angelina Lopez, illustrated by Abraham Matias

Hard Topic:

Death and remembrance (9 levels of Mictlān)

Why This Book Helps:

• Presents death as a journey rather than an ending, offering a comforting perspective for children.
• Highlights how different cultures honor and remember loved ones, expanding empathy and understanding.
• Reassures children that love continues through memory, tradition, and connection.

"When our loved ones die, it can make us feel sad, angry, or confused. It is okay to feel bad, but we must remember that people live on in our memories, our stories, and the things that make us feel close to them."—Paloma Angelina Lopez, back matter in Popo the Xolo

The Cloud That Stuck

by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Dorothy Leung

Hard Topic:

Mental health, persistent emotions, and coping with challenges

Why This Book Helps:

• Gives children a visual metaphor for difficult emotions, making abstract feelings easier to understand.
• Shows that challenges aren’t always “fixable,” but can be managed with support and self-awareness.
• Encourages conversations around resilience, coping strategies, and asking for help.

"Some problems can be solved. Other problems cannot, and we must learn to live with them. This book is for anyone who has experienced challenges beyond their control."—Karen Krossing, Author's Note in The Cloud That Stuck

A Light for Lucinda: A Story from the Cuban Revolution

by Olga Herrera

Hard Topic:

War, political unrest, and fear during times of crisis

Why This Book Helps:

• Provides an age-appropriate entry point to discuss conflict and uncertainty in the world.
• Emphasizes the role of family, routine, and care as sources of comfort and stability.
• Helps children process fear by showing how hope and love can exist even in difficult circumstances.

"This story is a tribute to my Cuban heritage and a kiss on the wind to acknowledge the struggle of those who came before me. But beyond that, it speaks to the human impulse to bring order to chaos. It is a reminder of the comfort we can offer one another even in the face of great hardship, and the hope that enables us to persist."—Olga Herrera, Author's Note in A Light for Lucinda

Books likes these remind us that even the hardest conversations can begin with a story. By sharing these narratives with children, adults can create safe spaces for questions and emotions. Whether navigating grief, emotional struggles, or uncertainty in the world, these titles offer not just explanations—but connection, compassion, and hope.

And if you're looking for ways to engage readers, check out our downloadable Hard Topics for Kids Discussion Guide featuring these four books!

Charlesbridge had the pleasure of meeting with Lesléa Newman, Paloma Angelina Lopez, and Karen Krossing to talk about hard topics in children’s books. This thoughtful conversation explores why it’s important to have children’s books out there that face difficult topics.

Check out the full YouTube Video!

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