Family, Foster & Kinship Care
Families come in many shapes and forms, and every child's story is unique. For children navigating foster care, kinship care, family separation, reunification, adoption, or other significant family changes, stories can provide comfort, understanding and a sense of connection.
The books in this collection explore themes of belonging, attachment, identity, family relationships and emotional safety. They offer gentle opportunities for children and the adults who care for them to have important conversations, celebrate connection, and make sense of change.
The Invisible String
Author : Patrice Karst
Focus: Connection, separation, belonging.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
One of my most recommended books for children navigating foster care, kinship care, family separation or reunification.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
▶️Watch Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auO15iesZTM
The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself
Author:
Focus: Trust, emotional safety, relationships.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
Many children who have experienced change, loss or uncertainty learn to protect themselves. This story gently explores what happens when it begins to feel safe to let others in.
Best for: Ages 5–12
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
▶️Watch Read Aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DPOUXUl3So
Back on Country
Author : Adam Goodes
Focus: Identity, culture, belonging.
A powerful story about reconnecting with culture, family and Country. It highlights the importance of identity and the strength that comes from knowing where we belong.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Belonging is especially important for children who have experienced separation from family, community or culture. This book celebrates connection and identity while reminding children that who they are and where they come from matters.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
For The House That Walked Away
Author: Simon Howe
Focus: Belonging, home, connection, identity, family change.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
Sometimes children aren't just looking for a place to live—they're looking for a place to belong. This gentle story follows a wandering house searching for where it feels at home. I often recommend this book for children experiencing family changes, foster or kinship care, moving house, or times when they are wondering where they fit in the world.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
What Do You Call Your Grandma? & What Do You Call Your Grandpa?
Author: Ashleigh Barton
Focus: Family identity, culture, belonging, diversity, intergenerational connection.
A joyful exploration of the many names children use for the special grandparents and elders in their lives. Through different cultures, traditions and family stories, the books celebrate the many ways families connect and belong.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Families come in many shapes, sizes and traditions. I love these books because they help children celebrate the important people in their lives while recognising that every family has its own unique story. They can be especially helpful for children in foster care, kinship care, blended families or culturally diverse families.
Best for: Ages 3–8
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
My Country
Author: Ezekiel Kwaymullina & Sally Morgan
Focus: Identity, culture, belonging, Country, connection.
A beautiful celebration of Country, culture and identity told through the eyes of a child. The story invites readers to explore the deep connections between people, place, family and belonging.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
For many children, belonging is closely connected to culture, community and place. This book provides a wonderful opportunity to talk about identity, connection and the importance of knowing where we come from. It also helps all children develop respect and appreciation for First Nations perspectives.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
The Little Things
Author: Penny Harrison
Focus: Mindfulness, connection, gratitude, belonging, wellbeing.
A gentle story that encourages children to slow down and notice the small moments of beauty, connection and wonder that often go unnoticed in busy lives.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Sometimes children become so focused on what is difficult that they miss the small things that help them feel safe and connected. I often use this book to encourage conversations about gratitude, noticing, and the people and places that help us feel grounded.
Best for: Ages 4–10
Stay for Dinner
Author: Sandhya Parappukkaran
Focus: Cultural identity, friendship, inclusion, belonging, community.
A warm story about food, friendship and sharing cultures. It celebrates the way traditions, meals and family stories can bring people together.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Belonging often grows through simple moments of connection. This book helps children explore cultural differences with curiosity and respect while showing that friendship can flourish when we make space for one another's stories.
Best for: Ages 4–10
The Family Book
Author: Todd Parr
Focus: Family diversity, belonging, acceptance, inclusion.
A colourful and playful celebration of the many different ways families can look. Through simple language and vibrant illustrations, the book reminds children that every family is unique and every family belongs.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Children often compare their families to those around them and wonder if their family is "normal." I love this book because it sends a simple but powerful message: families come in many forms, and what matters most is love, care and connection. It can be especially reassuring for children in foster care, kinship care, blended families or families that look different from their peers.
Best for: Ages 3–8
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
A Family Is A Family Is A Family
Author: Sara O’Leary
Focus: Family diversity, belonging, identity, inclusion.
When children are asked to describe their families, they discover that every family is unique. Some families have one parent, two parents, grandparents, foster carers, step-siblings or extended family members who play important roles in their lives.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
This is one of my favourite books for helping children understand that there is no single definition of family. The stories invite children to celebrate their own family experiences while developing respect for the experiences of others. It creates wonderful opportunities for conversations about belonging, acceptance and connection.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
All Are Welcome Here
Author: Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman
Focus: Inclusion, diversity, community, belonging, acceptance.
A warm and uplifting story that celebrates diversity within a school community. Children from many different cultures, backgrounds and experiences come together with the shared message that everyone is welcome.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Many children worry about fitting in or being different from others. I love this book because it celebrates the idea that belonging does not require us to be the same. It reminds children that communities are strongest when differences are welcomed, respected and valued.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
When Charley Met Emma
Author: Amy Webb
Focus: Diversity, disability inclusion, friendship, acceptance, belonging.
A thoughtful story about friendship, curiosity and celebrating differences. When Charley meets Emma, he learns that people may look different, move differently or experience the world differently—and that difference is something to value rather than fear.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
Belonging begins when children feel seen, accepted and included exactly as they are. I often recommend this book because it encourages children to move beyond assumptions and develop genuine curiosity, empathy and respect for others. It is a wonderful conversation starter about inclusion and the importance of creating communities where everyone feels they belong.
Best for: Ages 4–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
Our Home, Our Heartbeat
Author: Adam Briggs
Focus: First Nations culture, identity, belonging, community, pride.
This beautifully illustrated book celebrates First Nations leaders, role models and communities while exploring the importance of culture, identity and connection to Country.
💛 Julie’s Treehouse Note
A strong sense of belonging grows when children know who they are, where they come from and the stories that connect them to others. This book celebrates culture, strength and identity while highlighting the many ways community can support children to feel proud of who they are. It is a wonderful addition to conversations about belonging, respect and cultural connection.
Best for: Ages 5–12
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library
I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand
Author: Dr Pat Palmer
Focus: Grief, loss, separation, change, emotional healing.
💛 Julie's Treehouse Note
Children experience many different types of loss throughout their lives. Whether it is the death of a loved one, separation from a parent, the loss of a friendship or a significant life change, this gentle book helps children understand that grief can bring many different feelings and that healing happens gradually with support, connection and time.
Best for: Ages 5–10
📚 Available to borrow from the Treehouse Library