When it comes to children's books, there is often an assumption that the stories should be light-hearted, whimsical, and free of anything too challenging or controversial. After all, childhood is a time of innocence - right?
But if we take a closer look at some of the most loved children's books, we find that difficult topics have always been part of the mix. From the loss of a parent in Bambi to the themes of war and displacement in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, challenging subjects have often played a central role in stories for young readers. Grimm's Fairy Tales were a German collection of fairy tales published in 1812 by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.
The Brothers Grimm toned down the sex in revisions, but ramped up the violence. Snowwhite, a seven years old is taken into the forest by a huntsman who is ordered to bring back her liver and lungs. In The Juniper Tree, a woman beheads her stepson as he reaches for an apple...the graphic violence just gets worse and worse and these stories were aimed at children.
You Wouldn't Want To Be...! Nasty, Brutish, and Short
In 1999, I came up with the concept for the You Wouldn't Want To Be...! series, aimed at children aged seven and up. Each 32-page book starts with You wouldn't want to be...! and explores the harsh realities of life in the past. I was inspired by Thomas Hobbes' quote from his 1588 book Leviathan, of life being "nasty, brutish, and short." I created and designed this series twenty-five years ago, when the world seemed to be a much more optimistic, happier and less divided place. Many of the horrors of the past were firmly in the past - or so I naively thought! My way of tackling difficult subjects was with the use of humour as the cover artwork of the You Wouldn’t Want To Sail on The Titanic shows, and is reinforced throughout the book by David Antram's magnificent artwork. I write under several (...don't ask) pen names and this was written under one of them - David Stewart.
There are many different ways to tackle difficult subjects
Difficult Topics in Children's Books
So, how should we, as parents, educators, or authors, approach the task of handling difficult topics in children's books? The answer is neither straightforward nor one-size-fits-all. However, with careful consideration, empathy, and an understanding of the developmental stages of children, we can introduce complex issues in ways that are both appropriate and impactful.
I will offer insights, strategies, and examples to guide you in tackling tricky topics in children's books,
so let's get started!
Understanding the Role of Difficult Topics in Children's Literature
First, it’s important to acknowledge why difficult topics belong in children’s books at all. The world isn’t always a friendly place, and children are often more perceptive than we give them credit for.
Loss, Fear, Injustice
They encounter loss, fear, injustice, and change in their everyday lives, whether through personal experience, news, or even conversations with peers. Books serve as a safe space for children to explore and make sense of these experiences, providing comfort and insight as they navigate the complexities of growing up.
Many experts argue that shielding children from difficult topics can be more harmful than addressing them head-on.
According to Dr. Louise Joy, a scholar of children's literature at the University of Cambridge,
"Books offer a unique opportunity to encounter and process emotions in a controlled environment. By avoiding difficult topics, we miss the chance to help children develop the resilience and emotional intelligence they need to cope with life’s challenges."
Tailoring the Content to the Child’s Age
When introducing difficult topics in children's books, age-appropriateness is key. What might be suitable for a teenager could be obviously overwhelming for a younger child.
Understanding the developmental stages of children can help you gauge the right level of complexity for the subject matter.
Ages 3-6: For the youngest readers, books that touch on difficult topics should do so in a gentle, indirect way. Picture books like The Invisible String by Patrice Karst use metaphors to discuss topics like separation and grief in a way that is comforting and accessible to young children. The focus at this age should be on reassurance and the presence of a supportive figure, whether that be a parent, a teacher, or a friendly animal character.
Ages 7-9: At this stage, children are beginning to understand the world in more concrete terms but still benefit from simple, clear explanations. Stories can start to look into more complex emotions and situations, such as dealing with bullying or understanding the concept of death. Books like Charlotte's Web by E.B. White handle such themes with a mix of honesty and warmth, allowing children to confront these realities while still feeling safe and supported.
Ages 10-12: Pre-teens are ready to tackle even more challenging subjects, such as social justice, mental health, or environmental issues. Books like Wonder by R.J. Palacio address themes of difference and acceptance in a way that is both relatable and inspiring for this age group. At this stage, children can begin to appreciate nuance and moral complexity, making them more receptive to stories that don't offer simple, black-and-white answers.
Teens: By the time children reach their teenage years, they are capable of grappling with almost any topic, provided it is presented thoughtfully. Young adult literature is known for tackling heavy themes such as identity, trauma, and societal pressures. Books like The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas offer an unflinching look at issues like racism and police violence, empowering teens to think critically about the world around them.
Crafting the Narrative with Sensitivity
Once you've determined the appropriate level of complexity for your audience, the next step is to craft your narrative with sensitivity. This doesn't mean sugar-coating the truth, but rather presenting it in a way that is honest without being overwhelming.
Use Relatable Characters: Characters who children can relate to or see themselves in can make difficult topics more accessible. Whether it’s a child their age or an anthropomorphic animal, having a relatable character can help children process complex emotions. For example, Michael Rosen’s The Sad Book features a character who openly discusses his feelings of grief, making it easier for children to connect with the experience of loss.
Balance Light and Dark: A story doesn't have to be all dollops of gloom, misery and despair, just because it tackles a tough subject. Balancing heavier themes with moments of humour, adventure, or hope keeps children engaged and prevent them from feeling overwhelmed. The Harry Potter series, addresses themes of death, prejudice, and power, but these are balanced with magical escapades, friendships, and moments of triumph. My own series You wouldn't Want To Be...! mixes misery and humour through the use of the brilliant illustrations by David Antram.
Encourage Open-Ended Thinking: Avoid presenting difficult topics in a way that feels too didactic or moralistic. Instead, encourage children to ask questions, think critically, and come to their own conclusions. This approach not only respects their intelligence but also fosters empathy and understanding. For example, in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, the story ends with the reader left to ponder the consequences of environmental neglect, sparking a conversation, rather than dictating a lesson.
Include a Support System: Whether through the presence of supportive characters or the availability of resources at the end of the book, it's important to provide children with a sense of security. Knowing that they are not alone in facing these challenges can be incredibly reassuring. This is particularly important in books dealing with trauma or other highly sensitive issues, where the inclusion of helplines or discussion guides can offer additional support.
Engaging Parents and Educators
Books tackling difficult topics can be powerful tools for initiating conversations between children and adults. However, it's important to involve parents and educators in the process.
Providing discussion questions or notes at the end of the book can help guide these conversations, ensuring that children are supported in their understanding of the material.
It's also important to prepare parents and educators for the questions that might arise. For example, a book dealing with bereavement might prompt a child to ask about the nature of death, the afterlife, or how to cope with grief.
Having open, honest discussions about these topics, guided by the book, can help everyone healthily navigate their emotions.
The Importance of Representation
When addressing difficult topics, it's also vital to consider the diversity of experiences that children bring to the table.
Ensuring that stories are inclusive and represent a wide range of perspectives can help all children feel seen and understood. This is especially important when dealing with issues such as racism, poverty, or disability, where representation can play a key role in fostering empathy and understanding.
Books like The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf, which tells the story of a young refugee, offer valuable insights into experiences that may be unfamiliar to many readers.
By telling stories that reflect the diversity of our world, we can help children develop a broader, more inclusive understanding of difficult topics.
The Power of Storytelling - To Finish On…
Ultimately, handling difficult topics in children's books is about striking the right balance between honesty and sensitivity.
It's about acknowledging the challenges that children face, while also providing them with the tools they need to navigate those challenges.
Through relatable characters, balanced narratives, and thoughtful engagement, we can introduce complex subjects in ways that are both meaningful and appropriate.
As author Jacqueline Woodson, known for her work in children’s literature, once said,
"Books show us places we may not have walked through ourselves. A good book lets us close that distance between ‘us’ and ‘them’."
In this way, children's books can be a powerful means of bridging gaps, fostering understanding, and helping young readers make sense of the world around them. And in a world that often feels increasingly complex, that is a gift of immeasurable value.
Read more in my blog How Important is Diversity in Children's Books?
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