Family and friends looking after children

There’s a Tiger in the Garden

It's important that books reflect contemporary society, and that children see a variety of family situations in the stories they read.

Some families don't have a mum or dad in the carer or parental role. Sometimes grandparents or uncles or aunts are looking after the children. This can be called 'kinship care' or 'family and friends care'.

This selection of fantastic books show children living with family members who aren't their parents, although that is usually only the background setting, not the plot.

  • Dance Just Like So

    Dance Just Like So!

    Author: Annemarie Anang Illustrator: Natelle Quek
    Publisher: Five Quills
    Interest age: 4-5

    Gran injures her knee while teaching a dance class so Kwesi choreographs some very special moves to put her at the centre of the action once more. This exuberant picture book celebrates the joy of dance and the loving relationship between grandparent and child.  

  • There’s a Tiger in the Garden

    There’s a Tiger in the Garden

    Author: Lizzy Stewart
    Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children’s Books
    Interest age: 4-6
    Reading age: 6+

    A sweet and surreal story with lush painterly illustrations and a high quality production. Nora's tiger is sure to delight little ones who dream of tigers coming to tea, and then staying to play in the garden!

  • Cub by Jonty Howley cover

    Cub

    Author: Jonty Howley
    Publisher: Flying Eye Books
    Interest age: 3-8

    Magnus has gone to live with his grandparents, who give him a soft toy lion. Then Cub comes alive! A moving story about bravery, and kinship care. 

  • The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

    The Beaver Who Saved Christmas

    Author: Will Millard Illustrator: Jo Lindley
    Publisher: Hachette
    Interest age: 3-7
    Reading age: 7+

    Elin and her grandad must save a family of beavers after their habitat is filled with plastic and rubbish.A heartwarming story which includes lots of information and an activity inspiration.  

  • The Missing Piece

    The Missing Piece

    Author: Jordan Stephens Illustrator: Beth Suzanna
    Publisher: Bloomsbury
    Interest age: 4-5

    A lovely book about a young girl who loves jigsaw puzzles.

  • The Day My School Got Famous

    The Day My School Got Famous

    Author: Jen Carney
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 9+

    Ferris’s new foster brother is a tornado of chaos, but when their school is closed down, can the foster brothers work together? Funny and moving, and packed with comic strips and cartoons. 

  • reek

    Reek

    Author: Alastair Chisholm Illustrator: George Caltsoudas
    Publisher: Barrington Stoke
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    Set against the backdrop of a climate catastrophe, this gripping dystopian thriller is oppressively atmospheric as it depicts a reality where if you can’t pay, you can’t breathe. 

  • The Stickleback Catchers.jpg

    The Stickleback Catchers

    Author: Lisette Auton Illustrator: Valentina Toro
    Publisher: Puffin
    Interest age: 9-11
    Reading age: 8+

    Can Mimi save her gran from losing her memories? An inclusive, searingly emotional story with magic realism elements.

  • Bird Boy

    Bird Boy

    Author: Catherine Bruton
    Publisher: Nosy Crow
    Interest age: 9-12
    Reading age: 10+

    Recently orphaned Will is sent to stay with an uncle he doesn’t know in a remote, mountainous valley. By caring for an injured osprey, he slowly comes to terms with his grief and learns to trust again. 

  • Rat

    Rat

    Author: Patrice Lawrence
    Publisher: Oxford University Press/Barrington Stoke
    Interest age: 9-14
    Reading age: 10+

    Al's mum is back in prison again - and Al thinks it's their neighbour's fault, so he plots revenge with his beloved pet rats, Venom and Vulture. A moving insight into the world of a young boy affected by poverty, neglect and crime, who eventually learns to trust.