Helpful Books for Young Carers
There are an estimated one million young carers in the UK and almost half of them say they face mental health challenges (1). Getting access to support or resources can be incredibly difficult for young people and particularly so when you're responsible for someone else's care. A report from the All Party Parliamentary Group on Young Carers and Young Adult Carers in November 2023 identified that young carers can have to wait 10 years before being identified and the average waiting time to be identified for support was three years.
Reading is a wonderful tool for nurturing a child's mental health and emotional growth - enhancing imagination and empathy, as well as encouraging a lifelong love of learning. It's crucial for young carers to see themselves represented in the stories they read, as it can provide comfort and validation. One such book is Young Carers in Bunnyland, a picturebook which is part of the Young Carers Illustrations Project, written and illustrated by Ana Graça.
The book was developed through workshop sessions with children from Kingston Carers Network. It is a touching story that follows character Honey and celebrates the resilience and compassion of young carers, offering a comforting reminder that they are never alone.
“The Young Carers Illustrations Project are delighted to now be providing supplies of Young Carers in Bunnyland by Ana Graça, together with the “About Me” workbook and stickers. This will enable children visiting the houses to access the story and the workbook”
“Each of our Honeypot Houses has a library filled with books for young carers. We like to include a range of titles which will appeal to the different ages and tastes of the young carers who visit. We know that the children love to read books that feature young carer characters like them and we are delighted to be able to include the ‘Young Carers in Bunnyland’ books. These are already becoming a firm favourite! ”
books for young carers
We want to highlight some of our favourite books about and for young carers. Whether your child is a young carer, dealing with anxiety or stress, or simply wants to understand more about the experiences of young carers, these books are a great way to start conversations about coping with life's challenges.
young carers in bunnyland
by Ana Graça
Meet Honey, a 6-year-old young carer with a big heart and a lot of responsibility who's part of a local community of other young carer children like her. One day, when everything felt too much to handle, a mischievous fairy decided o play a trick and turn their lives upside down. Join Honey and her friends on their magical adventure and discover the hardships, challenges, and joys of being a young carer. (Age 6-10)
the late crew
by rab ferguson
Tyler cares a lot. He cares for his mum (who gets very, very tired) and for his little brother (who needs to follow to specific routine). He cares so much that he gets caught being late (again) by 'The One Who Doesn't Understand'. In detention something out of this world happens.... an alien gives him his egg! The only question is, can Tyler care for it too? (Age 8-12)
When My Worries Get Too Big: A Relaxation Book for Children who Live with Anxiety
By Kari Dunn Buron
We know that anxiety can be a serious issue for young carers, who have to deal with worrying situations every day. The story follows main character Nicholas as he reacts to situations and overcomes challenges in his life. When My Worries Get Too Big provides advice and coping techniques that will help children to combat anxiety and stress. (Age 6-12)
Can I Tell You About Being a Young Carer?
by jo aldridge
This book explores Carly’s worries as she cares for her mother who lives with depression and Multiple Sclerosis. Can I Tell You About Being a Young Carer? provides signposts to accessible support and raises awareness about the positive and negative impacts that caring has on home life, education and childhood. (Age 8-12)
When Worry Takes Hold
by liz haske
A must have for any child who struggles with anxiety, this book tells the story of a girl called Maya who learns to cope with feelings of worry. Helps children approach their anxieties in a mindful way and understand how they can change their thought patterns in a positive way. (Age 8-12)
Guide Book for Young Carers
by mike raynor
Written by a former young carer, this guidebook uses first-hand experiences to offer advice and support for children facing the daily challenges of caring for a family member. The author of the Guide Book for Young Carers describes the impact that his role had on his early life and into adulthood. (Age 10+)
Jade’s Story
by helena pielichaty
Jade’s Story follows a model student whose life unravels after her father suffers an emotional breakdown. Struggling to keep her education and friendships in check, the author details Jade’s experiences as she learns to navigate life’s challenges. (Age 9 -14)
Click here to find out about Honeypot’s SEAL breaks and other ways in which we help to look after the mental health of young carers across the UK.
The Honeypot Children’s Charity is the national charity for young carers aged five to twelve. We rely on donations to help us continue running our unique Wrap-Round service supporting young carers. Please consider supporting us by making a donation, attending an event, or making us your organisation’s charity partner.