Top children’s books for single parents

The holidays are coming upon us fast! It’s time for my Top Children’s Books for Single Parents.

When I first became a single mom, I made myself sick trying to come up with all the ways I planned to explain to my daughter that her father had disappeared. As it turns out, all my complicated explanations — so far — can be bottled into one word: honesty.

Be straight and loving. And most of all, be open and present. Answer your child’s questions. Just as importantly, ask your child what he/she is feeling and thinking.

That said, books have helped me tremendously. I’m always searching for books that single parents can read to their kids — books that really show who we are. If you have any that aren’t on this list, please share!

1. Love Is a Family by Roma Downey

This is my all-time favorite. Written by the star of the TV show Touched by an Angel star, it’s a simple, real loving mother-daughter story. It’s Family Fun Night at school, and Lily is positive that she and her mom will be the weirdest family there. The theme: even if you’re a “small kind” of family, you’re still a family.

2. The Family Book by Todd Parr

Written by one of my favorite kid authors! Children meet an array of families: single moms, stepmoms, stepdads, stepsisters, two moms, two dads — you get the picture.

3. Who’s in a Family? by Robert Skutch

This is a must-have in every single parent home with kids under age eight. The ending includes blank spaces in which your child is instructed to “draw a picture of your family.”

4. Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss

It’s about abandonment, perseverance, overcoming real obstacles, loyalty, and ultimately about joy. (Thanks for this one, Dr. Leah!)

5. Do I Have a Daddy? by Jeanne Warren Lindsay

Deals with abandonment. Intense and best for older kids.

6. A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams

It’s not about a single mother per say, but the main characters are a mother, her daughter, and the grandmother — no mention of a father. Their apartment burns and they find a new place. It’s about three women working and living together.

7. The Best Single Mom in the World: How I Was Adopted by Mary Zisk

A girl tells how her mother decided to become a single parent and traveled overseas to adopt her.

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I was not endorsed to say anything in this post, but let me add that Larry Weissman, an agent I greatly admire, just turned me onto this amazing site, Books Equal Gifts.

“Because a book just might be the best gift this holiday season…” Don’t you agree?

Please add your feedback — and add any children’s book titles I’ve left out!

P.S. Single dads: where are the children’s books for YOU?

There are lots of children’s books out there for two-dad families, but how about the single/divorced dad?

Read the book! Single Mom Seeking is a tell-all about how to date and remain a dedicated and involved parent. It’s a spunky, sexy, and moving chronicle of the humor, pitfalls, and rewards of balancing it all — single-mom style.

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