What Makes a Gentle Book for a Hard Topic?

Some stories aren’t easy to tell—especially when they’re about big feelings like grief, fear, or change. But that’s exactly why gentle books matter. They help little ones understand what’s happening around them… and inside their hearts.

So, what makes a children’s book “gentle” when it tackles a tough topic? We think it comes down to three important things:

1. A Soft-Toned Page Spread

From the colors to the illustrations to the way the text flows—everything should feel calm, comforting, and safe. We use soft pastels, clean design, and lots of white space so nothing feels overwhelming. When a child turns the page, they should feel invited into a space where their emotions are okay.

2. A Child Peacefully Asleep with the Book

One of our favorite test moments? When a child curls up with one of our books and drifts off to sleep. That tells us the tone hit just right. It wasn’t too heavy, too loud, or too much. Just honest words and caring illustrations that offered a safe place to land.

3. Drawings of Clouds or Softness

This one’s more than just aesthetic—it’s emotional. Clouds, cozy textures, warm light… these visuals signal to the brain, you can breathe here. In our stories, the hardest parts are always wrapped in visual softness, so the child can hold the message without being afraid of it.

Gentle books don’t avoid hard things.
They just tell the truth in a way a child can hold.

That’s the heart behind every My Family book.
And we’re honored to help parents, teachers, and therapists have the conversations that matter most.

🧡 Explore the My Family series – gentle stories for growing hearts.