Families who loved Loon Summer by Barbara Santucci often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is facing their first major holiday or seasonal transition following a divorce, especially if they are struggling with the feeling that things will never be the same. Loon Summer follows young Rainie as she returns to her family's lakeside cabin for the first time since her parents separated. While the cabin feels different with only her father there, the steady presence of the loons and the changing seasons help her process her grief and anxiety. This gentle story is ideal for children ages 5 to 8 who are navigating the complex emotions of a split family. It offers a reassuring message that while family structures might change, the love of both parents remains a constant, much like the rhythms of the natural world.