Why Doesn't Daddy Live Here Anymore?: Helping Children Understand Separation

By Benjamin L. Harris

Sam lives in a warm yellow house with Mum and the cat. Everything is the same, except one thing.

Daddy's chair at the dinner table is empty. It has been empty for a while now.

Sam looks at Daddy's picture on the shelf. His boots are not by the door anymore. At night, Sam wonders if Daddy misses them too, and if they did something wrong.

Why Doesn't Daddy Live Here Anymore? is a warm, honest picture book for children ages 3-7 navigating family separation. Told entirely from Sam's point of view, it holds every question and fear a child in this situation carries, and finds its way to a simple, true answer. Daddy didn't leave because of you. His love didn't change. You will still see him. You are loved in both homes.

Perfect for:

Parents supporting a child through separation or divorceSingle parents answering hard questions at bedtimeSchool counselors and early childhood educatorsGrandparents and family members helping a child through changeGifting to a family in the middle of a difficult transition

Illustrated in a warm, painterly watercolor style. Gentle, honest, and never talks down to children.

A note for grown-ups, with conversation starters, is included at the back.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0H7BQBJ7T
• ISBN13: 9798185115176
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.22 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 8.5"