It’s Not Because of Me is a gentle, heartfelt picture book that helps young children understand divorce and separation, and lets them know it’s not their fault.
When Lucy the Little Lion notices big changes at home, she starts to wonder if maybe it’s something she did. Her tummy gets tight. Her thoughts get loud. And a quiet sadness starts to grow.
Through tender storytelling, gentle humour, and beautifully expressive illustrations, this comforting children’s book about divorce explores the very real feelings of guilt and self-blame that many kids experience when their parents separate. As Lucy’s parents lovingly guide her back to safety with reassurance and love, children are reminded of something powerful - they are not to blame.
Written for children aged 3 to 7, this picture book is a soft place to land during one of life’s most uncertain times. It opens the door to conversations between children and the grown-ups who care for them. It gives a voice to emotions that are often hard to name, while offering warmth, hope, and a few smiles along the way.
This book will help children:Understand that divorce is never their fault
Feel safe, seen, and supported during times of family change
Recognise and name big feelings like sadness, confusion, and guilt
Trust that they are loved by both parents
Begin to release self-blame and anxiety
This book will support grown-ups who are:Looking for a gentle and age-appropriate way to talk about divorce
Trying to ease guilt, fear, or confusion in a young child
Wanting to create emotional safety, connection, and calm
Working as a counsellor, psychologist, educator, or family support specialist
It’s Not Because of Me is the first book in the Lucy the Little Lion series - a growing collection of psychology-informed picture books designed to support children through big emotional experiences. Grounded in lived experience and backed by child development principles, these stories are gentle, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Written by Ryn MacDonald, this book was born from her journey as a mum helping her daughter navigate the emotional impact of divorce. It is lovingly crafted to support families, educators, and therapists in creating healing spaces where children can feel safe, understood, and unconditionally loved.
Perfect for: bedtime reading, classrooms, therapy sessions, and as a gift for children experiencing separation or divorce.
If you’re looking for a children’s book that helps kids let go of guilt, feel deeply loved, and build emotional resilience during family change - while still leaving room for a giggle - It’s Not Because of Me belongs on your shelf.
Ryn MacDonald is an Australian Creative Director and children's author dedicated to helping children navigate divorce and separation. With nearly two decades of experience in strategic communication and storytelling, she now creates picture books that blend lived experience with child psychology. Her Lucy the Little Lion series was inspired by her daughter's questions about family change and is designed to reassure children that they are never to blame. Each story offers comfort to young readers and guidance for the adults who care for them. Ryn is committed to expanding this series so children everywhere can feel safe, seen, and supported through divorce. Learn more at rynmacdonald.com
