Children who've experienced any one of a number of life's vicissitudes can take comfort from a new series of booklets. Children's Books for Special Situations, a series of eight booklets produced by Barnardos and Fingal Public Libraries, and funded by the Department of Education, tackle topics like death and bereavement, growing up and health, adoption and fostering, bullying, disability, family life and first experiences.

Some 10,000 booklets will be widely distributed and it is hoped that they will encourage reading and lead to a greater use of books to help young people cope with challenges in their lives.