ICPH has created and distributed books about family homelessness, including illustrated children’s books using friendly animals—and sometimes people—to bring awareness and destigmatize homelessness.
These books help children experiencing homelessness see themselves in friendly characters and teach their peers about these experiences.
Cooper’s Tale
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Willow Schrager
Cooper the pink mouse is forced to leave the cheese shop where he lives and works because he can no longer afford the rent. He is alone and searching for a place to sleep when he meets a group of kids experiencing homelessness. Their shared experience brings them together and they are able to help each other out during this difficult time.
Ears Up, Ears Down: A Dog’s Journey Home
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Margaret Menghini
Orejas Parads, Orejas Caídas: El vieje de un perro, rumbo a su hogar
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Margaret Menghini
When Jim’s Junkyard closes, where Ears Up, Ears Down has lived and worked since he was a puppy, he is left without a home. On his journey to find a new job and home, Ears Up meets new friends who are also experiencing homelessness who introduce him to a community of other homeless families. Ears Up, Ears Down learns about the different reasons people become homeless and eventually finds a new place to call home—and a new job helping the community.
Mango’s Quest
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Robyn Schwartz
Mango the hamster lives with his friends, Peaches and Tangerine, and their family of hamster pups. Eventually the cage becomes crowded with the growing hamsters, and Mango is left without a place to call home. Come with Mango on his quest to find shelter and community during his experience with homelessness.
Our Wish
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Jenna Mandel
After their home is destroyed, Mrs. Bun E. Rabbit and her family find themselves in need of a place to stay while they look for a new home. Mrs. Bun E. Rabbit and her seven bunnies are welcomed with open arms at the Animal Shelter where they meet many new supportive friends who are also experiencing homelessness. Join the Rabbit family as they learn about different experiences with homelessness and search for a new home.
Saily’s Journey
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Karina Kwok
When Saily the Snail loses his shell in a storm, he is left homeless and sets off to find a new home. Saily experiences many emotions along the way—he is lonely, sad, and scared—but eventually he finds new supportive friends who accompany him on his journey.
Voyage to Shelter Cove
By Ralph da Costa Nunez with Jesse Andrews Ellison
The coral reef where Serena, Herman, Pedro, and Penelope live is destroyed to make room for a new pier, leaving the neighbors without a home. As they team up to search for a new home they come across Shelter Cove, where they find more than just a temporary home—they find a new community and the support they need to get back on their feet.
Ears Up, Ears Down Activity Book
Along his journey to find a new home, the adventurous dog Ears Up, Ears Down makes new friends and explores different places. Complete the activities to learn, just like he did! This activity book is the companion to Ears Up, Ears Down: A Dog’s Journey Home.
Join Mango in his search for a home of his own! This activity book is the companion to Mango’s Quest.
This activity book is the companion book to Our Wish. Join the rabbits as they look for a new home.
This activity book is the companion to Voyage to Shelter Cove. Help the friends find their way to Shelter Cove! Once there, meet Auntie Oona and join everyone as they participate in Shelter Cove activities and search for new homes.