Loneliness affects all of us, children, teenagers, and adults, often in quiet and unseen ways.

In this episode of Once Upon an Adventure, we explore the theme of loneliness and how it shows up across different stages of life, particularly during the winter months when feelings of isolation can feel heavier.

We begin with the 2025 picture book When I Feel Lonely by Britta Teckentrup, a gentle and emotionally thoughtful story for ages 3 to 6 that helps children recognise and talk about loneliness without dismissing the feeling.

For adults, we reflect on Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, a novel that captures adult loneliness with warmth, humour, and honesty, and shows how healing can begin through small moments of connection.

The Sibling Shelf offers recommendations for other ages, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky for teens and My Lonely Book by Honor Head for younger children.

The episode closes with a simple family mini mission, encouraging small, safe acts of connection that help both children and adults practise being seen and noticing others.

If you are looking for a parenting podcast, a children’s book podcast, or thoughtful conversations around mental health, emotional wellbeing, and loneliness, this episode is for you.

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