In this episode of Once Upon an Adventure, we explore family, belonging, and the role silence plays in shaping how children understand the people around them.

We begin with Running on Empty by S. E. Durrant, a pre-teen novel told from a child’s perspective, where much of family life is defined not by what is explained, but by what is left unsaid. The story offers a clear, realistic portrayal of how children interpret silence and how they often carry meaning adults don’t realise they’re making.

We then turn to We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes, a contemporary adult novel about a complex household shaped by divorce, shared space, and unresolved history. From the adult point of view, silence becomes a coping strategy; a way to keep life functioning even as it reshapes relationships within the family.

Together, these books invite us to think more carefully about who counts as family, how connection is built, and what children learn from the emotional gaps we leave unspoken. The episode also includes a simple, classroom-friendly Mini Mission designed to help children reflect on the people they rely on; at home, at school, and beyond.

This episode is for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to use stories to open thoughtful conversations about family, belonging, and emotional honesty.

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