Grief
Approaching the topic of death with kids can feel very overwhelming, but there are many great books that can help you support your child through this difficult time. Check out the titles below and be sure to watch my video for additional help.
I hope you love the books I recommend! Please note that the links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Goodbye Book is a great book for children as young as 2 and beyond. It’s a simple, subtle illustration that all goodbyes are difficult.
The Invisible String is a very sweet book. I like the message in this book, that love is the invisible strings that connects us all in life and beyond. Available in Spanish and Chinese.
The Rabbit Listened - a perfect story about the importance of having someone who will just listen when we are grieving. Available in Chinese.
Rosie & Crayon tells the story of a little girl, her dog and their love for each other. When Crayon passes away, Rosie works through her grief by helping another child find his lost cat. Themes of kindness and love pour off of every page!
The Heaven of Animals is a beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations. It describes a magical place, filled with animals and angels. This book can be helpful for families navigating the loss of a beloved relative, friend or pet. Chinese edition here.
I’m Sad - this funny and sweet book shows readers that it’s ok to be sad, and that being surrounded by supportive friends can help.
Maybe Tomorrow - Elba has a big block, she drags it with her everywhere she goes. Her friend, Norris helps her find a happy way forward with kindness and LOTS pf patience. This book is a sweet and gentle story for anyone dealing with loss.
The Memory Box - a very sweet book for kids 3 and older. In warm and simple words, this story takes us through the many different feelings as we process the loss of a loved one. This book will help readers learn to keep the memory of their loved on alive in their hearts.
The Memory Tree - When Fox passes away his forest friends come together to remember him. They share their feelings and fond memories of him. This sweet and gentle book has a hopeful ending. For ages 3+. Also available in Spanish.
Ida, Always - Full disclosure, this book had me tearing up! Ida & Gus are two polar bear friends who do everything together. Gus cares for Ida when she becomes sick. After her passing, he learns how to adjust to life without her, but finds ways to keep her memory alive.
Something Very Sad Happened - This book is designed for young children, ages 2-3. It explains what death is in simple and relatable ways. It also helps readers to process the loss of a loved one. I love that this book includes guidance and strategies for parents.
Stay Through the Storm - an absolutely beautiful book about the power of friendship. Even in the darkest of times, having a friend by your side can make all the difference. Follow these 2 friends as they weather a bad storm, supporting and loving each other every step of the way. This book is helpful for children navigating the loss of a loved one, illness and the current Corvid-19 pandemic.
Sometimes When I’m Sad - a fabulous new book from Free Spirit Publishing! This book helps us identify feelings of sadness and gives practical strategies for processing and expressing it. It affirms how important it is to share how we feel and teaches readers how to move forward.
My Yellow Balloon - is a beautiful and mindfully-created book about loss. When Joey goes to a carnival for the very first time, he meets a balloon man and is captivated by a yellow balloon. Joey and the balloon become inseparable friends. But what happens when the balloon accidentally flies away? Follow Joey as he navigates this heartbreaking loss. Families who are navigating grief, divorce, trauma or any kind of loss will find comfort in this gorgeous book. It’s available in both English & Spanish!
An Ordinary Day - On a totally ordinary day two different cars pull up to different homes, two different doctors get out of those cars and knock on two different front doors. Inside one home, a beloved old dog is surrounded by her family as she nears the end of her life. In the other home, a pregnant mother is surrounded by her loving family as she prepares to give birth. I love the way this story illustrates the circle of life, as those we love leave the world, and as new lives enter it. This beautiful and gentle book can be very helpful for our little ones as they begin to make sense of the loss of a loved one.
Things That Go Away - This lovely book is unique and thought-provoking. In this story, readers take a closer look at the things in life that come and go, from the music we hear, to the tears we cry, and bubbles that pop, we are surrounded by things that transform or leave us. But one thing always stays the same, and that’s love! Each page is divided by a delicate sheet of vellum, which illustrates this transformation.
Little Mole Finds Hope - A gentle but powerful book about the power of keeping hope and faith alive. In the middle of the dark chill of winter, Little Mole feels sad and trapped. His mom helps him to find hope in the signs of spring that are all around him.
Grandpa’s Stories - a stunningly beautiful book about the bond between grandpa and his granddaughter. As the seasons change, she remembers all of the wonderful things she and grandpa did together. In Autumn her grandpa passes away, and she decides to record their adventures together in a book. I love the way this book models writing and drawing as helpful tools for processing grief.
Always Remember - When old turtle passes away, his friends remember the impact he had on their lives. Although they miss him, they explain that his memory and legacy will live on in their hearts. This gentle book is perfect for young readers navigating the loss of a loved one.
A Heaven Party For Grandpa - When loved ones pass away we’re faced with so many questions. A Heaven Party For Grandpa is the story with great answers! Follow along as this sweet family finds comfort in dreaming about all the love waiting for grandpa on the other side. I have an extra special love for this book, written by my amazing BFF, Tammi Kaufman!
The Treasure Box -I love this book because it’s equal parts supportive book about grief and homage to the special relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. Searching for trinkets and treasures with grandpa is this little girl’s favorite thing to do. She adores the time they spend together, hunting for treasures and admiring what they’ve found. But when grandpa passes away, she can’t bring herself to open the box. She and Grammy find comfort in each other as they share their sadness and begin creating new traditions together.
When Things Are Hard, Remember - I saw this book at the library last week and picked it up because I thought it looked lovely. I had no idea how much I’d need it just a few days later.
As we try to talk to our children in the wake of the tragedy of Robb Elementary School, I can’t think of a more perfect book to share.
I love it because it doesn’t try to explain away or sugar coat the tough stuff. Instead, it challenges readers to look within themselves for strength and faith. It reminds them to think about all of the challenges they’ve been through in the past, and remember that, even though it was hard, they were able to come out the other side of it. This is perhaps the best message we can give to our children, and to ourselves, when we feel overwhelmed by darkness and hopelessness. I love the way it uses the natural changes of the seasons to explain growth and change.
I found this book at my local library and hope yours has it too. If it doesn’t, consider encouraging your librarians to pick up copies from a local, independent book store.
Heart String - Follow the strong that connects us to those we love. Over mountains, across oceans, we’re always connected to those we love. With reassuring messages about the strength of love, and the power of connection to those around us. This book can bring so much comfort to readers navigating the loss of a loved one, or even the loss of someone who’s moved far away.
Quick Tips
Take time to talk your kids about what they’re feeling & thinking.
You don’t have to explain everything to them, start by answering just the questions they ask. They will likely be satisfied with the most simple answers.
It’s ok if you don’t have an answer, you can validate their thoughts and questions by saying, “that’s a good question,” or “I was thinking about that too.”
Don’t be afraid to show your kids how you’re feeling. Modeling feelings of sadness is important for healthy emotional development.
Use your resources: your child’s teacher, caregiver and pediatrician can give advice.
Ask for help: if you or are your child is struggling, consult your pediatrician, general practitioner or a therapist. You can also find help at https://griefresourcenetwork.com/crisis-center/hotlines/
Check out my posts about anxiety and mindfulness/yoga/meditation for more helpful books!
Did these books help? Need more titles? Did you find books that were better? Send me an e-mail at bigbooksforlittlehands@gmail.com
