List of Children’s Books about Grief
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If your child or a child you know has recently lost a loved one, one of these books may help them through their grieving process.
Children’s Books about Grief
I Miss You: A First Look at Death
When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps boys and girls understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have following a loved one’s death. Titles in this sensitively presented series explore the dynamics of various relationships experienced by children of preschool through early school age. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, these books promote positive interaction among children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct―easily accessible to younger children. There are full-color illustrations on every page.
This treasure of a book, for people of all faiths, is a starting point for parents who must talk about the difficult topic of death with their children.
What should parents say when a loved one dies? Heaven is a difficult subject that always comes up at tough times, and Maria Shriver has written a very special book precisely for these stressful moments. What’s Heaven? is the story of Kate, a little girl whose great-grandma has just died. She seeks answers, and her mother helps her learn about Heaven. The many questions in this book are real, coming from Shriver’s own children, nieces, and nephews when her grandmother Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy passed away. With 900,000 copies of the book now in print, the loving, confident, and ultimately uplifting answers Shriver provides are helping readers’ families come together, feel closer to one another, and experience peace during the times when they need it most.
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf is a warm and thought-provoking story and both children and adults will be deeply touched by this inspiring book. This 20th anniversary edition of this beloved classic has helped thousands of people come to grips with life and death.
Where Are You? A Child’s Book About Loss
Where Are You: A Child’s Book About Loss is a kind and supportive text with beautiful illustrations designed to help children of all ages cope with the loss of a loved one. It is created with love and care so that even the youngest readers will find comfort during this stressful and difficult time.
When I’m With Jesus: For any Child with a Loved One in Heaven
Children wonder about Heaven, especially when someone they love goes there. They have questions they are often afraid to ask to grieving adults, and need reassurance that their feelings are normal.
When I’m With Jesus is created to minister to young children and older children, with large text for young readers or as a read-to book, and smaller text for older readers. Beautifully illustrated, When I’m With Jesus is a book that helps children see a loved one’s transition to Heaven as a joyful thing. It comforts children with a tangible reminder that they have not been forgotten and are still loved.
More Children’s books about grief
Samantha Jane’s Missing Smile: A Story About Coping With the Loss of a Parent
Since Samantha Jane’s dad died, she has been sad and quiet, keeping to herself. One day, her neighbor Mrs Cooper gently asks her about her missing smile, and Sammy Jane begins to open up about her grief, her worries, and her confusion. Sammy Jane’s mother joins her daughter, and helps her further with accepting and responding to her profound loss.
When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child’s Guide to Good Grief (Elf-Help Books for Kids)
Explaining what happens from a child’s-eye view, the elves depict the difficult days before, after, and beyond a grandparent’s death. They explore the meaning of death and heaven, as well as how to stay close in spirit with a grandparent who has died. Includes questions for discussion.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
“I’m scared I’ll forget you…”
From the perspective of a young child, Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it is like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died. The child in the story creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one, to help in the grieving process. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box will help children and adults talk about this very difficult topic together. The unique point of view allows the reader to imagine the loss of any they have loved – a friend, family member, or even a pet. A parent guide in the back includes information on helping children manage the complex and difficult emotions they feel when they lose someone they love, as well as suggestions on how to create their own memory box.
Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children, A Coloring Book
As the sun rises on her snow-covered world, Little Cub wonders aloud…
“What is heaven like?”
With tender words, her Papa describes a wonderful place, free of sadness and tears, where God warmly welcomes his loved ones after their life on earth is over. Little Cub and Papa spend the day wandering their beautiful, invigorating arctic world while she asks all about God’s home: How do we get to heaven? Will we eat there? Will I get to see you in heaven? Papa patiently answers each question, assuring her that…