LibraryAware Loss of a Loved One

Loss of a Loved One

Books for Grieving Children

PICTURE BOOKS

Boats for Papa
by Jessixa Bagley

Buckley and his mother cope with the loss of their father/husband by sending small wooden boats, built by Buckley, off into the ocean. (Ages 4 - 8)

Grandpa's stories
by Joseph Coelho

A young girl reflects on a year of exploring and laughing with her beloved Grandpa, remembering many special moments as she seeks a way to honor him after his death.

The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld

A metaphorical tale of empathy and friendship follows the experiences of a small child who is offered well-intentioned advice from his animal friends in the wake of a loss but only finds comfort with the last animal, a rabbit who just quietly listens. (Ages 3 - 8)

Always and Forever
by Alan Durant

When Fox dies, Mole, Hare, and Otter have a hard time adjusting to his loss until Squirrel reminds them of all the good times they shared in the past--reassuring them that Fox will always be alive in their hearts and minds. (Ages 3 - 8)

You'll Find Me
by Amanda Rawson Hill

Illustrations and easy-to-read text highlight ways to find reminders of loved ones in everyday actions, even after they are gone.

Dance Like a Leaf
by A. J. Irving

As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to take the lead in their cozy shared autumn traditions.

The Funeral
by Matt James

Although Norma does not understand all the rituals that happen when she attends a funeral with her family, she does enjoy playing with her cousin and feels certain of one thing: Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral. This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us. (Ages 4 - 8)

Cape
by Kevin Johnson

After losing the person in his life he loves more than anything, a young child holds onto a cape as a source of comfort and strength as he navigates the sadness and joy of his memories.

The Treasure Box
by David Keane

After her beloved grandpa passes away, a little girl learns how to continue the tradition of collecting treasures with the help of her Granny, who shows her that memories of time together are the greatest treasures of all.

Ida, Always
by Caron Levis

When his best friend and fellow polar bear, Ida, becomes terminally ill, a sad Gus spends their final days together whispering, sniffling, cuddling and laughing with Ida in their home at the Central Park Zoo. (Ages 5 - 8)

Remembering Crystal
by Sebastian Loth

Crystal had lived in the garden for many years and she was growing old--Zelda was just starting out in life and though she was young, she and Crystal were best friends, but one day Crystal was not in the garden, she had died; in this gentle, beautifully illustrated story, children learn, with Zelda, that true friendship is a gift that doesn't die. (Ages 3 - 8)

Always Remember
by Cece Meng

A lyrical tribute to the loss of a loved one follows the farewell of Old Turtle, whose grieving friends lovingly remember how he impacted their lives and will continue to influence their world. (Ages 4 - 8)

All From a Walnut
by Ammi-Joan Paquette

When her grandfather passes away, Emilia, who learned from him how to cultivate her own seed, finds her walnut sapling looking as sad as she feels but knows just what to do.

Mom's Sweater
by Jayde Perkin

A compassionate story for children navigating loss follows the experiences of a little girl who looks for ways to manage the understandable anger, loneliness and jealousy associated with the death of her mother by finding comfort in an old sweater and gradually adjusting to her grief.

Still Mine
by Jayne Pillemer

This comforting and reassuring picture book for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one shows how even though your heart hurts and you miss them, they are still there and yours to love, just in a different way.

Sitting Shiva
by Erin Silver

Sitting Shiva is a beautiful, heartfelt story about grief and loss, but also about comfort and community. It shows that no matter what religion you practice, we are all more similar than we are different.

Zayde Comes to Live
by Sheri Cooper Sinykin

When Rachel's beloved grandfather, Zayde, comes to spend his last days with her family, she worries what will happen when he dies, especially after friends tell her the Christian and Muslim beliefs about the afterlife.

Dadaji's Paintbrush
by Rashmi Sirdeshpande

Once, in a tiny village in India, there was a young boy who loved to paint. He lived with his grandfather, who taught him to paint with his fingers, to make paints from marigolds and brushes made from jasmine flowers. Sometimes, the village children would watch them painting together, and the boy's grandfather would invite them to join in. They didn't have much, but they had each other. After his grandfather dies, the boy notices a little box wrapped in string with a note that read: "From Dadaji, with love," with his grandfather's best paintbrush tucked away inside. But he feels he will never want to paint again. Will the boy overcome his grief and find joy in painting and his dadaji's memory again?

The Yellow Suitcase
by Meera Sriram

Asha travels with her family to India to mourn the passing of her beloved grandma, but Asha has a lot of trouble letting go until she sees that the suitcase that she traveled with contains something special.

Saturdays are for Stella
by Candy Wellins

George loves Saturdays. That's because Saturdays mean time with Grandma Stella. The two of them love going on adventures downtown to visit the dinosaur museum and ride on the carousel! Even when they stay in, George and Stella have fun together, making cinnamon rolls without popping open a tube and sharing the biggest, best hugs. Then one day Stella is gone, and George is ready to cancel Saturdays.

I'll Say Goodbye
by Pam Zollman

With the help of a pet hermit crab, a child finds a way to say goodbye to Uncle Mike after his death from cancer, in a gentle, evocatively illustrated story which addresses illness and loss from a child's perspective.

FICTION

The Infinite Questions of Dottie Bing
by Molly B. Burnham

When Grandpa Walter, who is grieving the loss of her Grandma Ima, comes to stay, 10-year-old uber-curious Dottie Bing discovers for the first time in her life that she isn't sure what to ask.

Jude Banks, Superhero
by Ann Hood

Katie was Jude's favorite person in the world. And not many brothers say that about their sister and mean it. She was also the person who died. And Jude believes he was the one who killed her. Now, twelve-year-old Jude must figure out what life looks like without his favorite person. It's only when he meets a girl named Clementine, who also lost a sibling, that he begins to imagine a world where maybe things might be okay. But Clementine is nursing a terrible guilt, and even though Katie called Jude a "superhero," he isn't sure he can save her.

My Father's Words
by Patricia MacLachlan

Declan O'Brien always had a gentle word to share, odd phrases he liked to repeat, and songs to sing while he played basketball. His family loved him deeply and always knew they were loved in return. but a terrible accident one day changes their lives forever, and Fiona and Finn O'Brien are left without a father. Their mother is at a loss. What words are there to guide them through such overwhelming grief...Perhaps with time, patience, and their father's gentle words in their hearts, hope will spark once more. (Ages 8 - 12)

Umbrella Summer
by Lisa Graff

After her brother Jared dies, ten-year-old Annie Richards worries about the hidden dangers of everything, from bug bites to bicycle riding, until she is befriended by a new neighbor who is grieving her own loss. (Ages 8 - 12)

Corey's Rock
by Sita Brahmachari

A story that beautifully weaves together themes of bereavement, identity and hope, alongside the traditional selkie legend. (Ages 9 and up)

NON-FICTION

What Happens at a Funeral?
by David Crossmeister

Attending a funeral is often an unfamiliar situation for young children. Grieving people experience many emotions, which could make children scared, confused, or uncomfortable. Through accessible language, this book helps readers understand what they might expect during and after a funeral.

(Ages 6 - 10)

Losing a Family Member
by Holly Duhig

The struggles of dealing with a loved one's death, including the grieving process and the difficult questions asked during it, are addressed within this relatable narrative. The carefully crafted text inspires thoughtful discussion about life, death, and grief.

Don't Despair on Thursdays! : The Children's Grief-Management Book
by Adolph Moser

Examines, in simple text, how to deal with feelings of grief when people or pets die, or when friends move away. (Ages 8 - 12)

Coping With Loss : The Life Changes Handbook
by Anita Naik

Full of really useful advice, facts, tips, and quizzes on coping with loss. (Ages 11 and up)

What Happens When a Loved One Dies? : Our First Talk About Death
by Jillian Roberts

Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death. Using questions posed in a child's voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the conversation to a natural and reassuring conclusion. (Ages 3 - 7)

When Your Grandparent Dies : A Child's Guide to Good Grief
by Victoria Ryan

Explaining what happens from a child's-eye view, the little elves in this book depict the difficult days before, after, and beyond a grandparent's death.

(Ages 8 - 12)

What Happens When My Parent Dies?
by Melissa Raé Shofner

This book touches on many of the emotions that a child might feel during this difficult time--including grief, guilt, and fear--and offers advice on how to talk about these feelings. Some of the changes that may occur in a child's life after the death of a parent are also discussed. (Ages 7 - 10)

Talking About Death
by Louise Spilsbury

A positive and proactive book that helps you understand and cope with death. Death tackles situations including: the loss of a grandparent, the loss of a sibling, the death of a parent, and the death of a friend. The book includes top tips for dealing with your emotions and conflict resolution.

PARENTS' COLLECTION

Love Is Forever
by Rachael Balsaitis

Losing a loved one is difficult for anyone, but it is especially hard on a child who might be experiencing loss for the first time. Love is forever gives caregivers and children a beautiful way to begin talking about loss and grief and how to keep loved ones close in heart and mind through shared memories. (Ages 3 - 8)

Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? : Explaining (Sudden) Death in Words Very Young Children Can Understand
by Elke and Alex Barber

The book provides reassurance and understanding to readers through clear and honest answers to the difficult questions that can follow the death of a loved one, and carries the invaluable message that it is okay to be sad, but it is okay to be happy, too. This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help explain the concept of death to children aged 3-7.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf : A Story of Life for All Ages
by Leo F. Buscaglia

As Freddie experiences the changing seasons along with his companion leaves, he learns about the delicate balance between life and death.

(Ages 4 - 8)

Missing Mommy : A Book About Bereavement
by Rebecca Cobb

Honest and straightforward, this touching story explores the many emotions a bereaved child may experience as a result of the loss of a parent or loved one, from anger and guilt to sadness and bewilderment. (Ages 3 - 7)

The Pond
by Nicola Davies

A young boy and his family struggle to overcome the loss of his father using the small pond that he had begun to build as part of the healing process.

(Ages 5 - 7)

I Have a Question About Death : A Book For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder or Other Special Needs
by Arlen Grad Gaines

Offers answers to questions about death, explaining what it means when someone dies, why people die, and what happens to the body after they die. (Ages 5 - 11)

Children Also Grieve : Talking About Death and Healing
by Linda Goldman

Henry the dog explains how he felt after his grandfather died, and how the children who make up his family felt and worked through their feelings of grief; includes a "memory book" for young readers who have lost someone.

Death Is Stupid
by Anastasia Higginbotham

This forthright exploration of grief and mourning recognizes the anger, confusion, and fear that we feel about death. Necessary, beautiful, and ultimately reassuring, Death Is Stupid is an invaluable tool for discussing death, but also the possibilities for celebrating life and love.

(Ages 4 - 8)

The Sour Cherry Tree
by Naseem Hrab

After her grandfather's death, a young girl wanders through his house. As she tours each room, the objects she discovers stir memories of her grandfather--her baba bozorg. His closet full of clothes reminds her of the mints he kept in his pockets. His favorite teacup conjures thoughts of the fig cookies he would offer her. The curtains in the living room bring up memories of hide-and-seek games and the special relationship that she and her baba bozorg shared, even though they spoke different languages.

A Last Goodbye
by Elin Kelsey

This book broaches a difficult topic in a heartfelt way by exploring the beauty in how animals mourn. From elephants to whales, parrots to bonobos, and lemurs to humans, we all have rituals to commemorate our loved ones and to lift each other up in difficult times. (Ages 4 - 9)

Saying Good-Bye to Uncle Joe : What to Expect When Someone You Love Dies
by Nancy Loewen

When someone you love dies, you might feel sad, lonely, and confused. What do you do? No matter who your loved one was, this story can help you through the tough times. (Ages 3 - 6)

Ben's Flying Flowers
by Inger M. Maier

Emily introduces her younger brother, Ben, to butterflies, which he calls "flying flowers," and when his illness makes him too weak to go see them she draws him pictures, but after his death she no longer wants to draw happy things. Includes note to parents. (Ages 4 - 8)

Gentle Willow : A Story for Children About Dying
by Joyce C. Mills

Amanda the squirrel is upset that she is going to lose her friend Gentle Willow, but the tree wizards give advice that help both her and Gentle Willow accept the change that comes with death.

(Ages 4 - 8)

Sad Isn't Bad : A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss
by Michaelene Mundy

This book offers children of all ages a comforting, realistic look at loss--loaded with positive, life-affirming helps for coping with loss as a child. It's a book that promotes honest and healthy grief--and growth. (Ages 4 - 8)

Remembering Ethan
by Lesléa Newman

A young girl misses her deceased brother and wants to talk about him, and she does not understand why her parents do not even want to mention his name.

The Goodbye Book
by Todd Parr

A pet fish who has lost his companion imparts a gentle, age-appropriate message about saying goodbye while touching on the emotions commonly experienced by children in the face of loss.

(Ages 3 -7)

Michael Rosen's Sad Book
by Michael Rosen

A man tells about all the emotions that accompany his sadness over the death of his son, and how he tries to cope. (Ages 8 and up)

The Memory Box : A Book About Grief
by Joanna Rowland

Grieving over the death of a special person, a young child creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of the loved one. Includes a guide for parents with information from a Christian perspective on helping manage the complex and difficult emotions children feel when they lose someone they love, as well as suggestions on how to create their own memory box, (Ages 4 - 8)

I Miss You : A First Look at Death
by Pat Thomas

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. (Ages 4 - 7)

Lost In The Clouds
by Tom Tinn-Disbury

Children find grief and loss a difficult subject and understanding where a loved one has gone, can be a difficult topic to explain... Billy misses his Mommy very much. She lives in the clouds. Some days the sun is shining and Mommy's clouds are nowhere to be seen. Those are Billy's favorite days when he and Daddy would play in the garden all day long, and Billy knows that Mommy is letting the sun shine for them. But not all days are like that. Sometimes Mommy's clouds are dark, and Billy feels sad and alone. This moving and sensitively-written picture book gently explores grief and teaches children how to deal with loss and their emotions surrounding the death of a loved one. (Ages 3 - 6)

Lasting Love
by Caroline Wright

In this story, when a young child's mother gets sick, a magical creature appears. It grows and grows, just like a mother's love. Even as her illness takes a turn for the worse and the child faces tragedy, he can see the creature will always be there. Forever and ever. Terminal illness and its effect on a loved one is a hard thing for anyone to understand, especially a child. Written by a parent who has faced these possibilities, this book can be used to help children cope with grief. (Ages 3 - 8)

Something Very Sad Happened : A Toddler's Guide to Understanding Death
by Bonnie Zucker

A story to help two- and three-year old children understand death and the feelings associated with the loss of a loved one, includes information for parents and caregivers on answering questions and helping a child cope with grief. (Ages 2 - 5)

LG

Last updated 7/23.

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