When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. The following list of books can help your child make sense of grief and loss and the complex emotions they’re feeling. They can also open the door for questions that your child might not know how to ask and give you the opportunity to reassure them that what they are feeling is normal.
When Dinosaurs Die, by Laurie Krasny Brown and illustrated by Marc Brown
This picture book is ideal for children aged 4 to 8. The authors explain, in simple language, the feelings people may have regarding the death of a loved one and the ways to honor the memory of someone who has died — all through the lens of a dinosaur family.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us and opens-up deeper conversations about love. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string made of love. Even though they can’t see it with their eyes, they can feel it deep within their heart, and know that they are always connected to the ones they love.
I Miss You by Pat Thomas and illustrated by Leslie Harker
This picture book is ideal for young children from preschool to early school years. This book helps children 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. Kids are encouraged to understand personal feelings and social problems as a first step in dealing with them.
The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup
A beautiful and heartfelt picture book to help children of all ages celebrate the memories left behind when a loved one dies. Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest, but now he is tired. He lies down in his favourite clearing and falls asleep forever. Before long, Fox’s friends begin to gather in the clearing. One by one, they tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. And so, as they share their memories, a tree begins to grow, becoming bigger and stronger with each memory, sheltering and protecting all the animals in the forest, just as Fox did when he was alive.
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman
A beautifully written and illustrated book filled with heartfelt words and images, this is perfect for little ones who are worried their parent will leave their memories and their hearts. It reassures them that their parent’s love is endless and that it can be carried with them each and every day.
Ida, Always by Caron Levis, illustrated by Charles Santoso
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn’t going to get better. Ida, Always is an exquisitely told story of two best friends—inspired by a real bear friendship—and a gentle, moving, needed reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.
I’ll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm
In this gentle, moving story, Elfie, a dachshund, and her special boy progress happily through life together. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The family grieves and buries her. The watercolor illustrations, tender and warm in color and mood, suit the simple text perfectly.
The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them. An invaluable resource for life’s toughest moments.
Always Remember by Cece Meng and illustrated by Jago
A lyrically told and beautifully illustrated book that brings comfort to children–and adults–who have lost someone they love. After Old Turtle swims his last swim and breathes his last breath, and the waves gently take him away, his friends lovingly remember how he impacted each and every one of them. As the sea animals think back on how much better Old Turtle made their lives and their world, they realize that he is not truly gone, because his memory and legacy will last forever.
No Matter What by Debi Gliori
I’m grim and grumpy,’ says Small to Large, ‘and I don’t think you love me at all.’ But nothing could be further from the truth – and Large knows just how to reassure Small in this warm and tender story about a child’s biggest worry and a parent’s endless capacity for love. When children feel anxiety about losing a parent, often their fears focus on their worry that their parent no longer loves them. In this charming book, Gliori’s characters ask and answer these very questions your little one may have and prove that a parent has an endless capacity for love, even after death, and that their child is always loved, no matter what.
