Books on bereavement for kids can be little lifelines for our little ones facing loss. These warm, comforting stories make those big, scary feelings a touch smaller, making the journey of grief less daunting. They prompt heart-to-hearts, answer tough questions, and wrap us all in a gentle hug of understanding
I feel like books are such a wonderful way to discuss and understand difficult subjects with children. Mabli has recently become quite upset about the idea of death and so I have been looking for books on bereavement for kids. Hopefully, these may help with some bereavement support for someone reading this post.
Books on Bereavement for Kids
Navigating the choppy waters of grief with our little ones can be heart-wrenching, can’t it? Sometimes we just don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay because, honestly, is anyone ever really ready for these hard talks, especially with the small folk?
I’ve hugged a few books close to my heart, books that have been like a lighthouse guiding us through the misty seas of loss. ‘The Heart and the Bottle’ by Oliver Jeffers tackles the enormity of loss through tender illustrations and gentle words—oh, and it’s a beautiful read for us grown-ups, too.
Then there’s ‘The Invisible String’ by Patrice Karst, my friends. This book, with its heartwarming premise that we’re always connected to those we love – be they far away or have passed on – with an invisible string, has sparked some of the most touching conversations with my babes.
And, ‘Michael Rosen’s Sad Book’, just wow. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s full of love. It doesn’t shy away from the ugly tears or the laughter that comes with reminiscing. It has been a little savior on our bookshelf on days when the world feels a little less colorful without that special someone.
See my list below for books for children about death. Sending love to anyone needing it,
Help with explaining bereavement in a gentle way
Books on Bereavement for children
PAPER DOLLS by Julia Donaldson
The first and most recommended book when I asked was ‘Paper Dolls’ by Julia Donalson. A little girl who makes a chain of paper dolls with her mother and takes them on different adventures. One day, another child cuts up the paper dolls into pieces and tells her that they are “gone forever” – but instead, they maintain their message of not letting go and they fly into the girl’s memory. The paper dolls join lots of other ‘lost’ items in the little girl’s memory, including “a kind granny”, the story carries on as the girl grows and then makes a chain of paper dolls with her own daughter explaining this meaning of loss and memory again.
Goodbye Mog
I think we all know what happens in this book, wah! I don’t think I can bring myself to read it poor old Mog. Again it was highly recommended though so definitely I good one for the subject matter. It’s the gentle hug of a book we needed when it was time to teach the littles about saying farewell. Judith Kerr’s way of exploring goodbye with our beloved, a bit clumsy cat Mog, is touching and honest. It brought up quiet reflections and heartfelt talks at bedtime
Granpa by John Burningham
I love John Burningham so glad this was a recommendation for books on bereavement for children. I actually realised not only did I have this story as a child but I remember the animation they made of it too. The story tells us about a child’s relationship with his grandfather. The loss of Grandpa is unwritten but made so much more poignant through a picture of an empty chair.
Granpa is a heartfelt ode to the precious bond between generations. The story beautifully captures fleeting, magical moments and the eventual, tough goodbye. This delicately illustrated book sparks the happiest of memories
Books about death for children
Badger’s Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
Again a book that recommended by so many of you but similarly so many told me that this is a book that makes them cry a lot. Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but he does die, they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends’ memories of him.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
I love Oliver Jeffers so I have no idea how I didn’t come across this book sooner. The book is about how to feel joyful after loss and told and illustrated in a beautiful way. It tenderly unravels the journey of dealing with loss, with whimsical illustrations that tug at your heart. Reading this with the littlies opens a beautiful, safe space for those tricky chats about missing someone we love. If you are looking for books on bereavement for kids this one is a real gem.
Mum’s Jumper – Jayde Perkin
Described as a picture book that makes grief a more accessible topic for children and adults I loved this quote ‘But memories are like a jumper that you can cuddle and wear’ It’s a tender, heart-rending tale of a child grappling with the loss of a mum. The comfort found in holding onto something as simple as a jumper is profoundly depicted—absolutely spot-on for those tough, heartfelt conversations.
Grandad’s Island – Benji Davis
Another Grandfather themed book but one that was mentioned so highly I wanted to end with it. ‘Grandad’s Island’ tells the story of the relationship between a young boy and his Grandad. The story illustrates what it means for a child to say goodbye to a loving grandparent.
Full of warm illustrations, celebrates the special bond between a grandad and grandchild. It handles the topic of loss in such a sweet and sensitive way, making it an prompt for initiating those heart-to-hearts with our littles
There we have it, my lovelies – a treasure trove of books that shine a light on one of life’s trickiest paths: bereavement. Thinking about our little ones grappling with such giant feelings is enough to make our hearts feel like they’re caught in a vice. But, darling, remember, you’re not alone in this. These books, each a gentle hand to hold, guide us through those somber talks with grace, empathy, and a surprising sprinkle of hope.
Navigating through loss with our munchkins is a journey none of us wish to embark on, yet here we are, doing our best to tread softly around the shards of broken hearts. It’s akin to balancing on a tightrope, isn’t it? We’re teetering between clinging to memories and guiding our little ones to understand that it’s okay to smile again, to find joy in the sun’s warm embrace.
These books we’ve cozied up with today—they’re not just stories. They’re our allies, whispering to us that it’s okay to feel, to cry, and to laugh amidst the tears. They remind our kiddos (and let’s be honest, us grown-ups too) that love never truly leaves us. It’s etched in the echoes of laughter, in the warmth of a hug, even in the bitter sweetness of remembering.
As we turn each page, together with our little ones nestled close, let’s remember the power of shared stories. They teach us, heal us, and knit us closer, surmounting even the most seemingly insurmountable.
So here’s to finding solace in the pages of a book, to gentle conversations sparked by a beautifully illustrated scene, and to the healing power of shared stories. And remember, my friends, in this tapestry of life and loss, you’re never, ever weaving it alone.
With all my heart and a cup of tea always ready
If you enjoyed this post on books on bereavement for kids you may also like:
The Steves
The Gossip by Jan Peinkowski
Which books changed your world?
Lessons from my parents
Childrens Book Illustrations