Some people find that quotes and readings can help you share a message and express feelings after losing a loved one. Our collection of funeral readings from children’s literature could help you put your feelings into words. Whether you’re seeking something from a favourite childhood book or looking for a funeral reading that mirrors your loved one’s personality, a quote from a children’s book might be just the thing you’re looking for.
Funeral quotes from children’s literature
Quotes can be shorter and easier to read than paragraphs or readings. They’re a good choice if you’re nervous about reading in front of others, or if you’re looking for a short sentence to lead into a more personalised anecdote or story.
Winnie the Pooh – A.A Milne
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
This is one of the most popular funeral readings from children’s literature. This quote puts something many of us feel into simple words. It reminds us that the reason we grieve is because we had something so great to begin with. You can find more Winnie the Pooh quotes and readings here.
The Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum
“A heart is not judged by how much you love others but by how much you are loved by others.”
This famous quote from the Wizard of Oz applies to a lot more people than just the Strawman. It’s a simple way of sharing how missed your loved one will be now they’re gone.
Watership Down – Richard Adams
“My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.”
Watership Down is a children’s book that’s about much more than bunnies. It looks deep into emotions. This line is used when a rabbit passes away. In the book, “the thousand” is the enemy of the rabbits. So, the quote essentially means that your heart has become your enemy (hurting you) since you lost your loved one. It’s an intense expression of grief and loss.
Peter Pan – J.M Barrie
“To die will be an awfully big adventure.”
Peter Pan is a symbol of never-ending childhood. Some liken children who have passed away to the playful, happy character who never grows up. You may find comfort in this quote from the main character, whose innocence means he doesn’t have to fear death and, instead, sees the afterlife as a new adventure to embrace.
Funeral readings from children’s literature
We usually think of children’s books as light-hearted and not too serious. But some children’s books talk about the more difficult parts of life that we face. They can have deep messages with lots of emotions attached. These funeral readings from children’s literature are a little longer than the quotes above but can share meaningful messages.
The Reptile Room - Lemony Snickett
“It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things.”
Lemony Snickett’s series of books explore the loss of a loved one. This short excerpt puts grief and loss into simple, relatable, and easy-to-understand lines.
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
“There are many Beths in the world, shy and quiet, sitting in corners till needed, and living for others so cheerfully that no one sees the sacrifices till the little cricket on the hearth stops chirping, and the sweet, sunshiny presence vanishes, leaving silence and shadow behind.”
Little Women is a story about sisterhood. When the sisters lose their youngest sister Beth, these are the words that are said. This is a good funeral reading for someone who quietly changed the world for the better.
Charlotte’s Web – E.B White
“The crickets felt it was their duty to warn everybody that summertime cannot last for ever. Even on the most beautiful days in the whole year - the days when summer is changing into autumn - the crickets spread the rumour of sadness and change.”
This reading from Charlotte’s Web is a more symbolic take on loss. It compares life to the seasons, reminding us that everything eventually has to change and that good things must ultimately come to an end.
