Children’s books on grief can help children to understand death, as well as the emotions they might face when they lose someone close to them.
Whether you’re looking for a way to prepare your child for loss, or you want to help them cope with grief they’re already facing, we’ve curated a list of the best children’s books about grief, as well as books on grief for teens.
If you’re looking for books on grief for adults, our Big Grief Book List could help.
Children’s books on grief
The Goodbye Book – Todd Parr
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
The Goodbye Book is a good way to introduce younger children to loss. This book tells the story of a fish who’s lost his friend. The book focuses on how the fish feels and lets readers know that it’s okay to not have answers to everything. It can give kids the words they need to talk about their grief more easily.
The Invisible String – Patrice Karst
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 5+
The Invisible String is one of the best children’s picture books about grief and loss. It’s a simple story of two children who find it hard to sleep while their mum’s in a separate room. Their mum tells themabout an invisible string that connects them to her and everyone else they love. While the children in this book don’t experience loss themselves, the sentiment of always being connected by an invisible string can help children to feel close to someone who’s passed away.
When Sadness Comes to Call – Eva Eland
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
When Sadness Comes to Call is a popular grief children’s book by Eva Eland and one of the best children’s books about emotions. It encourages children to acknowledge their sadness when they feel it – giving it a name, listening to it and learning that sometimes it’s okay to spend some time with their less positive feelings. The cause of sadness in the book isn’t mentioned, so it doesn’t specifically talk about loss. But it is a good choice of picture book to help your little one understand and cope with their grief.
Where Happiness Begins – Eva Eland
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
Where Happiness Begins is a follow-on book to When Sadness Comes to Call. It isn’t specifically a children’s book on grief. It’s more of a children’s book about emotions. But it’s very useful for reminding your little one that it’s okay to feel happy and have fun after they’ve lost someone. The child in the book shows how they look for happiness in life. That sometimes it can come unexpectedly. And sometimes it can be more difficult, and that you might have to go out and find it yourself.
Goodbye Hobbs – Emma Bettridge
Interest age: 4-5
Reading age: 4-5
Goodbye Hobbs tells the story of grief through the eyes of a dog. Merlin the dog has lost his best friend Hobbs. He spends his time inside, sniffing Hobbs’ empty bed. Eventually, he decides to go for a walk with his owner and sniffs out a series of messages left by Hobbs’ scent. They guide him home, telling him that it was time for Hobbs to go away and that Hobbs will always be with him, even if Merlin can’t see him. The story is comforting and encourages children to embrace the memories they have with loved ones who’ve passed away.
One Wave at a Time – Holly Thompson
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 4-8
One Wave at a Time is a sensitive and poetic book about grief for children. It’s one of the best children’s books about feelings and emotions during difficult times and serves as a good reminder that grief can come in waves. Each page encourages little ones to accept and embrace their feelings as and when they come.
The Velveteen Rabbit – Margery Williams
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 6+
First published in 1922, The Velveteen Rabbit is a book that’s helped children understand ageing, death and grief for decades. The story sees the Velveteen Rabbit learn that the important thing in life isn’t what you have, but how much you’re loved. He sees that over time, the toys grow old and worn and will eventually need to be thrown away, but the love that they get along the way makes it all worth it.
When the Rabbit’s time comes, he leaves his life as a toy rabbit and enters a new life as a real rabbit, playing out in the wild. The book shows children that the life we know isn’t permanent, but we should enjoy it along the way. And that something better might wait for us after.
Sad Book – Michael Rosen
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 6+
Some of the best grief books for children aren’t always necessarily written specifically for children. Michael Rosen wrote Sad Book after losing his own son. The main character is a grown-up (representing Rosen himself) and the book talks through his sadness and how it affects him. Suitable for all ages, it shows children that being sad can look like lots of different things. Sometimes people smile and cover up that they’re sad. Sometimes people get angry. Sometimes people want to talk about it. Sometimes people don’t. All the words are paired with illustrations by Quentin Blake, one of the best-known children’s illustrators.
Children’s books on grief with film adaptations
Some of the most successful children’s books about loss and grief have been adapted into films. If your child likes to read a book and then see it portrayed on screen, some of the books below could be a good choice.
Charlotte’s Web – E B White
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 7+
This children’s book on grief tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a spider called Charlotte and a pig named Wilbur. Living together on a farm, they learn what ultimately happens to pigs on farms. Charlotte tries to save Wilbur by weaving messages into her web. Though Charlotte is able to save Wilbur, she grows unwell after laying hundreds of eggs and passes away. Wilbur takes her egg sac and watches over them while they hatch. Some of the spiders stay and continue Charlotte’s legacy on the farm. It shows children that while people might pass away, they can leave behind a lasting impact.
Goodnight Mister Tom – Michelle Magorian
Interest age: 9+
Reading age: 10+
Goodnight Mister Tom is set in an English countryside village during World War 2. It’s the story of a young boy (William) who’s evacuated and ends up living with an anti-social widower. While they don’t get on at first, Mr Tom’s kindness ultimately changes the young boy’s life. While this book wasn’t written specifically as a children’s book on grief and loss, it tackles the topic throughout. One of the main losses in the story is William’s friend Zach, who is killed in an air raid. William’s friends support him through his grief.
Bridge to Terabithia – Katherine Paterson
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+
This book is about 2 friends, Jess and Leslie. They spend their days in the woods behind Leslie’s house, making up an imaginary world called Terabithia. One day, Leslie tries to swing across the creek into Terabithia alone, without Jess, and drowns. The story shows Jess’ grief, as he wonders how he can carry on without Leslie. Eventually he learns to go back to Terabithia, building a bridge to make it safer when he revisits it with his little sister. This teaches children that you can return to the things you used to love doing with someone who’s passed, honouring them along the way. It’s well known as one the most moving children’s books about loss and grief.
Watership Down – Richard Adams
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 11+
Watership Down won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, as well as the Carnegie Medal. Though its main characters are rabbits, it’s actually an emotionally intense book that looks at the difficulties of life and death. The book follows Fiver and his warren of rabbits, looking for a new home after developers take over their land.
Throughout the book, the rabbits learn to make peace with their mortality. The Black Rabbit of Inle (who comes for the rabbits when it’s their time to pass) calls the rabbits’ spirits from them to go to a better place with less suffering.
We’ve included plenty of choices in our list of films on grief, suitable for young children to teens.
Children’s books about death and dying
Talking to children about death can be difficult. Books for children about death can help broach the subject, introducing your little one to the concept of death and covering practical subjects like what to expect when someone dies. Here are some that you might like to share with your children, whether you’re anticipating or have already experienced a loss.
I Miss You: A First Look at Death – Pat Thomas
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
This is a short and simple children’s book about death. It’s not overly sentimental, letting kids know that death is a natural part of life, and all living things grow, change, and eventually die.
When Someone You Love has Died – Stephanie Seidler
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
This is a children’s book explaining death and what to expect when someone close to you passes away. From the announcement of the loss to the funeral process. It also has a useful section for parents, with advice on how to speak to your child during this time, being honest about your own feelings and how to speak to your little one with consistency while coping with your own grief.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death – Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown
Interest age: 8+
Reading age: 8+
When we see death in children’s books, most of the focus usually falls on the child’s emotions. This is important. But When Dinosaurs Die also prepares children for some of the more practical elements of losing someone, fully preparing children to know what to expect when someone dies. It covers everything from why people die – illness and accidents – to what happens with funerals. It’s good to note that the book does cover some less common subjects, such as addiction, suicide and war. You might like to check through and read sections specific to your family’s personal circumstances while skipping those that might not feel relevant or age-appropriate for your child.
It can be difficult to talk to children about death. From explaining death as a concept to sharing the loss of a loved one. Find info and support on how to broach these difficult conversations.
Children’s books about the death of a parent
When I’m Gone – Marguerite McLaren
Interest age: 3-8
Reading age: 3-8
When I’m Gone is a very simple children’s picture book about grief. It shares the bond between a mother and her children and shares a mother’s wish that her children will still be happy when they have to face life without her. There are some useful notes about supporting kids through bereavement at the end too.
When My Daddy Died I… - K J Reider
Interest age: 4-8
Reading age: 4-8
This book is different from most books in this list because it’s written by a child. When author KJ was 7 years old, his father passed away. When My Daddy Died, I… shares his memories from the time, capturing grief and loss from an actual child’s perspective. It’s a good choice when it comes to helping children’s cope with their emotions around grief, as many little ones will find KJ’s words relatable. As KJ is Christian, it’s good to note that the book does have a religious angle, showing how he found comfort through God.
Mum’s Jumper – Jayde Perkin
Interest age: 5+
Reading age: 5+
This simple book asks the question – “If Mum has gone, how do you carry on?” It shares what children might experience when their mum is no longer able to be in their life. From feeling like a dark cloud is following them around, to swimming towards a shore that never gets any closer. It offers comfort though, recommending wearing their memories of her like a warm, cosy jumper.
Children’s books about the death of a grandparent
Little Bear’s Grandad – Nigel Gray and Vanessa Caban
Interest age: 4+
Reading age: 4+
This children’s grief book tells the story of Little Bear, who visits his grandad every week. As Grandad Bear falls ill and is taken to hospital, the visits resume there. And Little Bear reads his grandad a story. When he comes to the end of his story, he finds that Grandad Bear has fallen into a deep and long sleep that will last forever. This isn’t the most factual approach to death and dying, but it’s a good choice for younger children – especially if you’re teaching them about death by referring to it as a “long sleep”.
Thank you, Grandpa – Lynn Plourde
Interest age: 6-8
Reading age: 6-8
This soft and gentle children’s book about the death of a grandparent tells the story of a young girl remembering her grandfather through the special nature walks they used to go on together. It’s a good choice for more sensitive and emotional children, or children with an interest in nature.
The Yellow Suitcase – Meera Sriram
Interest age: 6-10
Reading age: 6-10
This is a good choice of book for a child who’s grieving a grandparent who lived far away. It tells the story of Asha, who travels with her family from America to India to mourn her grandmother. It shows the wide range of emotions she faces, from anger to sadness. It also shows Asha coming to accept her loss, as she comes to her own realisation that her grandma will live on through their shared memories.
Children’s books about a pet dying
The death of a pet is often children’s first experience of loss. And mourning a pet can come with many of the same emotions people face when mourning a person. Here are some kids’ books about the death of a pet that offer comfort and support.
Goodbye Mog – Judith Kerr
Interest age: 2-5
Reading age: 6+
The Mog collection of books by Judith Kerr is very popular. Your child might have already read some of them. Goodbye Mog is the last book in the series, where Mog eventually passes away, and is one of the best books about pet loss for children.
The book shows Mog watching the family after she’s passed away. She sees them sad. Then they get a kitten. Mog helps the kitten to settle into the family and then flies up and away into the sun. This is a good book for showing children that while loss is sad, life does carry on and new, happy memories can be made.
The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet – Patrice Karst
Interest age: 3+
Reading age: 5+
After the success of The Invisible String, Patrice Karst went on to write more children’s books for grief. The Invisible Leash is her best book for children when a pet dies. It has a similar storyline to the original book but focuses on the loss of a pet. Zack loses his pet dog and his friend Emily tells him that when we lose a pet, we’ll always be connected to them by an invisible leash. He learns to feel the gentle tug of the invisible leash on his heart as a feeling of love rather than sadness.
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney – Judith Viorst
Interest age: 6+
Reading age: 6-9
The Tenth Good Thing About Barney is one of the best children’s books for the death of a pet. It’s about a child losing his pet cat. When his mum decides the family should hold a funeral, she asks him to think of ten good things about Barney to say at the funeral. The little boy loved Barney, but could only think of 9 things to say at the funeral. He realises the 10th good thing when his father explains the circle of life to him, and the boy realises that Barney fits in with this. The book never gives the boy a name, which lets children put themselves in his shoes.
Books about grief for teens
Vicky Angel – Jacqueline Wilson
Interest age: 8-9
Reading age: 9+
Vicky Angel helps children understand that grief can look very different for different people. This is a book about guilt and bereavement. It tells the story of Jade, whose best friend dies in a car accident. At the start, Jade wonders how she’ll go on without her friend. When Vicky’s ghost appears to her, she’s excited. But the ghost of her friend grows manipulative and controlling, taking over her life. Eventually, with the help of a counsellor, Vicky’s able to let go and move on. It’s a good way to help children learn that guilt can be a completely normal part of the grieving process. It could also help to warm your child to the idea of therapy or counselling.
A Monster Calls - Patrick Ness
Interest age: 11-14
Reading age: 10+
Another popular children’s book on grief is A Monster Calls. It tells the story of Conor, whose mother falls ill and undergoes various treatments that don’t seem to be working. Conor has the same dream every night. When he wakes, he finds a monster at his window who tries to help Conor with his wisdom. The book deals with loss, anger, grief, and other emotions. This makes it suitable for older children who may find difficulty in processing imminent loss, as well as how people treat them when they lose a loved one. The story explores dislike of being treated differently or “specially” because of what he’s going through and then how he feels lonely or ignored when these interactions trickle away and stop.
My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks – Maya Silver and Marc Silver
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+
This book is aimed towards teens dealing with the illness or loss of a parent who has cancer. It was written by father and daughter, Marc and Maya Silver. It’s based on their personal experience, as Maya’s mother was diagnosed with cancer when Maya was just a teen. It shares 100 stories with “real life advice from real life teens”, as well as expert guidance from professionals.
Dancing at the Pity Party – Tyler Feder
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+
Dancing at the Pity Party is an acclaimed graphic memoir. It tells Tyler’s story of finishing her first year of college and then finding out that her mum had late-stage cancer. The memoir follows her loss, from the first oncology appointment to the funeral and then learning to navigate life without her parent around. The book’s full title is Dancing at the Pity Party: A Dead Mom Graphic Memoir, which reflects the light-hearted nature of a book that delves into deep and difficult subjects.
The Grieving Teen: A Guide for Teenagers and Their Friends – Helen Fitzgerald
Interest age: 12+
Reading age: 12+
Helen Fitzgerald is a renowned grief counsellor who focuses on what teens need when dealing with loss and grief. This book is one of the best grief books for young adults. It’s written for teenagers who’ve experienced a loss, as well as their friends. The book tackles different elements of grief that a teen might find particularly difficult to navigate, like family changes, issues with friends, problems at school and more.
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