Dealing with Death/Loss in Picture Books

Picture books for children to help them work through and put words to the loss of a loved one.
Updated September 19, 2022
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A stone for Sascha
Becker, Aaron
Paper Book
A girl grieves the loss of her dog in an achingly beautiful wordless epic from the Caldecott Honor-winning creator of Journey. This year's summer vacation will be very different for a young girl and her family without Sascha, the beloved family dog, along for the ride. But...
A last goodbye
Kelsey, Elin
Paper Book
How do we say goodbye to a loved one after they die? 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...
Ida, always
Levis, Caron
Paper Book
An exquisitely told story of two best friends-inspired by a real bear friendship-and a gentle, moving reminder that loved ones lost will stay in our hearts, always.
The funeral
James, Matt
Paper Book
A New York Times / New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book New York Public Library Best Books for Kids Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor Winner Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Frank's funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She...
Is daddy coming back in a minute? : explaining (sudden) death to very young children in words they can understand
Barber, Elke
Paper Book
When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy's heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him... This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help...
Death is stupid
Higginbotham, Anastasia
Paper Book
'She's in a better place now,' adults say again and again when someone dies. But it doesn't seem better, it seems stupid. This forthright exploration of grief and mourning recognises the anger, confusion and fear that we feel about death - but refuses to succumb to banalaties when talking about it....
It's tough to lose your balloon
Krosoczka, Jarrett
Paper Book
From the author of National Book Award finalist Hey, Kiddo. Lost balloons. Melted ice cream. Babysitters. Life as a kid can be pretty daunting. But don't let these troubles get you down. With the right attitude, a hurdle can become a hammock and an...
Grandma's gloves
Castellucci, Cecil
Paper Book
Grandma is always on her knees in the dirt, with her gardening gloves on, lovingly tending the plants and talking to her roses. When the weather is hot, she takes the hose and waters her 'most special flower of all' - the little girl narrating this touching story. But when Grandma dies, sadness...
The invisible string
Karst, Patrice
Paper Book
NEW EDITION AVAILABLE! Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is now the exclusive publisher of all editions of The Invisible String, featuring gorgeous artwork by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. The publishing rights to the original DeVorss Publications hardcover edition, first released in 2000, were...
The goodbye book
Parr, Todd
Paper Book
From New York Times bestselling author Todd Parr comes this poignant and reassuring story about loss.  With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and...
Missing mummy
Cobb, Rebecca.
Paper Book
Some time ago we said goodbye to Mummy. I am not sure where she has gone.Written and illustrated by a new talent in children's picture books, this extraordinary book deals with the loss of a parent from a child's point of view. Perfectly pitched text and evocative artwork explore the many emotions a...
My father's arms are a boat
Lunde, Stein Erik
Paper Book
In this quiet, sad, but ultimately incandescent picture book, we meet a gentle, steady father who calms his anxious son. It's quieter than it's ever been. Unable to sleep, a young boy climbs into his father's arms. Feeling the warmth and closeness of his father, he begins to ask questions...
The heart and the bottle
Jeffers, Oliver.
Paper Book
From #1 New York Times bestseller Oliver Jeffers, comes a poignant and beautiful story about finding joy after loss.  There is a wonder and magic to childhood. We don't realize it at the time, of course . . . yet the adults in our lives do. They encourage us to see...
The scar
Moundlic, Charlotte.
Paper Book
With tenderness, touches of humour and unflinching emotional truth, Charlotte Moundlic captures the loneliness of grief through the eyes of a child, rendered with sympathy and charm in Olivier Tallec's expressive illustrations.

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