Picture Books About Grief

Check out these books if you're looking for a way to help talk to your child about the loss of a pet or loved one.

Updated June 12, 2024
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Rodney was a tortoise
Forler, Nan
Paper Book
Bernadette and Rodney are the best of friends. Rodney's not so good at playing cards, but he's great at staring contests. His favorite food is lettuce, though he eats it VERRRRRRY SLOOOOOWLY. And he's such a joker! When Bernadette goes to sleep at night, Rodney is always there, watching over her...
Bear Island
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
Maybe tomorrow?
Agell, Charlotte
Paper Book
This affectionate, deeply soothing story exemplifies how to comfort someone who is hurting. A wonderful gift for any occasion, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened. "[Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place." --School Library Journal Elba has a big...
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...
The rough patch
Lies, Brian
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book An ALA Notable Book A breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book that is pitch-perfect for anyone of any age who has experienced any type of loss or disappointment, from New York Times-bestselling picture book creator Brian Lies. New...
Always sisters : a story of loss and love
Mir, Saira
Paper Book
This much-needed picture book about navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss meets young readers at their level to offer a tender look at grieving someone who never entered the world. Raya can't wait for her baby sister to arrive. She's already got a name--Nura--and...
Goodbye : a first conversation about grief
Madison, Megan
Paper Book
A picture book edition of the board book about grief, offering adults the opportunity to begin important conversations with young children in an informed, safe, and supported way. Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic...
Lost in the clouds
Tinn-Disbury, Tom
Paper Book
Children find grief difficult and understanding where a loved one has gone, can be a tricky topic to explain... Billy misses his mummy very much. She lives in the clouds. Some days the sun is shining and Mummy's clouds are nowhere to be seen. Those are Billy's favourite days. He...
Boats for Papa
Bagley, Jessixa
Paper Book
Buckley and his Mama live in a cozy cabin by the ocean. He loves to carve boats out of the driftwood he finds on the beach nearby. He makes: big boats long boats short boats and tall boats, each one more beautiful than the last, and sends them out...

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