Grief and Loss: Picture books for young children

Books about the loss of a pet or a loved one, grief, death and dying for the very young.

Updated May 9, 2026
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LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Happy Valley Library
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Grief and Loss: Picture books for young children

Books about the loss of a pet or a loved one, grief, death and dying for the very young.

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The Fabric of Us
Anand, Aditi
Paper Book
When a little girl loses her papa--a tailor who makes beautiful clothes--the silence in the house is overwhelming. But maybe she and her other dad can bring the house back to life, starting with a single thread. The sound of Papa's sewing machine fills their home: Snip! Whir!...
The hole
Bonilla, Lindsay
Paper Book
A powerful story perfect for opening up conversations about loss What does it feel like to lose someone you love? For one little boy, it's like he has a hole in his life. It's in the bottom bunk, where his little brother, Matty, used to sleep, and it's on his brother's chair at...
Where are you, Brontë?
DePaola, Tomie
Paper Book
Five starred reviews! "A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the...
Beneath
Doerrfeld, Cori
Paper Book
In this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves. Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they...
Daddy & me, side by side
Freelon, Pierce
Paper Book
Each day is a grand family adventure with the fathers and sons in this lyrical picture book filled with lush illustrations.   A young son and his father trek through trees and listen to birdsong, dig for worms and go fishing, and enjoy the breeze sitting side by...
Remembering
Gonza?lez, Xelena
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this "gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance" (...
Our lake
Kang, Angie
Paper Book
CALDECOTT HONOR BOOK . A tender and vulnerable exploration of love and loss that follows two boys as they take their first trip back to the lake without their father, from debut author-illustrator Angie Kang. Today, Brother is taking me up to swim in the lake like Father used...
More Than a Tree
Kurpiel, Sarah
Paper Book
This tender, affecting story of the life of a tree and its impact on a young girl is a glorious read-aloud in the vein of classics such as The Giving Tree and The Rabbit Listened. The backyard tree has meant everything to the girl in this story. It has been a...
Loose threads : a story about me, mom, and dad
Ludin, Airien
Paper Book
"A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library." --School Library Journal, Starred Review "There is no playbook for mourning, but this tale provides a gentle guide for the unthinkable." --Kirkus Reviews ...
Just what to do
Lukoff, Kyle
Paper Book
A tender picture book about grief and the many ways to offer comfort in sad times, from Newbery Honor-winner Kyle Lukoff. When you see someone sad, it's only natural to want to cheer them up. But how? Some people like hugs but others don't. Sometimes a joke is more comforting...
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...
Life without Nico
Maturana, Andrea
Paper Book
Maia and Nico are best friends. They never get tired of playing together. Unexpectedly, though, Nico and his family have to move far away for a while. Maia is devastated. But, slowly, things begin to change, and Maia meets an unexpected companion... she makes a new friend... she even discovers a new...
Love from Alfie McPoonst : the best dog ever
McNiff, Dawn
Paper Book
When Alfie the dog dies, he sends his owner Izzy letters in the mail from his new address: The Nicest Cloud, Dog Heaven, The Sky. He wants her to know that he misses her - so much! - but his new home in heaven is great! Sensitively balancing humor and emotions, a book for children experiencing...
Always remember
Meng, Cece
Paper Book
A lyrically told, beautifully illustrated book that brings comfort to children--and adults--who have lost someone they love After Old Turtle swims his last swim and breathes his last breath, and the waves gently take him away, his friends lovingly remember how he impacted each...
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...
What happens when a loved one dies? : our first talk about death
Roberts, Jillian
Paper Book
Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death. Using questions posed in a child's voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the...
Bravo, Little Bird!
Silvestro, Annie
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Ocean Meets Sky and Drawn Together, this lyrical, "heartwarming" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book about a special friendship between an old man and a little bird celebrates the power of music, family, and the legacies our loved...
If you were here
Stinson, Kathy
Paper Book
For kids ages 3-7, this lyrical picture book explores the complex emotions around missing a loved one, with stunning illustrations by Ojibwe artist Maya McKibbin. I wish I could show you... this great big meadow, like a sea of lacy clouds.... In...
Something very sad happened : a toddler's guide to understanding death
Zucker, Bonnie
Paper Book
A Gentle, Supportive Story to Help Young Children Understand the Death of a Loved One This compassionate picture book gives very young children a simple and honest way to understand death and the feelings that come with losing someone they love. Written for two- and three-year-olds, the...
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