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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Te recuerdo
Gonz?alez, Xelena
Paper Book
Una niña y su familia recuerdan a su querido perro mascota a través de las tradiciones del Día de Muertos en este conmovedor y brillante libro ilustrado del equipo ganador del premio Pura Belpré compuesto de Xelena González y Adriana M. Garcia. Una niña y su familia observan las...
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...
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...
The heart never forgets
Otaru, Ana
Paper Book
A young girl pays tribute to the memory of her grandfather during a West African masquerade festival in this moving, lushly illustrated picture book. DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM! The talking drums thump a sweet beat... The masquerade has begun.
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...
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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