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 Last Goodbye
Elin Kelsey
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...
Where Lily Isn't
Julie Paschkis
Paper Book
Where Lily Isn't is Julie Paschkis and Margaret Chodos-Irvine's beautiful bereavement picture book celebrating the love of a lost pet. Lily ran and jumped and barked and whimpered and growled and wiggled and wagged and licked and snuggled. But not...
The Boy and the Gorilla
Jackie Azua Kramer
Paper Book
This profoundly moving tale about a grieving boy and an imaginary gorilla makes real the power of talking about loss. On the day of his mother's funeral, a young boy conjures the very visitor he needs to see: a gorilla. Wise and gentle, the gorilla stays on to answer the heart...
Dance Like a Leaf
AJ Irving
Paper Book
"This lovely Spanish translation of Dance Like a Leaf contains melodic language and high-level vocabulary that create a sophisticated, heart-tugging story about how our loved ones never truly leave us" - Booklist As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to...
Ida, Always
Caron Levis
Paper Book
A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida...
The Funeral
Matt James
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...
Harry & Hopper
Margaret Wild
Paper Book
When Harry's beloved dog Hopper dies, he has a hard time letting go, as Harry sees Hopper still in his life. Are Hopper's visits to Harry the boy's imagination, or is the dog truly leaving Harry gradually, once he makes sure his boy will be all right? Eyes will not stay dry as readers experience...
It's Tough to Lose Your Balloon
Jarrett J. Krosoczka
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
Cecil Castellucci
Paper Book
From a debut illustrator comes a story about a child who loses a beloved grandparent finds comfort in carrying on the activities they shared in this sweet, genuine look at a universal rite of passage.  Grandma is always on her knees in the dirt, with her gardening gloves on,...
The Goodbye Book
Todd Parr
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 Mommy: A Book About Bereavement
Rebecca Cobb
Paper Book
Some time ago, we said good-bye to Mommy. I am not sure where she has gone. Honest and straightforward, this touching story explores the many emotions a bereaved child may experience, from anger and guilt to sadness and bewilderment. Ultimately, Missing Mommy focuses on the...
Grandma's Gone to Live in the Stars (Concept Books (Albert Whitman))
Max Haynes
Paper Book
GRANDMA'S GONE TO LIVE IN THE STARS is the simple, tender story of the death of a beloved grandmother. But this story is told by Grandma herself as she peacefully says goodbye to her sleeping children and grandchildren and then, in turn, to all the earthly things she has loved and rises to her new...
Where Do People Go When They Die?
Mindy Avra Portnoy
Paper Book
In this touching narrative, young children ask, "Where do people go when they die?" Each child asks an adult that they trust - a father, a mother, a grandfather, an aunt, a teacher - and, although the reassuring answers they receive are all different, each leads back to the same simple truth:...
Sammy in the Sky
Barbara Walsh
Paper Book
A deeply affecting tale of love, loss, and remembrance -- told in clear-eyed prose by a top journalist and illustrated by a renowned American painter. Sammy, the best hound dog in the whole wide world, loves his girl and she loves him. When illness cuts Sammy's life short, the...
Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You
Nancy Tillman
Paper Book
Bestselling author/artist Nancy Tillman celebrates the ways in which the love between parents and children is forever. . . . I wanted you more than you'll ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go. . . . Love is the greatest...

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