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...
The boy and the gorilla /
AzOua Kramer, Jackie,
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...
Something very sad happened :
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...
Ida, always /
Levis, Caron,
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 pond /
Davies, Nicola,
Paper Book
A touching picture book for children about a young boy and his family overcoming the loss of his father. This colorful, emotional book is filled with natural imagery, centering on a small pond in the garden, and will teach children not only about death and loss, but the importance of the...
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 looking...
Harry & Hopper /
Wild, Margaret,
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...
Grandma's gloves /
Castellucci, Cecil,
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 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 Mommy :
Cobb, Rebecca.
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...
The memory box :
Rowland, Joanna,
Paper Book
A multi-award-winning story about dealing with the loss of a loved one, The Memory Boxhas been an invaluable resource for thousands of families. From the perspective of a young child, author Joanna Rowland artfully describes what it's like to remember and grieve a loved one who has died....
My Father’s Arms Are a Boat
Stein Erik Lunde
Paper Book
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 about the birds, the foxes, and whether his mom will ever wake up. They go outside under the starry sky. Loss and love are as...
Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories
Audrey Penn
Paper Book
Chester Raccoon's good friend Skiddel Squirrel has had an accident and will not be returning - ever. Chester is upset that he won't get to play with his friend anymore. Mrs. Raccoon suggests that Chester and his friends create some memories of Skiddel, so that they will have good memories when they...
Saying goodbye to Daddy /
Vigna, Judith
Paper Book
Frightened, lonely, and angry after her father is killed in a car accident, Clare is helped through the grieving process by her mother and grandfather.
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...
Wherever you are :
Tillman, Nancy.
Paper Book
Perfect for new babies, new grads, Mother's Day, and Father's Day, Nancy Tillman celebrates the ways in which love is forever. . . . I wanted you more than you'll ever know, so I sent love to follow wherever you go. . . . Love is the...

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