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...
A last goodbye
Kelsey, Elin
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...
Something very sad happened : a toddler's guide to understanding death
Zucker, Bonnie
Paper Book
Something Very Sad Happened is intended to be read to two- and three-year-old children to help them understand death and process the loss of a loved one. When a loved one dies, it can be hard to know how to explain it to a young child, particularly if you are...
DANCE LIKE A LEAF
IRVING, A.
Paper Book
"This beautifully balanced picturebook's rich colours dance alongside its intricately clear-eyed narrative, sensitive but never sentimental.... Certain to become a classic" - Inis magazine, Children's Books Ireland As her grandmother's health declines, a young girl begins to...
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
The Pond is a touching picture book about a young boy, and his family, overcoming the loss of his father through a small pond in the garden. This colourful, emotional book is filled with natural imagery and will teach children not only about death, and loss, but the importance of the natural...
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 daddy coming back in a minute? : explaining (sudden) death in words very young children can understand
Barber, Elke
Paper Book
When we were on a No Girls Allowed! holiday, my daddy's heart stopped beating and I had to find help all by myself. He was very badly broken. Not even the ambulance people could help him... This honest, sensitive and beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to help...
It's tough to lose your balloon
Krosoczka, Jarrett
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...
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 : a book about grief
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....
Chester Raccoon and the acorn full of memories
Penn, Audrey
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...
Zayde comes to live
Sinykin, Sheri Cooper.
Paper Book
In this touching, simple story, a young Jewish girl named Rachel tries to make peace with the impending death of her grandfather. Rachel's grandfather, her Zayde, has come to live with her family. Though no one has told her, Rachel knows it is because he is dying, and she worries...
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 : my love will find you
Tillman, Nancy.
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...
The scar
Moundlic, Charlotte.
Paper Book
A little boy responds to his mother's death in a genuine, deeply moving story leavened by glimmers of humor and captivating illustrations. When the boy in this story wakes to find that his mother has died, he is overwhelmed with sadness, anger, and fear that he will forget her....

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