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...
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...
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 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 grandad tree /
Cooke, Trish.
Paper Book
Leigh and her brother, Vin, remember playing with Grandad under their apple tree -- a tree that started out as a seed and then grew and grew. Just as the seasons go through their changes, so does the tree. "That's life", as Grandad used to say. But while the world around Leigh and Vin changes, they...
Where do people go when they die? /
Portnoy, Mindy Avra.
Paper Book
In this touching narrative, young children ask, ""where do people go when they die?"" Each child asks an adult that they are trust - a father, a mother, a grandfather, an aunt, a teacher - and, although the answers they receive are all different, each reassuring answer leads back to the same simple...
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...
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...

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