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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LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County) Happy Valley Library
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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.

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The Fabric of Us
Anand, Aditi
When a little girl loses her papa--a tailor who makes beautiful clothes--the silence in the house is overwhelming. But maybe she and her other dad can bring the house back to life, starting with a single thread. The sound of Papa's sewing machine fills their home: Snip! Whir!...
The hole
Bonilla, Lindsay
Paper Book
A powerful story perfect for opening up conversations about loss What does it feel like to lose someone you love? For one little boy, it's like he has a hole in his life. It's in the bottom bunk, where his little brother, Matty, used to sleep, and it's on his brother's chair at...
Where are you, Brontë?
DePaola, Tomie
Paper Book
Five starred reviews! "A gentle delight, simultaneously honoring both the dog dePaola lost and the artist we lost in turn." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the...
Beneath
Doerrfeld, Cori
Paper Book
In this stunning story from New York Times bestselling creator Cori Doerrfeld, a child and their grandfather take a walk in the woods and discover more about themselves. Finn is in a horrible mood and doesn't want to talk about it. After some persuading, though, they...
Remembering
Gonza?lez, Xelena
Paper Book
Three starred reviews! A Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this "gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance" (...
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...
More Than a Tree
Kurpiel, Sarah
This tender, affecting story of the life of a tree and its impact on a young girl is a glorious read-aloud in the vein of classics such as The Giving Tree and The Rabbit Listened. The backyard tree has meant everything to the girl in this story. It has been a...
Loose threads : a story about me, mom, and dad
Ludin, Airien
"A sensitive portrayal of a family working through grief together. A must-have for every library." --School Library Journal, Starred Review "There is no playbook for mourning, but this tale provides a gentle guide for the unthinkable." --Kirkus Reviews ...
Just what to do
Lukoff, Kyle
Paper Book
A tender picture book about grief and the many ways to offer comfort in sad times, from Newbery Honor-winner Kyle Lukoff. When you see someone sad, it's only natural to want to cheer them up. But how? Some people like hugs but others don't. Sometimes a joke is more comforting...
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...
Always remember
Meng, Cece
Paper Book
A lyrically told, beautifully illustrated book that brings comfort to children--and adults--who have lost someone they love After Old Turtle swims his last swim and breathes his last breath, and the waves gently take him away, his friends lovingly remember how he impacted each...
What happens when a loved one dies? : our first talk about death
Roberts, Jillian
Paper Book
Whether children are experiencing grief and loss for the first time or simply curious, it can be difficult to know how to talk to them about death. Using questions posed in a child's voice and answers that start simply and become more in-depth, this book allows adults to guide the...
If you were here
Stinson, Kathy
Paper Book
For kids ages 3-7, this lyrical picture book explores the complex emotions around missing a loved one, with stunning illustrations by Ojibwe artist Maya McKibbin. I wish I could show you... this great big meadow, like a sea of lacy clouds.... In...
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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