Grief and Loss: Picture books for young children

  1. Books about the loss of a pet or a loved one, grief, death and dying for the very young.

Updated April 18, 2026
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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...
Daddy & me, side by side
Freelon, Pierce
Paper Book
Each day is a grand family adventure with the fathers and sons in this lyrical picture book filled with lush illustrations.   A young son and his father trek through trees and listen to birdsong, dig for worms and go fishing, and enjoy the breeze sitting side by...
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...
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...
Love from Alfie McPoonst : the best dog ever
McNiff, Dawn
Paper Book
When Alfie the dog dies, he sends his owner Izzy letters in the mail from his new address: The Nicest Cloud, Dog Heaven, The Sky. He wants her to know that he misses her - so much! - but his new home in heaven is great! Sensitively balancing humor and emotions, a book for children experiencing...
The heart never forgets
Otaru, Ana
Paper Book
A young girl pays tribute to the memory of her grandfather during a West African masquerade festival in this moving, lushly illustrated picture book. DUM! DUM! DUM! DUM! The talking drums thump a sweet beat... The masquerade has begun.
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...
Bravo, Little Bird!
Silvestro, Annie
Paper Book
Perfect for fans of Ocean Meets Sky and Drawn Together, this lyrical, "heartwarming" (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) picture book about a special friendship between an old man and a little bird celebrates the power of music, family, and the legacies our loved...

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