Picture Books About Grief

Check out these books if you're looking for a way to help talk to your child about the loss of a pet or loved one.

Updated June 12, 2024
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Remembering
González, 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" (...
Rodney was a tortoise
Forler, Nan
Paper Book
Bernadette and Rodney are the best of friends. Rodney's not so good at playing cards, but he's great at staring contests. His favorite food is lettuce, though he eats it VERRRRRRY SLOOOOOWLY. And he's such a joker! When Bernadette goes to sleep at night, Rodney is always there, watching over her...
Pumpkin and me
Acosta, Alicia
Paper Book
When Pumpkin, my dog, died, everyone at home was sad. The next day, a dark cloud began to follow me around and it felt like I had soap in my eyes and an octopus wrapped tightly around my heart... Written by the renowned child author and psychologist, Alicia Acosta, this uplifting, beautifully...
Bear Island
Cordell, Matthew
Paper Book
Louise and her family are sad over the loss of their beloved dog, Charlie. "Life will not be the same," Louise says, as she visits a little island that Charlie loved. But on a visit to the island after Charlie's death, something strange happens: She meets a bear. At first, she's...
Maybe tomorrow?
Agell, Charlotte
Paper Book
This affectionate, deeply soothing story exemplifies how to comfort someone who is hurting. A wonderful gift for any occasion, perfect for fans of The Rabbit Listened. "[Offers] hope that the world can be beautiful place." --School Library Journal Elba has a big...
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 rough patch
Lies, Brian
Paper Book
A Caldecott Honor Book An ALA Notable Book A breathtakingly beautiful and luminescent book that is pitch-perfect for anyone of any age who has experienced any type of loss or disappointment, from New York Times-bestselling picture book creator Brian Lies. New...
A walk in the woods
Grimes, Nikki
Paper Book
In this moving account of loss, a boy takes a walk in the woods and makes a discovery that changes his understanding of his father. week after the funeral I stare in the morning mirror Angry that my father's eyes Stare back at me.
Daddy & me, side by side
Freelon, Pierce
Paper Book
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 side, just like Pop Pop and Daddy did, years ago. A heartfelt and hopeful tale that touches on grieving the loss of a loved one as a father and son...
Where did Benjamin go?
Clarkson, Chris
Paper Book
When the snow falls, Charlie misses his brother more than anything else in the world. Daddy says that any time it snows Charlie can write down his five favorite things to do with Benjamin. The only problem is there are hundreds of things to remember! Like playing in the pool, eating dessert...
The dreams we made
Bentley, Lisa
Paper Book
In this moving, hope-filled picture book about loss, love, and family, a little girl grieving the death of her father discovers that she can take the loved ones she's lost with her on all her future journeys. Every night, a little girl and her daddy build dreams out of paper,...
Maybe a whale
Pendreigh, Kirsten
Paper Book
After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved. The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn't sure. How can that be true when Grandpa isn't there? And how will they find a...
Always sisters : a story of loss and love
Mir, Saira
Paper Book
This much-needed picture book about navigating the difficult experience of pregnancy loss meets young readers at their level to offer a tender look at grieving someone who never entered the world. Raya can't wait for her baby sister to arrive. She's already got a name--Nura--and...
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...
The tunnel
Howden, Sarah
Paper Book
A spare, powerful story about taking space to process difficult feelings  After something bad happens, a boy feels sad and gray. Mom and Aunt Cheryl try to talk about it, but he feels like running away. So he picks up a shovel and starts digging a tunnel from his room, deep down...
I'll say goodbye
Zollman, Pam
Paper Book
Beach days with Uncle Mike always bring something unexpected, like a shiny shell that turns out to be a hermit crab. But Uncle Mike has cancer. Not every surprise is a good one anymore. Soon Uncle Mike starts spending more and more time at the hospital, and the grown-ups start saying "we don't...
The treasure box
Keane, David
Paper Book
A poignant, gorgeously-illustrated story about a girl's bond with her grandfather and how it evolves after his death. Searching for treasures with her grandpa is this young girl's favorite thing to do. Every week they examine the items in her secret box and go on walks to find...
Lost in the clouds
Tinn-Disbury, Tom
Paper Book
Children find grief difficult and understanding where a loved one has gone, can be a tricky topic to explain... Billy misses his mummy very much. She lives in the clouds. Some days the sun is shining and Mummy's clouds are nowhere to be seen. Those are Billy's favourite days. He...
When grandfather flew
MacLachlan, Patricia
Paper Book
A grieving boy remembers his grandfather and the hobby they shared, in this moving evocation of love and loss by a Newbery Medalist. Milo's grandfather is fascinated by birds. He admires their freedom and never loses an opportunity to point out the things that make each one...
Boats for Papa
Bagley, Jessixa
Paper Book
Buckley and his Mama live in a cozy cabin by the ocean. He loves to carve boats out of the driftwood he finds on the beach nearby. He makes: big boats long boats short boats and tall boats, each one more beautiful than the last, and sends them out...

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