Grief and Loss: Picture books for young children

Books about the death of a pet or a loved one, moving or emigrating, death and dying for the very young.

Updated August 26, 2025
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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
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...
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
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 to. ...
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." - Starred Review, School Library Journal "There is no playbook for mourning, but this tale provides a gentle guide for the unthinkable. (Picture book. 3-6)" - Kirkus...
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...
Life without Nico
Maturana, Andrea
Paper Book
Maia and Nico are best friends. They never get tired of playing together. Unexpectedly, though, Nico and his family have to move far away for a while. Maia is devastated. But, slowly, things begin to change, and Maia meets an unexpected companion... she makes a new friend... she even discovers a new...
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...
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
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 grieving the loss yourself....

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