Best children’s books about coping with grief to help deal with the loss of a loved one
Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through, regardless of age. For children, understanding and coping with grief can be particularly challenging. It is essential to provide them with tools to navigate the complex emotions that arise after such a profound loss. One effective way to support children during this challenging time is through the power of literature. Here, we have compiled a list of twelve exceptional children's books that can help kids deal with the loss of a loved one.
12 Must-Read Children's Books to Help Kids Deal with the Loss of a Loved One
1. "The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst
This touching picture book explores the idea that love is a bond that connects us, even after someone has passed away. It helps children understand that they are connected to their loved ones by an invisible string of love.
2. "The Memory Box" by Joanna Rowland
Addressing the difficult topic of loss, this book gently guides children in creating a special memory box to honor and remember their loved one. It encourages open communication about grief and provides comfort during the healing process.
3. "The Goodbye Book" by Todd Parr
Known for his compassionate storytelling, Todd Parr examines grief in a relatable and comforting way. With colorful illustrations and simple language, this tale acknowledges the pain of saying goodbye while reminding children that it's okay to feel sad and to seek support.
4. "One Wave: A Little Book of Oneness" by Lauren Martin
Simple words and pictures illustrate the power of embracing the inherent oneness of all beings, guiding readers towards the realization that we are all interconnected threads in the tapestry of life. Children, teens and adults of any age will find a beacon of hope, in this simple reminder of the profound joy and peace that arises when we realize the impossibility of being apart from those we love, whether they exist in in front of our eyes or in our hearts.
5. "A Stone for Sascha" by Aaron Becker
This thought-provoking picture book tells the story of a young girl named Sascha who has recently lost her pet dog. As Sascha and her family embark on a beach trip to help her heal, they discover a beautifully shaped stone that holds a hidden history spanning millions of years. Through stunning illustrations and minimal text, the book beautifully explores themes of grief, connection, and the enduring power of nature.
6. "Badger's Parting Gift" by Susan Varley
Using the memorable characters from Wind in the Willows, this heartwarming children's book addresses the topic of death in a sensitive manner. The story follows Badger's friends who, after his passing, reminisce about the happy memories they shared with him. Through beautiful illustrations and a poignant narrative, the book teaches children about the enduring power of friendship and the importance of cherishing the memories of loved ones who have passed away.
7. "No Matter What" by Debi Gliori
This comforting children's book explores the unwavering love between a parent and a child. With delightful illustrations and a simple yet powerful message, the book reminds readers that love and acceptance exist, no matter what mistakes we make or how we may feel. Through its endearing characters, this story beautifully highlights the importance of unconditional love in our lives.
8. "Sadness is a Dark Cloud" by Lauren Martin
By depicting sadness as a dark cloud casting a shadow over every aspect of our lives, the reader is gently reminded how sadness can distort our perceptions, suffocate our joy, and make it difficult to see beyond the gloom. This simple and educational books teaches even the youngest readers the importance of acknowledging and addressing their sadness in order to find solace and restoration.
9. "How Far is Heaven?" by Amy Skala Tischmann
In this comforting kids book about handling grief, join a boy and his mother, as they talk about losing his grandfather. Through a loving, compassionate and patient conversation, his mother answers all of his questions. She explains that even though we may not see our loved one any more, they still live on. They continue to surround us with their love through our memories we have of them and through the signs we see from them with our eyes and in our hearts.
10. "You'll Find Me" by Amanda Rawson Hill
Loss becomes remembrance in this book that offers tender ways to pay tribute to, and meaningfully incorporate, a loved one’s lost presence into present and future life experiences. Be it departed friends, family, pets, and more, memories can carry us beyond the precious moments we have together to keep the ones we loved before in mind forever.
11. "Sprite Helps Say Goodbye" by Slumberkins
Grief and loss are challenging experiences to talk about, and sometimes, it can feel impossible to find the right words or a good place to start. “Sprite Helps Say Goodbye” teaches children about different types of goodbyes. Whether it’s putting their toys away at the end of the day or moving away from an old home, children learn that their memories are a positive way of connecting with the love they feel in their hearts.
Reflect & Connect questions at the end of Sprite’s story provide caregivers with a supportive resource to guide the discussion of Grief & Loss and deepen their child’s understanding of this important emotional skill.
12. "Lifetimes" by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
Lifetimes is a beautiful way to explain death to children of all ages, even parents too. It lets us explain life and death in a sensitive, caring, beautiful way. Lifetimes tells us about beginnings. And about endings. And about living in between. With large, wonderful illustrations, it tells about plants. About animals. About people. It tells that dying is as much a part of living as being born. It helps us to remember. It helps us to understand.
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If you have a child, friend or family member who has lost a loved one, kids and parents will appreciate a heartfelt and impactful gift of one or more of the best children’s books about coping with grief to help deal with the loss of a loved one and understand death, what it means to die and how to keep the memory of a loved one alive.