- Children under the age of 5 years often do not understand that death is permanent.
- After a loss, children under the age of 5 years may become for clingy or show some regressive behaviors.
- After losing a loved one, children between the ages of 6 and 11 years may start to worry that other family members or friends will die.
- After losing a loved one, children between the ages of 6 and 11 and may show their grief through anger, or even experience physical aches.
The following list was recommended by a Children’s Librarian in the Greater Boston area.
Natasha’s mother has recently passed away, and her children are wondering why their grandmother isn’t visiting on weekends anymore. They are angry and confused, and despite their happy memories with their grandmother, Natasha is hesitant to bring up the topic at all.
Natasha’s children are all between 3 and 10 years old, and every other week they stop by their library to pick up a new batch of children’s books. A few weeks after her mother passed away, Natasha asked her local librarian if there were any books about grief that were appropriate for children.
20 Books for Children about Grief
The following titles are the ones that the librarian retrieved to help Natasha’s children understand their emotions and learn to communicate their feelings about their loss.
That’s Me Loving You by Amy Kraus Rosenthal
Reading level: 1 – 5 years
An illustrated poem about a parent always being there for a child, even when they’re gone.
Reading level: 2 – 4 years
A story about a pet fish who learns to address its many feelings after losing its companion. A reminder to children that it is okay not to have all of the answers, and that there are other people around to support their emotions during difficult times.
Reading level: 2 – 4 years
A non-fiction title for explaining death to a 2-3 year old while assuring them that it is okay to feel sad and still love the person that died. Contains elements for personalization, guidance for answering common questions, and advice on funeral attendance.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
Reading level: 2 – 6 years
This title is for those that would rather focus on big emotions, like sadness, rather than on death itself. Taylor seeks comfort in his animal companions when something troubles him, but none of the animals have very good advice or solutions for him. The rabbit, however, lends Taylor an understanding ear.
Sitting Shiva by Erin Silver, Illustrated by Michelle Theodore
Reading level: 3 – 5 years
Featuring Jewish bereavement traditions and the death of a mother, this story focuses on a daughter that learns to find comfort in her community when they arrive at her house to sit shiva.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
Reading level: 3 – 6 years
When a little girl’s grandfather passes on, she stores her heart in a jar so that she won’t feel anymore. A story about reclaiming your sense of wonder and passion after someone you love passes on.
When Sadness is at Your Door by Eva Eland
Reading level: 3 – 7 years
Sadness itself is a guest in this tale, and a young boy learns to live with and understand sadness a little better. No mention of loss or death.
Reading level: 3 – 9 years
From the point of view of Freddie the Leaf, this story deals with the death of the leaves as they fall off their trees. A breakdown about purpose and finding peace at the end of a life.
Cry Heart but Never Break by Glenn Ringtved, Illustrated by Charlotte Pardi
Reading level: 3 – 10 years
A fable-esque tale about the death of grandmother. Death arrives and explains why it is natural for time to move forward and for people to pass away. A tale about acceptance.
Saturdays are for Stella by Candy Wellins, Illustrated by Charlie Eve Ryan
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
George loves to spend his Saturdays with Grandma Stella. One day, Stella is gone, and their adventures and games of pretend stop. When a new addition to the family arrives, George is able to celebrate the memories of his grandma.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
Set in India, this story follows a young boy and his grandfather who enjoy painting together. Once the grandfather dies, the boy must overcome his grief in order to find joy in painting again.
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
A little boy loses someone close to him, dons a cape, and tries not to remember anything about the person he lost. But despite his best efforts, he can’t forget the loving memories he has of their time together.
When Grandfather Flew by Patricia Maclachlan
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
Milo’s grandfather loves birds, and never fails to teach him more about all of his favorites. One day, Milo’s grandfather is gone, but when Milo sees an eagle flying overhead, he knows his grandpa is still with him.
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
Hilda helps her grandmother Hazel sweep the dust into memories around their house. When the witch goes to sleep for the last time, Hilda sweeps the memories of her grandmother to life.
The Sour Cherry Tree by Naseem Hrab, Illustrated by Nahid Kazemi
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
After her grandfather’s death, a young girl wanders through his house, discovering objects that reminded her of the time she spent with him.
Maybe Tomorrow by Charlotte Agell
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
A story about leaning on friends when you are carrying sadness with you, and taking it one day at a time when you are grieving. Starring animals as the main characters.
The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azua Kramer, Illustrated by Cindy Derby
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
On the day of his mother’s funeral, a young boy conjures a wise and gentle gorilla who can answer all of his big questions. A tale about learning to communicate in grief and seeking comfort from loved ones during a loss.
A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
A father leaves a map of the woods to his son to follow after his death. As the boy follows the path that he and his father used to take, he remembers their time together, and learns something new about his father along the way.
Balloons for Papa by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, Illustrated by Erika Meza
Reading level: 4 – 8 years
With his mother in the hospital, a little boy attempts to convince his father to buy him a balloon from the vendor at the park to add a bit of color back into their lives. Eventually, the boy realizes that he wants the balloons not for him, but for his father and mother.
Maybe dying is like becoming a butterfly by Pimm van Hest, Illustrated by Lisa Brandenburg
Reading level: 5 – 10 years
A child and a grandfather talk about death together, and the grandfather discusses his ideas on loss and what happens after death.
Find suggestions for children’s books that help explain Alzheimer’s and dementia on the Homethrive platform.
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