May 15, 2025
Experiencing the death of a loved one is something people will face throughout their lives. No matter what our age, this can be a difficult time as we come to terms with our loss.
Children experiencing grief may have difficult emotions that they do not know how to talk about. Picture books can be a powerful tool for young children dealing with grief, perhaps for the first time.
Some of the stories on this list are about remembering a loved one and physical actions we can do as we grieve them. Others are about the emotions we grapple with when we miss someone. Through gentle stories and beautiful illustrations, children can learn that they are not alone in their grief.
Waiting for Wolf by Sandra Dieckmann
LY | Quiz #237449 | BL 3.0 | Hodder Children’s Books
Fox and Wolf are always running and swimming together and marvelling at the beautiful world around them. Until, one day, Wolf is longer there.
Dadaji’s Paintbrush by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane
LY | Quiz #243462 | BL 3.4 | Andersen Press
Discover that bereavement can be a beginning, not an ending, in this beautiful story of one boy’s grief when he loses his beloved grandfather.
The River by Tom Percival
LY | Quiz #271046 | BL 2.8 | Simon & Schuster Children’s Books
Rowan loves the river. But when Rowan goes through a particularly difficult winter, the river freezes – just like Rowan. He must find a way to release his frozen feelings and allow the river to flow freely once more.
Storm in a Jar by Samuel Langley-Swain, illustrated by Katie Cottle
LY | Quiz #240851 | BL 3.7 | Owlet Press
Arlo visited Nana every Sunday and helped himself to sweets from her special jar. One day, Arlo learns she has passed away. He begins carrying the jar everywhere, and as his sadness turns to anger, a storm forms inside it.
Circles in the Sky by Karl James Mountford
LY | Quiz #2242996 | BL 3.2 | Walker Books
One day, Fox is drawn to something in the forest. It’s a bird, as still as can be. Fox is confused, upset and angry – is the bird broken? But then a little moth comes along with a story about the circles in the sky.
If All the World Were… by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
LY | Quiz #243300 | BL 3.2 | Lincoln Children’s Books
A poetic picture book about the love between a little girl and her grandad, and how, through memories, love can live on.
You can find more books to support young people in their grief by searching the topic death/bereavement on BookFinder.