Loss and Bereavement: Recommended Books for Children
The Heart and the Bottle
By Oliver Jeffers
The themes of love, loss and emotions are explored by award-winning author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers in this uplifting and beautiful tale. Once there was a girl who was full of wonderment at how the world worked, until one day her parent’s chair was empty and everything changed – how would she find joy and meaning again?
Her Mother’s Face
By Roddy Doyle
In this book Roddy Doyle and Freya Blackwood create a story of love, loss and memory in families Siobhán was three years old when her mother died. Siobhán and her live in their house in Dublin where they never talk about Siobhán’s mother. They never talk about her, and now, at ten years old, Siobhán no longer remembers her mother’s face but one day she meets someone who can help with that. Age 5-8
I Miss You: a First Look at Death
By Pat Thomas
When a close friend or family member dies, it can be difficult for children to express their feelings. This book helps children to understand that death is a natural part of life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings to have. It also describes different cultural traditions followed when someone dies. Written by psychotherapist and counselor Pat Thomas, the “First Look At” series promotes interaction between children, parents, and teachers. The story lines are simple and direct, and there are beautiful illustrations on every page. Age 6-11
Badger’s Parting Gifts
By Susan Varley
This award-winning book has proven its timelessness and power in helping children to understand death. First published in 1984, a 35th anniversary edition was published in 2019. The story is about a badger who is so old that he knows he will die soon. His friends don’t want to think about it, but he tries to prepare them. When he does die they are filled with grief, but they come to terms with missing their friend by remembering the things he taught them.
The anniversary edition Features a helpful reading guide from Child Bereavement UK which provides tips for reading Badger’s Parting Gifts with children.
All Shining in the Spring: The Story of a Baby Who Died
By Siobhán Parkinson
Matthew, an only child, is delighted when he hears that his mother is going to have a baby. Later, he is told that the baby will not live and he and his parents comfort each other. Age 3-7
The Carousel
by Liz Rosenberg
Two sisters remember their mother as they visit the carousel in the park. Age 7-10
Chasing Redbird
by Sharon Creech
A moving story about Zinny who is devastated when her beloved Aunt Jessie dies. She escapes from her chaotic family and tries to come to terms with her grief. Age 12-15
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
By Susan Wojciechowski
Jonathan Toomey has become cold and hard since the death of his wife and baby. As he works on nativity figures ordered by a widow and her son, his heart gradually unfreezes. Age 6-9
Come Back, Grandma
Sue Limb
Bessie loves her Grandmother very much. When she dies, Bessie never stops missing her until she grows up and has a daughter who is just like Grandma. Age 4-7
Death
by Karen Bryant-Mole
A simple, accessible book which focuses on the feelings of children when someone they know dies. Age 6-10
The Ghost Twin
by Richard Brown
James and his parents still miss his twin Joe terribly even though he’s been dead for three years. After his death, James becomes even more introverted until he meets Joe’s ghost. Age 10-13
Goodbye Pappa
by Una Leavy
Shane and Peter love staying at their grandfather’s. After they return home, he dies suddenly and they return for the funeral. Their mother suggests that they should remember all the happy times they shared. A picture book for sharing. Age 4-7
Heaven
by Nicholas Allan
A little girl has a conversation about heaven with her dog. Age 4-8
I Must Tell You Something
by Arno Bo
Nine year old Rosemary tells the moving story of her family’s stay in hospital after a car accident in which they are all badly injured. Her mother dies and they have to come to terms with her death. Age 9-12
It Isn’t Easy
by Margaret Connolly
A gentle story about a boy and his family after his brother is killed in an accident. Age 4-9
Jenny Angel
by Margaret Wild
Jenny is convinced that she is a guardian angel who can keep her dying brother alive if she watches over him. A poignant picture book about coming to terms with death. Age 6-9
Just Grandpa and Me
by Sally Grindley
A story about a little boy’s happy day out with his Grandpa as they remember Grandma. A comforting book for sharing with a child who has recently lost a grandparent. Age 4-8
Karen’s Goldfish
by Ann M. Martin
Karen is very upset when her pet goldfish dies. She feels better after holding a funeral and inviting her friends. Age 7-9
The Kite and Caitlyn
by Roger McGough
A moving story about a little girl who is terminally ill when she inherits a kite. She keeps it by her bed and dreams of all the places she will fly it. Age 5-8
Lone Wolf
by Kristine L. Franklin
After the tragic death of his baby sister, Perry’s parents decide to separate. He and his dad move to a cabin in the woods and live in isolation until a new family moves in and Perry is forced to face things he’s tried to forget. Age 11-14
My Grandad (also published as Remembering Grandad)
By Sheila Isherwood
A little girl remembers all the happy and special times she has had with her Grandad before he died. Age 4-8
Old Pig
by Margaret Wild
A gentle story about Old Pig who prepares herself and her granddaughter for her imminent death. Age 4-8
Remembering My Brother
by Ginny Perkins
Greg’s older brother Chris died a while ago. He tells us how he and his family miss and remember him. Age 4-9
Rhythm and Blues
by Anne Bailey
Matti is still grieving for her mother when her father announces that his two daughters from another relationship are moving in. Things seem even worse when she learns that one of her half-sisters is dying of cancer. Age 13-16
River Boy
by Tim Bowler
A poignant novel about a 15 year old Jess and her dying grandfather. They return to his boyhood home where he is determined to finish his last painting. Age 12-15
Sara Takes Charge
by Joyce A. Stengel
When Sara and Davey’s mother dies, their father buries himself in his work leaving twelve year old Sara to worry about everything. Age 9-12
Scrumpy
by Elizabeth Dale
When Ben’s dog dies, he thinks he will never be happy or want another pet again. As time passes, he remembers the happy times they shared and can move on with his life. Age 6-9
Sink or Swim
by Gillian Potts
William has not spoken about his dad since he died. One day he rescues a baby from the river using the skills his dad taught him. Only then does he feel that he can talk about his dad to his mum. Age 7-9
Steve
by Marjorie Newman Watts
Steve and Gemma’s dad is killed in an accident. It takes them time to get over the shock and learn to live without him. Age 9-12
When People Die
by Sarah Levete
A book for sharing with a child which explains what death is, why people die, what happens afterwards and how to cope with grief. Age 6-9
Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young
Children
by Doris Stickney
When author Stickney tried to explain the death of a 5-year-old friend to neighbourhood children, she told them what would become the story of Water Bugs and Dragonflies. The book offers a reassuring, graceful look at life and death for kids, telling them that their loved ones are always looking down on them. Age 4+