Death & Bereavement

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Picture books about Death & Bereavement from the Little Parachutes reviews library

Books which tackle the difficult subjects of death, bereavement and loss. Grieving children may find comfort or answers to challenging questions in the pages of these books. When a loved one passes away, it is important to find a suitable picture book that matches the personality of the child and the situation. The death of a grandparent, for example, may raise different questions than the death of a younger person. A sudden and unexpected death may evoke different responses in a child than a bereavement that has come from a longer illness. We have provided lots of books in this section to help you find one that works for your child and situation.

The River

A beautiful, hopeful picture book that supports and acknowledges children struggling with complex emotions. The boy in the story experiences (and recovers from) a prolonged period of sadness following the death of his pet dog, but the themes in the story would be useful for many scenarios.

Mum’s Jumper

A thoughtful, sensitive and realistic portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of a young girl following the death of her mother.

The Fix-It Man

A touching portrayal of how a young girl deals with the loss of her mother.

The Day War Came

A haunting, emotional story of a young refugee, this picture book could be a springboard for a conversation about kindness and tolerance. Encourages empathy.

The Memory Tree

'A celebration of life and memories that live on when a loved one dies'. This gentle and comforting book is a good choice for a child who has been affected by the loss of an elderly relative or friend.

The Garden of Hope

A poignant yet positive story about a grieving daughter and father and how tending a garden together helps them to begin the healing process and find hope for the future.

Benny’s Hat

A beautiful, sensitively written book that could be used to support and comfort children who have a seriously ill sibling or friend, or have experienced bereavement.

The Red Tree

A sensitive and honest insight into feeling lost, confused and alone, with an uplifting reminder that things will be okay. Hope is always there, waiting to be found.

What Happened to Daddy’s Body?

This is a frank and lovingly written book, explaining clearly what happens to someone’s body when they die. It provides young children with a means to understand what happens after death, whilst reassuring them with the message that life goes on for those left behind.

Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?

By honestly explaining sudden death in a clear and simple language a young reader can understand, this book will aid a child who is trying to process the concept of a loved-one passing away. The book discusses the feelings of sadness that a child will inevitably feel, but reinforces the message that it’s okay to be happy sometimes, too.

Cry Heart, But Never Break

A sensitive and honest portrayal of the death of a cherished grandparent, the book carries important messages about coping with the grieving process.

Michael Rosen’s Sad Book

An honest and realistic description of the pain of grief (and the healing process that follows it)

Missing Mummy

This touching and beautiful picture book perfectly reflects the grief of a young child who has lost a parent.

The Bear and the Wildcat

This book covers themes of grief, loneliness and loss in a clear and touching way.

The Lonely Tree

This book may be useful to help a child how death is an inevitable part of ageing, and life continues after the sadness of bereavement. It also may be a good starting point to talk about how to cope with loneliness or isolation.

The Copper Tree

This book approaches the difficult subject of grief with sensitivity and sound judgement. The perfect story for children who have lost a much-loved figure in their life.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

Rabbityness

Celebrates individuality, encourages creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine (Winstons Wish)

This activity book was devised to help bereaved children by offering a structure and an outlet for the many difficult feelings that inevitably follow the death of a loved one.

Sophie’s Masterpiece

May encourage a child who is frightened of spiders to look more favourably upon these fascinating creatures. The book also reflects the ageing process, and may strike a chord with a child who has lost an elderly relative. Additionally, it has underlying themes of tolerance and acceptance.

No Matter What

May provide reassurance for an insecure or anxious child that their parents' love for them is unconditional and constant, despite the circumstances. It sensitively reinforces the message that love carries on, even after someone dies.

Badger’s Parting Gifts

Providing comfort to children who have been bereaved. Explaining that grief can eventually give way to happy memories.

Harry and Hopper

To comfort a child who has lost a loved one. It may be a good starting point for a discussion about bereavement and grief.

The Scar

This supportive and compassionate book would be an ideal tool to explain grief and loss to young children. A child who has lost a parent or other loved one may identify with the emotions felt by the boy in the story.

One Wave at a Time

A gentle and informative story suggesting ways to help children cope with their grief.

On The Wings Of A Butterfly

A colourful and heart-warming approach to tackling the loss of a loved one, with practical suggestions for coping with loss.

Always and Forever

Comforting children who have experienced bereavement or other loss and providing gentle reassurance that over time their pain will ease.

Moonshadow

To understand the loss of a loved one and that although life will carry on, they will not be forgotten.

Princess and the Castle

Subject matter includes adapting to a parent's new partner and overcoming fears

Aunt Mary’s Rose

An understanding of love and links across the generations, even when people are dead

Granpa

A child who has lost a grandparent may identify with the little girl in the story.

Duck, Death and the Tulip

Sammy In The Sky

For children who have lost a pet

Grandma and Grandpa’s Garden

A well-written and touching book about the death of a grandparent. This would be a good choice for a child who has lost a loved one.

My Henry

This book may provide comfort to children who have lost a loved one.

The Grandad Tree

About the cycle of life and the endurance of love

A Mummy for Owen

Children who have lost a parent or experienced a change in circumstances, such as fostering or adoption, will relate to orphaned Owen and find comfort in his loving relationship with his adoptive mother, Mzee, a 130-year-old male tortoise.