Books About Grief for Kids
We are pleased to share a few books about grief for kids (our team favorites). Navigating the delicate terrain of grief can be especially challenging for young hearts. Children often grapple with complex emotions when faced with loss, making it essential for caregivers and educators to provide them with thoughtful resources.
In our curated list below, we have gathered a collection of heartfelt and enriching books about grief for kids to serve as companions on their emotional journeys. They aim to offer solace, understanding, and a gentle guide through the tender process of healing. Explore options that not only address the topic of loss but also empower young readers with the tools to cope, grieve, and find resilience in the pages of a good story.
In My Heart – Jo Witek
Our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heartexplores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.
The Memory Box – Joanna Rowland
The main character creates a memory box to keep mementos and written memories of her loved one to help with the grieving process. Throughout the narrative, the child’s feelings are acknowledged, allowed, and assured that feelings are normal and healthy to express. Heartfelt and comforting, The Memory Box helps children, parents, educators, therapists, and social workers talk about this very difficult topic together.
The Invisible String – Patrick Karst
The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string. “That’s impossible!” the children insist, but still they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach? Does it ever go away? This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.
The Rabbit Listened – Corrie Doerrfeld
The Rabbit Listened is a tender meditation on loss. When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn’t know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn’t feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that’s not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs. Whether read in the wake of tragedy or as a primer for comforting others, this is a deeply moving and unforgettable story sure to soothe heartache of all sizes.
God Gave Us Heaven – Lisa T. Bergren
With tender words, her Papa describes a wonderful place, free of sadness and tears, where God warmly welcomes his loved ones after their life on earth is over. Little Cub and Papa spend the day wandering their beautiful, invigorating arctic world while she asks all about God’s home: How do we get to heaven? Will we eat there? Will I get to see you in heaven?
This gentle story provides satisfying answers for a young child’s most difficult questions about what happens after this life, inviting “little cubs” to find comfort in knowing that God Gave Us Heaven..
Rainbow – Je’nai Kuhn
In Olivia’s world nothing is more important and exciting than the arrival of the new baby, but when her mother has a stillbirth, Olivia’s pure love becomes the hope that heals the hearts.
It is estimated that 1 in 4 pregnancies end in loss during pregnancy or birth. Rainbow by Je’Nai Kuhn offers a unique opportunity to discuss pregnancy loss with young children with sensitivity and hope.
In addition to books about grief for kids, we also have a list of sympathy gifts for kids following a loss and a Care Registry tool to help you organize support for loved ones in times of loss. We’re here to help you Stay Near.
