Picture books tagged with: loss

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 Journey

This powerful story about a family's forced migration to a new country gives children the chance to empathise with people in difficult circumstances. It promotes greater understanding and respect for those with different origins and cultures. Children who are refugees themselves may recognise something of their own story here.

Dogger

This is a charming story that addresses the loss of a special toy, and how a sibling's kindness saves the day. The book highlights the unique bond some children have with specific toys, and allows an adult reader to see the significance of such a toy through a child's eyes.

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 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.

Daddy’s Time Out

Having a loved one in prison can be bewildering and distressing for a young child. They may feel shame, guilt, separation anxiety, and a host of other challenging emotions, or feel that they are no longer loved by (or feel that it is no longer appropriate for them to love) the estranged person. This simple, age-appropriate story helps to reassure, educate and comfort.

What Color Is Today?

A child may feel reassured after reading this book that it is normal to experience a huge array of emotions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

My Hero Is You

This free e-book contains lots of information for children to help them cope with anxieties surrounding Coronavirus.

The Night Dad Went to Prison: What to Expect When Someone You Love Goes to Prison

A story which details the practical and emotional impact of a parent going to prison.

Lula and the Sea Monster

This quirky and empowering story of the friendship between a girl and a rapidly-growing sea creature contains lots of helpful messages about the importance of kindness and perseverance, standing up for your beliefs and protecting the environment. It also acknowledges how difficult it is for children to leave their family home.

The Sea Saw

A sentimental story that acknowledges the sadness that children feel when they lose a well-loved toy. This book could be a good starting point for a conversation about the loss of a person as well as a comfort object.

One Wave at a Time

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

The Little Gardener

An environmentally conscious picture book which focusses on persistence and transformation: little things can make a big difference.

Pom and Pim

A story about a child who encounters good luck and bad luck. This book can help children to discover how sometimes bad luck can lead to surprising and wonderful good luck!

You Make Your Parents Super Happy

Written to reassure children in separating families that both parents love them and this will never change no matter what happens.

Far Apart Close in Heart

Far Apart Close in Heart investigates many of the feelings a child with an incarcerated parent might have, including confusion, anger, sadness, isolation and shame. Above all, this book will help a child to realise that they are not alone in experiencing these feelings.