Grief is something that is hard for us adults to understand and deal with. So imagine how much harder it is for children to grasp. When it comes to grief, we sometimes don’t know how to discuss it with kids. This can lead to more confusion and sadness. It is so important that we teach kids that their feelings of grief and sadness are perfectly normal, and a part of life. I am always on the lookout for quality books to help me discuss big topics with my daughter. Since we have recently been dealing with some grief in our family, I have been looking for ways to discuss loss with her. Today I have gathered this list of children’s books about grief to help other families discuss the topic as well.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. I received a copy of Remembering Joseph Chickadee in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Remembering Joseph Chickadee

Written and illustrated by Nancy Youngdahl

This beautiful book follows a group of birds who are mourning the loss of one of their elder birds, Joseph Chickadee. Joseph was a kind bird who helped all those around him. As the community mourns his loss, they share memories and stories about him. By remembering all of the wonderful things about Joseph, they are able to find some comfort.

The illustrations in this book are beautifully done. Each of the birds are full of incredible details, and the nature scenes are beautiful and lifelike. This is a great book for talking to kids about commemorating loved ones and the special memories that we have with them.

Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs

Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola

In this book, a young boy named Tommy enjoys visiting with his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. When Nana Upstairs passes away, Tommy tries to cope with the loss and say goodbye. The story is based on the author’s real experiences with his beloved Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, so the book is touching and relatable to kids. By sharing his own experiences of loss and grief, he invites kids to learn from his own life lessons. The illustrations are done in dePaola’s signature style, so they are warm and inviting and full of cute characters.

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The Invisible String

Written by Patrice Karst and illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

This book was actually recommended to me by a child therapist. The story follows a conversation between a set of twins and their mother. After they are awakened by a rain storm, they rush to her side, worried to be away from her. She tells them that they are always together even when they are apart. She explains to them about the invisible strings that tie us to the ones that we love, keeping us together even when we aren’t near one another.

The heartwarming text reminds us that we are always connected to those we love, even if they are no longer with us. The illustrations are cute and engaging, depicting these invisible strings in a way that kids can understand and imagine on their own. This is a great book for not just grief,  but also separation anxiety or other kinds of loss.

The Memory Box: A Book About Grief

Written by Joanna Rowland and illustrated by Thea Baker

This story is told from the perspective of a young girl who has lost someone close to her. The text follows her conversations as she talks to the person, and shares her fears that she will forget him or her. She creates a memory box and begins to fill it with items that make her think of the person. She gathers stories and memories from other loved ones as well.

The text delicately addresses fears that kids can have when dealing with loss, including forgetting the loved one, or not feeling their love anymore. The idea of the memory box provides a tangible way for kids to handle those fears and continue to feel like the loved one is with them. I really like how this book walks the reader through the idea that there are some days that will be harder than others. It also reminds them their loved one can remain with them, as they try new things and have new adventures.

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Grandpa’s Stories

Written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Allison Colpoys

In this story, a young girl spends time with her grandfather. She loves listening to his stories and exploring the world with him. When her grandfather passes away, she has to learn to handle life without him and say goodbye. When she finds a blank notebook that he left for her, she decides to fill it in with all of the stories that he had shared with her.

The lyrical text includes lots of wishes from the young girl, which kids will recognize and relate to. The illustrations are whimsical and full of bright colors. This sweet story reminds the reader that our loved ones cannot be forgotten when we share their stories and memories and keep them in our hearts.

Do you have any children’s books on grief or loss that you have used in your family? Please share in the comments below.

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