8 Children’s Books About Grief and End of Life
Understanding end of life and processing grief can be challenging for adults, let alone children. Explore these book titles below to help your child find a deeper understanding of loss and grief:
Till We Meet Again
For ages 4-8 years old
This book helps a grieving child cherish the memories of their loved one and teaches them how they can honor their life through their actions. The colorful illustrations and message helps provide the child hope that someday we will all meet again.
I Miss You: A First Look at Death
For ages 4-8 years old
Written by a psychotherapist and counselor, this book sensitively explains death as a natural complement to life, with grief and a sense of loss as normal feelings after a loved one’s death. The series also help children explore their personal feelings and social problems when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Badger’s Parting Gifts
For ages 4-8 years old
When Badger passes away, his friends are sad but realize the importance of remembering him and celebrating his life. The message in this story about end of life is conveyed gently, with a comforting ending to Badger’s journey.
Someone I Love Died
For ages 4-8 years old
Someone I Love Died is full of refreshing watercolor illustrations and comforting words to help heal a child’s grieving heart. This book has been helping children cope with grief for almost 30 years.
Here in the Garden
For ages 4-8 years old
A little boy creates a garden that he enjoys sharing with a special friend. He continues to remember this friend when he visits his garden. The picture book explores loss, love, friendship, and finding our way back to loved ones by visiting familiar places and reflecting on memories.
Grandmother’s Cancer Journey
Ages 5-9
When grandmother is diagnosed with cancer, she is sent to the Hospice House, a place that “treats her like a Princess” and helps provide her comfort at the end of her life. Grandmother’s Cancer Journey helps kids understand more about hospice care and what it does to help loved ones at end of life.
When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief
For ages 9-12 years old
This book helps kids reflect on their grief through interactive drawings and gently explaining death as a natural process of life. When Someone Very Special Dies helps the young reader find encouragement and lessen their fears.
The Healing Book: Facing the Death, and Celebrating the Life, of Someone You Love
For ages 6-13 years old
The Healing Book is an interactive book for older children. The book asks questions about a loved one who has passed on and helps them express their thoughts and feelings. While this literature explores the complicated and often scary questions kids have about death, it also teaches them how to #CelebrateLifesStories.
Learn more about how to talk with your child about grief and end of life by clicking here.
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