Books can be great ways to introduce complex themes such as death and grieving to children. Often accompanied with beautiful illustrations, they tell stories about loss and what it entails, seeking to help children better understand and make sense of the strong emotions they might be feeling as part of their bereavement, as well as providing ways of coping with their grief.
Out of the dozens of children’s book about grief available out there, our specialised children and young people bereavement counsellors have carefully selected seven of them to recommend. We hope both children and parents find them useful.
Muddles, Puddles & Sunshine
By Diana Crossley for Winston’s Wish, illustrated by Kate Sheppard
Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine offers practical and sensitive support for bereaved children. Beautifully illustrated, it suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear.
This book offers a structure and an outlet for the many difficult feelings which inevitably follow when someone dies. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on the different aspects of their grief, whilst finding a balance between remembering and having fun. This book is a useful companion in the present and will become an invaluable keepsake in the years to come.
Benny’s Hat
By Juliet Clare Bell in collaboration with Edward’s Trust, illustrated by Dave Gray
Benny’s Hat quietly deals with the subject of sibling bereavement. It beautifully illustrates how children and adults process loss differently, whilst providing examples of how to support children when a sibling is suffering from a serious or life limiting illness. This book is extremely helpful in supporting families, children and young people through pre-and post-bereavement.
Benny’s Hat was written in association with Edward’s Trust in 2017. One of our children’s counsellors helped provide tips on how to talk about bereavement with your child and provided useful links to organisations such as Edward’s Trust, who are here to help you and your family.
Michael Rosen’s Sad Book
By Michael Rosen, illustrated by Quentin Blake
Michael explores his sadness following the death of his son Eddie. How it affects him and some of the ways in which he tries to cope with his grief. This is a very personal and truthful story which speaks to everyone; whether you have known what it’s like to feel really, deeply sad.
The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back
By Margot Sunderland, illustrated by Nicky Armstrong
This is a story for children who are grieving someone they love. The story shows children that it is brave to feel sad, that they are surrounded by support, and that memories of a loved one area special treasure that can never be lost.
The Invisible String
By Patrice Karst, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
When mom tells her two children that they’re all connected by an invisible string, the children insist, “That’s impossible!” But still, they want to know more: “What kind of string?” The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: It’s an Invisible String made of love. Even though you can’t see it, you can feel it deep in your heart and you know that you are always connected to the ones you love.
We would recommend this book to all parents. It’s a beautiful way for children to learn about being loved and connected to people, even when they can’t see them or they are no longer around for whatever reason.
When Someone Very Special Dies
By Marge Heegaard
This book was designed for young readers to illustrate and to help teach children the basic concepts of death and help them understand and express the many feelings they have when someone special dies.
The Huge Bag of Worries
By Virginia Ironside, illustrated by Frank Rodgers
A reassuring picture book encouraging children to open up about their fears and anxieties to help manage their feelings. This book is not specifically about bereavement, but it’s perfect to soothe worries during stressful times.
A funny and reassuring look at dealing with worries and anxiety, to be used as a springboard into important conversations with your child.
