Supporting Children Through Grief: Book Recommendations for Parents
As a therapist who works with parents and families, I’ve walked alongside many through the deeply personal experience of grief. I’ve worked with families navigating the loss of a grandparent, the death of a child, and everything in between. These are incredibly tender and complex times for every member of the family, and there is no single right way to move through them.
What I’ve found is that stories—especially those told through beautiful, thoughtful picture books—can serve as powerful companions during grief. Some of these books use imagery and metaphor to help children understand death and express their feelings. Others can be equally supportive for the adults reading alongside them, helping to tether you to your own big emotions and move through them together with your child. The More You Give by Marcy Campbell is one such book, using illustration and story to gently explore the legacy of love, memory, and connection.
Children process grief very differently than adults. While we may be consumed by emotion or memory, children are often trying to understand how death impacts their world. That might sound self-centered, but it’s not—it’s developmentally appropriate. Their brains are wired to look for cause and effect, to ask questions like: “Does this mean I won’t see them anymore?” “Will I die too?” “Who will take care of me now?”
That’s why being prepared—before a significant loss occurs—can make a big difference. When a loved one dies, you are often deep in your own grief, and trying to explain death to your child in the moment can be incredibly difficult. Having books on hand that explore loss, grief, and the permanence of death can provide language and comfort, both for you and your child.
A few tips to keep in mind:
Use clear, concrete language: Say “they died” or “their body stopped working,” rather than “they went to sleep” or “we lost them,” which can confuse children or create fear.
Sometimes children ask what can feel like morbid or intrusive questions—about how someone died, what happens to the body, or whether it hurt. These questions aren’t meant to shock or upset; they’re a child’s way of trying to make sense of something confusing and scary. They’re working to understand what death really means, both physically and emotionally.
Don’t shy away from the topic. Introducing the idea of loss before a major death occurs helps normalize the conversation and prepare your child emotionally.
Here are six books I recommend for families wanting to gently introduce the concept of grief or support a child who is already experiencing it:
The More You Give by Marcy Campbell
This beautiful book begins as a story about generosity but gradually unfolds into a touching narrative about legacy, memory, and the love that continues after someone is gone. It’s not explicitly about death, which makes it a gentle and accessible starting point for children who haven’t yet experienced loss. The rich illustrations help both children and adults reflect on what we leave behind and how love continues through generations.
The Good-Bye Book by Todd Parr
Todd Parr’s bright, child-friendly illustrations and simple, direct language make this a comforting book for younger children. It acknowledges a range of emotions that come with loss—sadness, confusion, anger—and reassures children that it’s okay to feel them all. While it doesn’t dive into the details of death, it offers a strong foundation for emotional expression and comfort.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jeffers
This metaphorical story explores how we sometimes close ourselves off emotionally after a loss—and how we can slowly begin to reconnect with wonder and joy. While abstract, it speaks deeply to children who are trying to make sense of grief, especially those who may seem emotionally “shut down.” A beautiful choice for slightly older children.
Grief Is Like a Snowflake by Julia Cook
This book introduces the idea that everyone grieves differently—just like no two snowflakes are alike. It validates the range of feelings and responses kids might have to loss and includes guidance for parents and educators at the back. The metaphors and illustrations make abstract feelings more tangible for kids.
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death by Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown
A comprehensive, practical book that directly explains what death is, why it happens, and how people grieve. This book covers many different kinds of death, including those of pets, friends, and family members, and addresses common questions in a calm, age-appropriate way. Its Q&A format helps spark meaningful conversations and reduce confusion or fear. It is older in nature but has important information.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
This modern classic introduces the concept that we are all connected by an invisible string of love—no matter how far apart we may be. It’s a comforting, reassuring book that can help children understand emotional connection in the face of loss, separation, or anxiety. A powerful tool for helping kids feel held even when someone they love is no longer physically present.
Holding Space for Grief
You don’t have to wait for a death in the family to begin these conversations. In fact, it’s often helpful if you don’t. Helping your child understand what death means, and how we express love and memory in the face of loss, is a powerful gift.
By including stories about grief and loss in your regular reading rotation—even just once in a while—you help normalize this part of life and give your child emotional tools they’ll carry with them always.
Remember: grieving the loss of something small—like the skink in the backyard—isn't insignificant. It’s a foundational part of your child’s grief journey. Honoring these early, everyday losses helps children build the emotional muscles they’ll need to navigate the bigger, more permanent goodbyes—like the loss of a grandparent.