Grief is an emotion that a person feels when they lose someone or something that was close to them.  Grief can occur from different types of losses, such as: 

• death of a loved one or a pet

•  moving away from home

• loss of a friendship 

• and/or a breakup

Common feelings while experiencing grief are:

• sadness

• anger

• anxiety 

• shock

• loneliness

• guilt

I Wish I Could Hold Your Hand: A Child's Guide to Grief and Loss 

A best friend has moved away…Dad no longer lives with the family… A favorite relative or pet has died. This warm and comforting book gently helps the grieving child identify his or her feelings—from denial and anger to guilt and sadness—and learn to accept and deal with them. Expressive illustrations help children discover that it is natural to feel the pain of loss, and that they can help themselves feel better by seeking the comfort they need in healthy ways. 

Help Me Say Goodbye: Activities for Helping Kids Cope When a Special Person Dies 

An art therapy and activity book for children coping with death. Sensitive exercises address all the questions children may have during this emotional and troubling crisis. Children are encouraged to express in pictures what they are often incapable of expressing in words. 

Sad Isn't Bad: A Good-Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing with Loss 

Sad Isn't Bad offers children of all ages a comforting, realistic look at loss--loaded with positive, life-affirming helps for coping with loss as a child. It's a book that promotes honest and healthy grief and growth.

I Feel, Feel, Feel About Losing Someone Special 

I Feel, Feel, Feel About Losing Someone Special addresses the emotional side of life changes for younger children and helps children express their feelings and deal with their emotions. 

The Invisible String 

With over half a million copies sold, this accessible, bestselling picture book phenomenon about the unbreakable connections between loved ones has healed a generation of readers--children and adults alike--and has been updated with new illustrations and an afterword from the author. 

When I Feel Sad 

Readers will recognize similiar experiences in their own lives as this little guinea pig describes feeling sad when someone is cross or when something bad happens. Eventually our heroine realizes that feeling sad doesn't last forever. 

Gentle Willow: A Story for Children About Dying 

Amanda the squirrel is upset that she is going to lose her friend Gentle Willow, but the tree wizards give advice that help both her and Gentle Willow accept the change that comes with death. 

Moon Shadow's Journey 

For the very first time, young Moonshadow is flying south. Grandfather is leading the swans as they travel to a warm place for the winter. But when a terrible storm strikes, not all the swans make it through. Though his heart is heavy, Moonshadow finds the strength to continue the journey. Gillian Lobel's beautifully written tale deals gently with loss and bereavement, while Karin Littlewood's enchanting paintings create a memorable world for young readers. 

When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death 

Straightforward and compassionate, When Dinosaurs Die explains death, dying, and coping with grief and loss in simple and accessible language for young kids and families. 

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages 

Appropriate for all ages—from toddlers to adults—and featuring beautiful nature photographs throughout, this poignant, thought-provoking story follows Freddie and his companions as their leaves change with the passing seasons and the coming of winter, finally falling to the ground with winter's snow.   

It Must Hurt A lot: A Child's Book About Death 

All children experience loss. It is a part of growing up. When Joshua's puppy is killed by a car accident he learns that some surprises come wrapped in the "package" of loss. We encourage adults to talk about these gifts with children. Sensitive, caring adults are made not born. The book is written for children ages 5 - 11 years. 

Footstep Program for Children and Teens  

Footstep is a program that supports children and teens who have experience a loss or change to due death. Children and teens are placed in a  group are of similar age and loss situations, and meet weekly for a total of six weeks. This program is held every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:20 PM at Saint Agnes Home Health and Hospice.

To sign up for the 6-week program, call (559) 450-5608

Location

St. Agnes Home Health and Hospice

6729 N. Willow Ave., Suite 103

Fresno, Ca