This isn’t an exhaustive list, but below is a selection that we’ve found valuable in our own home, with book descriptions & links to purchase on Amazon. If you are unable to purchase any of these books, you can find read aloud versions on Youtube of most of these as well. We hope that if you find yourself needing to discuss death with children that some of these might help you.
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst tells the heartwarming story of how an invisible, unbreakable string connects loved ones, no matter the distance or circumstance.
I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas is a gentle & straightforward book that helps explain the concept of death & grieving in an age-appropriate way, offering comfort to those coping with loss.
Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman is a heartfelt picture book that assures children of an unconditional love, no matter the distance or circumstances.
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland helps young readers understand grief & loss by exploring how memories of a loved one can be cherished & kept in a special memory box.
Ida Always by Caron Levis is a touching story about the deep friendship between two polar bears, Ida & Gus, as they face the difficult reality of Ida's impending death & the love that endures beyond it.
Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children by Bryan Mellonie & Robert Ingpen gently explains death to children using the natural world to illustrate the cycle of life, from birth to growth to eventual passing.
Always Remember by Cece Meng explores the themes of grief, loss, and the enduring power of memory, offering comfort to children (and adults) who have lost a loved one by celebrating the lasting impact of their lives.
The Fall of Freddie the Leaf: A Story of Life for All Ages by Guy Laliberte tells the story of a leaf's journey through the seasons, from vibrant green to colorful autumn hues, ultimately falling to the ground & nourishing new life, serving as a gentle metaphor for the cycle of life & death.
The Heart and the Bottle by Oliver Jefers uses the metaphor of a heart trying to mend after a broken bottle to convey the emotional journey of healing and finding hope after experiencing loss.
Everywhere, Still by M.H. Clark explores the enduring presence of love & memories after the loss of a loved one, offering comfort & reassurance by showing how the love of those who are gone continues to live on in their hearts and in the world around them.
The Next Place by Warren Hanson is a comforting & hopeful poem that explores the concept of an afterlife, offering reassurance that loved ones who have passed away are in a peaceful & loving place.
Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories by Audrey Penn is a story about Chester Raccoon learning to cope with change & loss, finding comfort in the cherished memories of his mother.
No Matter What by Debi Gliori is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates unwavering love, reassuring them that they are loved & cherished no matter what challenges or choices they face in life.
The Memory Tree by Britta Teckentrup explores the themes of grief & remembrance, showing how cherished memories of loved ones can be preserved & nurtured like the leaves on a special memory tree.
Something Lost Something Found by Natalia Paruzel-Gibson tells the story of Ella, a young girl who is on a journey of finding happiness again by rediscovering the joy & comfort of cherished memories.
In Where Do Balloons Go? An Uplifting Mystery by Jaime Lee Curtis, the journey of a balloon floating away symbolizes the feeling of loss & the longing for something or someone that is no longer within reach, mirroring the emotions of grief.
Water Bugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney is a gentle, comforting book that explains the concept of death & the afterlife using the metaphor of water bugs transforming into dragonflies to represent the journey from life to the next.
The Moon Is Always Round by Jonathon Gibson is a heartwarming story that helps children understand & cope with the loss of a loved one, using the moon as a symbol of constancy & love, even through times of grief.
Slumberkins Sprite Offers Comfort by Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen is a soothing story that helps children understand & process their feelings of sadness & loss, providing reassurance & emotional support through the comforting presence of Sprite.
Slumberkins Sprite Helps Say Goodbye by Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen is a gentle story that guides children through the process of saying goodbye to a loved one, helping them understand & express their emotions with love & support.
The Dragonfly Story by Kelley Owen is a compassionate and gentle narrative designed to help children understand and cope with the concept of death through the story of a dragonfly's journey.