Today’s book for grief is Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies, a beautifully illustrated children’s book that gently explores themes of loss and love.
Through the story of Syd and his Grandad’s journey to a vibrant, jungle-covered island, the book provides a comforting way to start important conversations about saying goodbye to a beloved grandparent. Perfect for younger readers, it offers a tangible and heartfelt approach to navigating difficult emotions around death and dying.
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Grandad’s Island
by Benji Davies
Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated children’s book about the loss of a grandparent.
The story follows Syd, who visits his Grandad’s house at the bottom of the garden. One day, he discovers Grandad in the attic, where a door leads them to a vibrant island. There, Grandad decides to stay, and Syd says goodbye before returning home.
Through its gentle narrative and vivid imagery, the book provides a comforting way for young readers to explore themes of loss and remembrance, offering reassurance that loved ones remain in our hearts and memories.
Featured Amazon review…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A beautiful book about loss
“I used this book in school after the death of a teacher in our school. The book is subtle enough to be ‘nice’ to read at any time but will be more meaningful for children going through berevement. It opened up conversations about loss and death and positivity.
It also helped a small child in my care to talk about the death of a parent in a away that she had never done before, which her family felt was a very positive step for her to take.
Benji Davies is a wonderful writer and I will definitely be buying many more of his books for my class library. Every young child should read this book at least once and every KS1 classroom should have a copy.
Thank you Benji!”
Amazon customers say…
Readers describe Grandad’s Island as a touching and meaningful story, particularly for children experiencing bereavement. The vibrant illustrations and rich use of colour are often praised for adding depth and warmth to the narrative.
The book is valued for its gentle approach to discussing loss, offering an accessible way to explain a challenging topic. Many find it a helpful tool for opening conversations about death, making it a supportive resource for families navigating grief together.
Photo by Kat von Wood on Unsplash
Explore our ‘Books for Grief‘ Hub for more recommendations.
🧠 Understand the ‘Stages’ of Grief
Many people first encounter grief through the idea of “stages,” but the model is often simplified or misunderstood.
Our Stages of Grief page looks at where the framework began, what each stage represents, and how it can support understanding – without suggesting that grief unfolds in a tidy order.
Explore the page to learn:
📘 A clear explanation of what the Five Stages are (and what they’re not)
🧭 Why grief rarely moves in a straight line
🌊 How feelings can rise and fall in waves
🧩 Other grief models that may resonate more with your experience