Children’s Books for Grief

These children’s books on grief offer a diverse selection of stories and activities designed to support young readers in understanding grief. Through gentle guidance, they help children navigate their emotions during difficult times.

Bridge to Terabithia is a moving story of friendship, imagination, and loss by Katherine Paterson. When Jess Aarons meets the spirited Leslie Burke, they create a magical kingdom called Terabithia where they rule as King and Queen, escaping the troubles of everyday life. Their adventures are boundless until a sudden tragedy changes everything. As Jess navigates his grief, he learns about resilience, the strength of family, and the enduring legacy of friendship. A Newbery Medal winner, this classic tale remains a powerful exploration of childhood and loss.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ A fantastic book. Great depth

A fantastic book. Great depth. Approaching an issue that no one can ignore but many try to – death.

The Invisible String is a bestselling picture book that explores the enduring connections between loved ones through a simple, heartwarming story.

A mother reassures her children that they are all connected by an invisible string made of love — unseen but always felt. This comforting message helps children and adults alike cope with separation, anxiety, and loss. Widely recommended by educators, therapists, and support groups, the book has become a beloved resource for addressing feelings of loneliness and grief.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ Beautiful book to help with grief

This book has been such a good way to approach the topic of grief with my kids and I’ve recommended it to several people.

This book is a thoughtful and accessible guide to navigating grief, offering validation and support for both adults and children. It invites others to engage with the grieving process, fostering empathy and understanding.

A standout feature is the “Grand’s Cooking Tips” section, packed with practical advice and comforting wisdom that goes beyond the traditional offerings of support, making it a unique resource for anyone experiencing loss.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ Tear Soup… a ladle full of comfort

The tips at the back are very helpful and the way the book is presented even raises a smile.

The Fall of Freddie the Leaf by Leo Buscaglia is a timeless story that gently explores the cycle of life and death.

Following Freddie and his fellow leaves as they change through the seasons, this beautifully illustrated allegory offers comfort and understanding for readers of all ages. It has become a cherished resource for navigating grief, loss, and the passage of time, helping generations find peace with life’s natural transitions.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ Beautiful book

This is a beautiful book that looks gently at living and dying, a must for anyone whose children (and the adults too) are having to come to terms with the impending death of someone close.

Straight Talk About Death for Teenagers by Earl A. Grollman is a compassionate and straightforward guide for teens coping with the death of a friend or family member.

Written specifically for young people, this book addresses the confusion, pain, and range of emotions that often accompany the loss of a loved one. Grollman, an award-winning author with deep expertise in grief, provides honest insights about what to expect during this difficult time—covering everything from feelings of anger and sadness to guilt and confusion.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ Helpful book

Good read for those helping teenagers but also helpfully written and accessible for teens themselves. Pages are not crammed full of text and the style is user friendly. Does not try to soften the blow but rather offers advice in a simple way.

Healing the Grief of Losing a Friend is a thoughtful guide for teenagers navigating the loss of a friend. It tackles common questions teens might have during this difficult time, such as how to manage their emotions, what is “normal” behaviour, and whether it’s okay to find moments of joy amid sadness.

The author offers compassionate and practical advice, drawing from her own experiences with her children’s grief, creating a non-judgmental space for teens to explore their feelings.

Featured Amazon review…

★★★★★ This book greatly helped a 12 year old girl whose friend died

As soon as my colleague gave the book to her daughter, she took it into her bedroom and read the entire book. It helped her to begin to process her grief right then and she re-read sections of the book over and over again during the next month. She also shared the book with friends.