Children’s Books About Grief to Help Kids Remember Someone They Love
Explore children’s books about grief that help kids understand loss, express their feelings, and remember someone they love.
How Children’s Books About Grief Can Help
Children’s books about grief can help kids understand loss, ask questions, and talk about someone they miss. Reading together offers a gentle opening for conversations that can be hard to start.
My husband Justin died when our twin boys were just three months old. Helping them remember their dad inspired me to write We Miss Papa Bear. You can [read more about our story here].
Whether a child has lost a parent, grandparent, or another loved one, these stories can remind them they aren’t alone and that their feelings are welcome.
Children’s Books About Grief to Read Together
1. We Miss Papa Bear by Jennifer Hanks
As my boys grew and asked more questions about their dad, we started doing the things he loved to help them feel connected to him. Those experiences inspired me to write We Miss Papa Bear, a simple, gentle story about two young bears who find comfort in remembering their papa and enjoying his favorite activities.
While the story was inspired by my boys, I wrote it for any child missing someone they love. You can read more about why I wrote We Miss Papa Bear here.
2. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
The Invisible String introduces the idea that we’re connected to the people we love by an invisible string made of love. It gives children a simple way to imagine that connection, even when someone can’t be beside them. While it isn’t only about grief, its message can offer a gentle starting point for talking about missing someone and the love that stays with us after loss.
3. The Memory Box: A Book About Grief by Joanna Rowland
The Memory Box follows a child who worries about forgetting someone they love after that person dies. By collecting keepsakes and writing down memories, the child finds a meaningful way to remember them. The story leaves the relationship open, making it relevant to children grieving a family member, friend, or even a pet. It’s also a gentle introduction to creating a memory box together as a family.
4. Ida, Always by Caron Levis
Ida, Always tells the story of two polar bear friends, Gus and Ida. When Ida becomes sick and won’t get better, they face the news together with sadness, comfort, and moments of joy. After she dies, Gus finds reminders of their friendship in the places and sounds they shared. It’s a gentle story for opening conversations about illness, saying goodbye, and how memories can help us feel connected to someone we miss.
5. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
The Rabbit Listened follows Taylor as different animals try to help after something upsetting happens. Each animal suggests a different response, but the rabbit simply stays close and listens. While it doesn’t specifically address death, its message fits gently into conversations about grief: children need room to feel their feelings without being told how to respond. It’s a sweet reminder for grown-ups, too, that sometimes being there and listening is the comfort someone needs.
6. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
The Goodbye Book follows a little fish who has lost its companion and explores the feelings that come with saying goodbye. With colorful illustrations and simple language, it reassures children that it’s okay to feel unsure, miss someone, and not have all the answers. It’s a gentle starting point for talking about loss and reminding kids they have people who love and support them
7. I Can’t Believe They’re Gone by Karen Brough
I Can’t Believe They’re Gone follows a family of mice as a gentle bear helps them navigate their grief. Each family member responds differently, giving children a reassuring reminder that there isn’t one right way to feel after losing someone. It’s a gentle starting point for talking about big emotions and helping kids feel less alone in what they’re experiencing
Finding Comfort Through Stories and Memories
My hope is that these children’s books about grief give your family a little comfort and a place to start talking. You don’t need perfect words or answers to every question. Sometimes sharing a story and listening is enough.
For our family, remembering Justin through stories and doing the things he loved has helped us feel close to him. I hope these books help you find your own ways to remember someone you love, too.
Is there a book that has brought your family comfort after loss? Share it in the comments so other families can find it.
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