Children's books that explore grief and loss

This list of books explores grief, bereavement and loss including the death of parents and loved ones. We’ve also included books where, even if the story doesn’t centre around loss, the protagonist has still experienced a bereavement, with the goal of showing that loss is normal, and that there is life beyond grief. We also encourage parents or people working with children to read these books, as many of them beautifully capture the experience of losing someone or processing grief as a child. As with all our resources, we advise that you read the book before using it with your class and use your judgement about whether it is appropriate for the children you work with.

For more advice on supporting children who have experienced loss or a bereavement see Child Bereavement UK(this link will open in a new window).

Jenny Pearson The Boy Who Made Monsters

After his parents are killed in a boating accident, Benji and his brother Stanley move into his uncle’s house in Scotland, beside Loch Lochy. Benji believes in things that no one else does – like the Loch Lochy monster and that his parents might come home one day. Determined to prove the monster’s existence, Benji is faced with a very different kind of monster.

Nadine Aisha Jassat The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

This novel in verse follows Nyla, a young girl who is determined to unravel a family mystery. The book addresses loss in multiple ways – Nyla’s father died when she was young, and her grandmother is living with Alzheimer’s, meaning she sometimes doesn’t remember who Nyla is. This beautiful book is filled with a lot of empathy, as well as celebrating the things that can give us solace: libraries, books, gardens, music, friendship and community.

Dan Santat The Aquanaut

Sophia’s father was lost at sea, and ever since she’s been spending all her time at Aqualand, the theme park her father and uncle created. When a strange man in a diving bell breaks into the research lab, he and Sophia decide to team up to free the sea creatures in the park. This graphic novel beautifully explores loss and friendship as well as conservation and the environment.

Maisie Chan Keep Dancing, Lizzie Chu

The story of Lizzie Chu takes place after Lizzie’s grandmother has died and she becomes a carer for her grandfather. Despite Lizzie’s grief, she’s sustained by her friends and community. The book follows her as she plans a chaotic trip to Blackpool to have one last dance with her grandfather and it’s just as funny as it is touching!

Hannah Gold The Last Bear

Since April’s mother died, she and her father aren’t as close. April and her dad move to an Arctic Outpost for his job and whilst he’s working she wanders Bear Island where she finds a stranded polar bear. This book is a rallying cry for the environment with a lot of heart.

Adam Baron Benji Davies Boy Underwater

Cymbeline’s life changes the day he’s pushed into a swimming pool and it’s revealed he never learned how to swim. When no one will answer his questions Cym and his friends team up to solve the mystery of why he never learned and why his Mum is so upset. Both hilarious and heart-breaking, this novel expertly looks at the pain of unspoken tragedies.

Pádraig Kenny Pog

After their mother’s death, David and Penny move to a house in the middle of the forest. In the attic, David and Penny discover Pog: a magical furry First Folk who guards a portal between our world and one full of dark creatures. Now, there are dark forces in the woods, drawn towards David and Penny and their feelings of loss. Blending fantasy and adventure, this book offers an incredibly honest look at grief, including finding healing and hope.

Frances Tosdevin Rhian Stone Grandad's Star

A little girl spends time with her astronomer grandad, captivated by everything he knows about the cosmos. However, over time, he slowly starts to forget the constellations, until one day, he can’t remember her name or who she is. This beautiful picture book offers a gentle exploration of loving someone with memory loss.

Julie Stokes You Will Be Okay

This non-fiction guide has been designed for children experiencing grief and loss. With a gentle style, readers will be guided through stories from people who have experienced grief themselves, as well as practical exercises and writing prompts. Throughout, there’s a focus on healing, recovery, resilience and finding your own way to process grief.

Alison Goldberg Selina Alko The Remembering Candle

On the anniversary of their grandfather’s death, a family light a yahrzeit candle. The candle burns all night long, whilst the young boy and his family share their memories about their grandfather: what he wore, his favourite foods, the way he played piano. This richly illustrated picture book explores our methods of grieving, including within Jewish tradition.

Michael Rosen Quentin Blake Michael Rosen's Sad Book

In this illustrated picture book, Michael Rosen shares his experience of losing his son, Eddie, to meningitis. It’s a heartfelt look at how loss and sadness can feel inescapable. Michael Rosen’s Sad Book also explores how everyone’s relationship with grief is deeply personal, touching their lives in own different ways. We love how this picture book explores the emotions of grief, showing that adults, too can experience loss and struggle to articulate themselves.