9 Comforting Books For Kids Coping With The Death Of A Family Member
Death can be one of the hardest topics to talk about with children, especially when it involves a parent or sibling. It can feel so difficult to know what to say or how to support them on their journey of grief and healing.
These 9 picture books offer comfort and connection for kids after they experience the death of a family member. They will help kids see their own feelings reflected and remind them that love continues even after loss.
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Missing Mummy by Rebecca cobb
Recommended Grades: K-1
The girl in this story has said goodbye to her mummy, but she doesn’t understand where she is or what happened. When she realizes that her mummy isn’t coming back, she feels sad, angry, and even worried. Her dad explains to her that her mummy died, that she can’t come back because her body doesn’t work, and that it wasn’t the girl’s fault at all. Together, they work through the grief by remembering Mummy, how special she was, and how special she still is.
The dreams we made by lisa bentley
Recommended Grades: K-2
In this story, the girl and her dad loved making dreams together. When he went to work, he told her to keep working on her dreams, and she did. One day, the day that they were supposed to finish their biggest dream yet, the girl’s dad suddenly dies. The girl doesn’t know how she’s supposed to keep dreaming without her dad, but with the help of her mom, she learns that her dad is still with her in her dreams.
the laugh by fay evans and ayse klinge
Recommended Grades: K to 3
The little girl in this book tells a story about a lady (presumably her mom) who has an amazing laugh. It is the best laugh in the entire world and makes everything better. Even when the lady is sick and can’t laugh, she still smiles from her eyes. One day, the lady dies and her laughter is gone too. After that, nothing is the same for the little girl because the lady and her laughter aren’t there. Eventually though, the laughter comes back through the little girl.
lost in the clouds by dk and tom tinn-disbury
Recommended Grades: K to 3
When Billy’s mom died, he liked to believe that she was in the clouds. He felt like he was still able to connect with her when she was in the clouds, but it didn’t seem to be as easy for his dad. On one tough day, Billy decided to find a way to climb into the clouds to be with his mom. When he slipped, his dad caught him, and they were finally able to talk about how they were feeling. Billy’s dad helped him understand that it’s okay to miss his mom and feel angry or sad. He also encouraged Billy to talk about how he’s feeling, tell his mom about the things that are happening, and remember all of the fun times he had with his mom.
cape by kevin johnson
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
The boy in this story is ready for his father’s funeral with his suit, his tie, and his cape. He uses his cape to try to block the memories that are too painful to acknowledge. No matter how hard he tries to avoid the memories, they come anyway, and the boy is able to find joy in remembering so many great things about his dad.
Ben’s Flying Flowers by inger maier
Recommended Grades: 1 to 3
Emily’s brother Ben had a serious illness. Still, they liked to go out and look for butterflies, or “flying flowers” as they called them. As Ben was able to do less and less, Emily drew him pictures of butterflies and even made him a butterfly pillow. When Ben died, Emily decides that she won’t draw pictures of anything happy ever again. One day, on a walk with her dad, she saw a butterfly who needed help. Stopping to rescue the butterfly was just what she needed to begin feeling better. Over time, Emily was able to do things that helped her heal while remembering the joy and love Ben brought.
one wave at a time by holly thompson
Recommended Grades: 2 to 4
In this story, the boy describes his experience with grief after his dad dies. He talks about how the feelings - sadness, anger, fear, and happiness come in waves, and how sometimes there are no waves at all. The waves are unpredictable and overwhelming. During this time, the boy and his family go to therapy groups, make memory boxes and grief kits, and find other ways to ride the waves when they come.
the scar by charlotte moundlic
Recommended Grades: 2 to 4
This book explores a boy’s experience right before and shortly after his mom dies. He navigates his feelings of anger, sadness, responsibility, and fear alongside his dad. When he gets a scratch on his leg, he can hear his mom giving him the encouragement she used to give when he got hurt. Slowly, and with the help of his grandma, the boy realizes that his mom’s love is always near.
remembering ethan by leslea newman
Recommended Grades: 2 to 4
Sarah has so many great memories with her big brother Ethan. When he dies, Sarah’s parents don’t want to talk about what happened and seem upset anytime she mentions him. This makes her feel like her and her cat Buttons are the only people who miss Ethan. Towards the end of the book, her parents share that they miss Ethan so much and were too hurt to talk about him. Then, Sarah and her parents were able to sit down and talk together about all the special memories they shared with him.
Grief takes time, and every child’s journey is different, but I hope that these 9 books will help you provide support and connection to your children or students as they navigate the death of a family member.
