Helping Kids Grieve: Books About Miscarriage And Baby Loss
Explaining miscarriage or infant loss to a child can be one of the hardest conversations a parent faces. It can be hard to know what to say and how to support children who are grieving the loss of a sibling.
These 7 picture books about miscarriage and infant loss are written to help families navigate tough emotions with compassion. They can be used by parents and caregivers, as well as counselors and other educators who are supporting children.
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I miss the baby by irma prosser
Recommended Grades: Pre-K to 1
This story follows the experience of various children after their mom has a miscarriage. This is a short, simple story that outlines the many feelings and thoughts that children may have during this experience.
always sisters by saira mir
Recommended Grades: K-2
Raya can’t wait for her baby sister Nura to arrive. She dreams of all the fun things they’ll get to do together. When Raya’s mom goes to a checkup, she learns that the baby won’t be coming home. Raya is sad and confused, but her family and the people around her help her to talk about her feelings, remember Nura, and spread her love.
grow big, little seed by nec nanayakkara
Recommended Grades: K to 2
When Nina’s mom was pregnant, Nina decided to plant a seed and watch it grow while she waited for the baby to be born. Yet, her seed stopped growing. When this happens, readers can see in the background that Nina’s parents are also coping with the loss of their baby. Her dad suggested that she plant a new seed, but she wasn’t ready. After a while, she was ready. She planted a new seed that grew and bloomed just like her family, who is shown with two new babies.
something happened by cathy blanford
Recommended Grades: K to 2
The boy in this story was going to have a new baby in his family and everyone was so excited. Unfortunately, one night they had to go to the hospital so they could say goodbye to the baby. The boy’s parents explain that the baby died, but that no one did anything wrong. The boy mourns the loss of the baby, but he and his family are able to remember the baby and celebrate the love that they still have.
perfectly imperfect family by amie lands
Recommended Grades: K to 2
The boy in this book has a little brother, as well as a sister who died before he was born. He shares the ways that his family remembers and honors his sister, and how their love for her goes on. This is a great book for working with kids who have an older sibling who died as a baby, or even to help explain how an infant loss might impact a family.
some babies can’t stay by jessica ells
Recommended Grades: K to 3
This book includes a wonderful message about the babies who we have to say goodbye to too soon. Some babies come, but they can’t stay and we have to say goodbye. Whether they stay for a while, or never get to open their eyes, it’s hard to say goodbye. Everyone experiences the loss differently, but the memory of these sweet babies and our love for them never ends.
dear star baby by malcolm newsome
Recommended Grades: K to 3
The boy in this book is ready to welcome his little sibling until one day he learns that the baby won’t be coming home - they’ll be going to be with the stars instead. As the family mourns together, the boy reflects on how he’s still connected to the star baby.
Losing a baby is a heartbreaking experience for any family, and children often sense that something sad has happened even if they can’t quite put it into words. These picture books offer warmth, honesty, and hope as families - including their children- navigate this loss.
