The Best Children’s Books to Help With the Loss of A Parent
- Deborah Giannasi
- Jan 29
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 19
Books Discussing the death of a parent with a child is a daunting experience that brings up intense emotions for all involved. Even with the support of family, friends, school, and local bereavement services, it can be difficult to find the right words to help a child understand that their mum or dad has died. Fortunately, there are lots of resources to help adults speak to children about death, including my guide to explaining the death of a parent to a child. There’s also an array of good quality books that help families and educators discuss death and dying, from gentle picture books for pre-schoolers to engaging comic strips for older children.
The best time to read to children
Bedtime is generally considered a good time to read to children, but books about death and dying are very emotive, so you may need to read them earlier in the day. Children are likely to find the book distressing and will likely have a lot of questions and need some comfort. Make sure you will have time to reassure the child that they don’t have to rush off to school or an activity. It’s best to choose a time when your child is calm and not already dealing with overwhelming emotions, such as after a walk together and when there are no distractions around.
Preparing to read a book about death with a child
Before reading any book about death with a child, you should read it first to prepare yourself for what’s to come and think of any questions that may crop up. Choose a quiet, cozy spot for reading, as a calm environment encourages open dialogue and helps your child feel secure as they explore upsetting themes.
After you have read together
Books about death can make children feel upset and anxious, so you must stay with them for support. After you have finished the story, ask if they would like a few minutes to think about it and if they need anything from you. Children often want to read the same book multiple times as repetition helps them process complex themes and emotions, so be patient and revisit the story as often as they need.
It’s important to be open and honest with children about death, as hiding the truth will only allow their imaginations to run wild and they will feel anxious about what is being kept from them. From avoiding phrases such as “they have gone to sleep” or “ we have lost them” to using age appropriate language, you can read more about talking to children about death in my helpful guide.
My Top Children’s Books about The Death of a Parent
I have read a lot of lovely books about death and dying that have helped children and families, so it is difficult to narrow my favourites down to 10. I find that certain books work for different children, depending on age, interests and concentration levels. I have included picture books for younger children, comic-style stories for those who struggle to concentrate on a lot of text, and books for older children.
Sad, Michael Rosen
My first book is, perhaps, my favourite book to read to children about grief and loss. The book is perfect for 6-11-year-olds, but I have read it to older children, too, particularly when children are expressing sadness in others. The book is inspired by Rosen’s personal experience of losing his son, Eddie, and explores themes of grief, sadness, and depression. I love how Rosen talks about how he feels sad even when he looks like he is happy, encouraging children to think about their own hidden feelings. Rosen doesn’t shy away from the darkness of grief, which is something we mustn’t do with children we are helping through the death of a parent.
When Dinosaurs Die, Laurie Krasney Brown
Another of my favourite books about death is When Dinosaurs Die as so many of the children who I work with love it. The illustrations aren’t as inspiring as some newer books, but they are fun and engaging for younger children. The book looks at different ways people die, what happens to a body when it dies, and different types of funerals. It’s also a good chance to talk about how different religions process grief and death, which is useful even for those who don’t practice. I find this book encourages children to ask a lot of questions about death, which is a great way of getting all of their feelings out in the open.
Always and Forever, Alan Durant
This sweet book follows Rabbit, Mole, and Squirrel as they grapple with the death of their dear friend, Fox. After Fox dies, the animals are overwhelmed by sadness and struggle to move forward. However, as they share stories about Fox’s kindness, humor, and love, they begin to find comfort in their memories, and over time, they learn to cherish Fox’s legacy. The story’s simple, heartfelt language is perfectly tailored for young children, and the book explains death in a way that is not overly detailed or frightening.
Badger’s Parting Gifts, Susan Varley
The story follows Badger, an elderly and wise character who has lived a long and fulfilling life, but who knows his time is coming to an end. One day, Badger peacefully slips away into a "long tunnel”, leaving sis friends Mole, Frog, Rabbit, and Fox heartbroken. As his friends share stories about Badger and the valuable life lessons he taught them, they begin to celebrate his legacy and feel comforted by the gifts he left behind.
The Invisible String, Patrice Karst
This uplifting story reassures children that love continues to connect them to those who have passed away. By introducing the idea of an "invisible string" that ties us to our loved ones, the book offers comfort and hope for children dealing with loss or separation. I have used this book in my work with bereaved children, but it’s also a lovely read for children who have been separated from their parents or who have moved away from family and friends. There’s a great activity book that accompanies the story with lots of gentle and easy worksheets to help children explore their feelings.
The Heart and the Bottle, by Oliver Jeffers
Oliver Jeffers is a favorite in many households, and there aren’t many children who haven’t read The Day The Crayons Quit! Reading books from familiar authors and illustrators is comforting to children, and there will be an element of enthusiasm to read the book, even if the subject is extraordinarily difficult. This poignant story follows a girl who bottles up her feelings after losing a loved one. Over time, she learns to embrace her emotions and reconnect with the world, something that you and the child you’re reading to can discuss together.
The Garden of Hope by Isabel Otter
The Garden of Hope is a gentle and inspiring story about resilience, grief, and hope as it follows the story of Maya, a young girl who is struggling with the absence of her mother. Maya’s world feels dull and empty without her mum, and she finds herself missing her mother’s guidance and warmth. One day, her father shares a story about how her mother would plant seeds to bring life and beauty to their garden, which inspires Maya to begin to nurture her own garden, where she finds solace and hope. This book leads to a nice activity where children can plant seeds in their own garden to remember someone they love.
Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?, Elke Barber
Barber tells the story of Alex, who witnesses the sudden death of his father while on a trip away from home. Alex’s mother explains what has happened in clear, straightforward language, answering Alex’s questions with honesty while offering comfort and reassurance throughout the story, which is helpful for adults who are struggling to find the right language to use with their child. The book addresses not only the loss itself but also the confusion, sadness, and gradual acceptance that follow.
The Boy in the Black Suit, Jason Reynolds
The last book on my list is a book for teenagers that can be read together, whether you read a chapter together each night or you read it before they do. The Boy in the Black Suit is a heartwarming novel that explores themes of grief and healing through the lens of a teenage boy dealing with the loss of his mother from cancer. Matt’s struggles extend beyond grief to include financial hardship, friendship, and navigating young adulthood, something many teenagers will relate to.
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