Picture Books That Help with Grief and Loss
Stories that comfort in difficult times
If you’ve been part of L•M•N•O•Play! for any length of time, you know that Rachel and I really, really love picture books. We love the funny ones, the mysterious ones, the classics, the quirky, and the surprising ones. There truly is a picture book for every kind of child — and for every kind of moment.
I have always believed that picture books can do more than entertain or teach. They can help children (and grown-ups, too) make sense of the world — even in the most difficult moments. That belief is what led me to share some of my very favorite picture books for families experiencing grief.
Why Books Matter in Hard Moments
Growing up in a very small Vermont town, where everything felt as raw and real as the changing seasons, taught me a great deal about how beginnings and endings coexist. In our close-knit community, joys and sorrows were shared openly. Doors were often unlocked. Friends were not limited to people your own age, and neighbors felt like family. Because of this intimacy, I witnessed both new beginnings and inevitable farewells early on, learning that grief, while deeply painful, is also a natural part of being human.
Making Space for Children’s Grief
Today, many children grow up with fewer multigenerational relationships and are often shielded from the realities of loss. As a parent of three and an educator, I understand that instinct to protect our children from pain. And yet, I also believe that children deserve space to acknowledge their grief — to feel it, name it, and move through it in their own time. Thank goodness for books. They can serve as gentle guides, offering language, comfort, and understanding when words are otherwise hard to find.
Books That Help Children Understand Loss
Below are some of my favorite picture books for helping children navigate grief. I hope that, if and when you need them, they will be a source of support and comfort.
This heartwarming story reassures children that the bonds of love remain strong, even when we are apart from those we love. It’s a beautiful choice for children experiencing any kind of separation or loss.
This quiet, honest classic is one of my favorites. Through the simple act of children honoring a bird’s life, it gently introduces loss in a way that feels respectful and comforting — especially for younger children.
Cry, Heart, But Never Break
by Glenn Ringtved
A poignant story that explores life and death while encouraging children to cherish moments together. Best for ages five and up, it reminds us that grief and love are deeply connected.
City Dog, Country Frog
by Mo Willems
This one made me cry. Through the friendship of a dog and a frog, the story illustrates the cycle of life and the endurance of memory. A gentle introduction to loss for children ages four to eight.
by Oliver Jeffers
Everything Oliver Jeffers creates feels both wise and tender. This story explores emotional closure after loss and offers hope for rediscovering joy. It’s especially meaningful for children who feel withdrawn or guarded in their grief.
One Day
by Lee Juck
A book you may not have encountered before — this touching narrative offers peace and perspective, reminding us that even after loss, new beginnings are possible. Particularly helpful for more abstract or complex losses.
A gentle, playful story that helps young children understand grief. I love how it reminds us that even when someone is no longer present, the parts of them we love — their essence — can live on.
Let Books Be a Gentle Guide
Grief can be incredibly isolating, especially for children. It often comes in waves — intense at times, seemingly absent at others — only to resurface when least expected. For parents, it can be an undeniably hard subject to approach, particularly when you may be grieving too.
If you find yourself in this space, consider letting books be both your guide and your solace. By sharing these compassionate stories, you give your children tools to name their feelings, feel less alone, and begin to heal. Books, like steadfast friends, walk beside us through every season — reminding us that even in loss, we are not alone.
Your Partners in Play,
