Something that we get asked fairly frequently is how to talk to kids about grief, death, and loss.
In the decades that we’ve worked with kids and families, we’ve learned a few things about how kids grieve, how to help them process their feelings, and how to explain things to kids in an age-appropriate way.
Kids’ picture books are something that we relied on to help us have the conversations about death and loss.
Here are our favorite children’s books about grief (some we used in the classroom years ago, others we found out about more recently).
Even if your kids haven’t experienced loss yet, save these resources because it is something that we all deal with at some point in our lives. And it can be helpful to talk about loss before it happens.
You’ll Be There
by Amanda Rawson Hill, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
This picture book follows grief through the seasons, showing how memories and love come up during everyday moments and traditions. It uses playful language and joyful illustrations, and gently invites kids and families to keep loved ones present in meaningful ways while honoring longing and wonder. Best for ages 3–9.
Everywhere, Still
by M.H. Clark, illustrated by Claire Sahara Lemp
Whimsical illustrations show a child’s inner world after loss, showing how we can miss and love someone deeply. The type of loss is never specified, so this book can be used for death and other separations such as deployment, foster care, or moving. A hopeful, validating book for ages 3–9.
Saying Goodbye to Lulu
by Corinne Demas, illustrated by Ard Hoyt
A tender story about a girl and her aging dog, Lulu, that gently introduces children to illness, death, and memories. While grief is present, the focus remains on love, memory, and emotional connection. This is a comforting book for young kids learning to cope with loss.
I’ll Always Love You
by Hans Wilhelm
Through the bond between a child and a beloved dog, this simple, heartfelt story explores love, growth, and saying goodbye. Repetition and warmth help make loss feel less frightening for both children and adults.
Grief Came to Visit Today
by Sydney Ford, illustrated by Walter Policelli
Grief arrives as an unexpected visitor, carrying a suitcase full of emotions after a girl loses her grandmother. By personifying grief, the story helps children understand that all feelings—from sadness to anger to moments of happiness—are normal and will change over time. Best for ages 4+.
Goodbye
by Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli, & Isabel Roxas
This illustrated nonfiction book offers clear, compassionate answers to children’s most common questions about death and grief. Designed as a starting point, it supports parents in having honest, developmentally appropriate conversations about loss.
Cape
by Kevin Johnson, illustrated by Kitt Thomas
As a boy prepares for a funeral, his cape becomes both shield and symbol—protecting him from painful memories until he’s ready. When the memories surface, they bring connection and hope. A powerful story about emotional readiness and remembrance.
What Does Grief Feel Like?
by Korie Leigh, illustrated by Mike Malbrough
This nonfiction guide helps children name the emotional and physical experiences of grief. Built-in reflection questions and caregiver resources make it especially supportive for shared reading. Helpful for ages 4–10 and applicable to both death and non-death losses.