7 bestGrief Books For Childrenof July 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
5% off
1
The Memory Box: A Book About Grief
Sparkhouse Family
9.8
2
The Book of Pet Love and Loss: Words of Comfort and Wisdom from Remarkable People
9.6
6% off
3
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Grieving and Recovery: 101 Inspirational and Comforting Stories about Surviving the Loss of a Loved One
Chicken Soup for the Soul
9.4
4
The Remember Balloons
Simon & Schuster
9.1
15% off
5
Walking Grandma Home: A Story of Grief, Hope, and Healing
HarperCollins
8.8
17% off
6
Maybe Tomorrow? (a story about loss, healing, and friendship)
Scholastic
8.5
7
When Children Grieve: For Adults to Help Children Deal with Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses
8.3
A Guide to Selecting the Best Grief Books For Children
Choosing a grief book for children is a thoughtful way to help a young person process loss and understand their emotions. The right book can provide comfort, answer difficult questions, and offer reassurance during a challenging time. When selecting a book, it's important to consider the child's age, emotional maturity, and the nature of the loss. A well-chosen book can open up conversations, validate feelings, and help children feel less alone in their grief.
Age Appropriateness
Age appropriateness refers to how well the book matches the developmental stage of the child. This is important because children of different ages understand and process grief in unique ways. Books for younger children often use simple language, illustrations, and concrete examples, while books for older children or preteens may address more complex emotions and questions. When choosing, look for books that are recommended for the child's age group, and consider whether the language and themes are suitable for their level of understanding.
Type of Loss Addressed
The type of loss addressed in the book is about whether the story deals with the death of a parent, grandparent, pet, friend, or another loved one. This matters because children may relate more closely to stories that mirror their own experiences. Some books are general about loss, while others are specific. Think about the child's situation and choose a book that aligns with the kind of loss they are experiencing, as this can make the story more meaningful and helpful.
Tone and Message
The tone and message of the book refer to how the story approaches grief and what kind of emotional support it offers. Some books are gentle and reassuring, focusing on hope and healing, while others may be more direct about sadness and the reality of loss. It's important to consider what the child needs—some may benefit from a comforting, uplifting message, while others might need validation that it's okay to feel sad or angry. Read reviews or summaries to get a sense of the book's tone and decide what will best support the child's emotional needs.
Illustrations and Visuals
Illustrations and visuals are especially important for younger children, as pictures can help them understand and connect with the story. Books with warm, expressive illustrations can make difficult topics feel more approachable and less intimidating. For older children, fewer or more mature illustrations may be appropriate. Consider the child's age and preferences—some children are comforted by colorful, friendly images, while others may prefer a more realistic or subdued style.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
Cultural and religious sensitivity means that the book respects and reflects the beliefs and traditions of the child and their family. Grief and loss are experienced differently across cultures and religions, and some books incorporate specific rituals, beliefs, or afterlife concepts. If these aspects are important to your family, look for books that align with your values or are neutral enough to fit any background. This helps ensure the book feels relevant and respectful to the child's experience.
Interactive Elements
Some grief books for children include interactive elements like questions, activities, or spaces to draw and write. These features can help children express their feelings and process their grief in a hands-on way. If the child is someone who likes to engage actively, or if you want to use the book as a tool for conversation, consider choosing one with these interactive components. For children who prefer to listen or read quietly, a straightforward story might be a better fit.
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