BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHILDREN COPING WITH GRIEF

As adults sadly we could be in a position where we are looking at different ways to support our grieving children - counselling may be an approach that works but there are also many books on the market aimed at helping children to cope with their loss and grief and understanding the concept of death.

Here are some books that have been recommended to me, to help children who have suffered bereavement. I am a funeral celebrant in Kent, England and through my work I received recommendations from professional organisations and families on books that have helped through the grieving process. Plus I have created some colouring books which are perfect for parents, caregivers, guardians and educators looking for a supportive activity to help kids process grief in a positive and creative way.

HELPING WITH GRIEF BOOKS FOR UNDER 10 YEAR OLDS

My Grandad by Justine Coombs
"My Grandad" is a creative resource designed to help young children navigate the difficult emotions that come with losing or missing a beloved grandad. Packed with simple illustrations this book encourages children to:

• Remember the special moments shared with their grandad.
• Express emotions like sadness, love, and gratitude through colouring.
• Explore comforting themes like stars, rainbows, and gardens that symbolise love and remembrance.

This book helps children feel connected to their grandad while gently guiding them toward healing. A supportive activity to help process grief in a positive and creative way.

​The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
​Parents, educators, therapists, and social workers alike have declared The Invisible String the perfect tool for coping with all kinds of separation anxiety, loss, and grief. In this relatable and reassuring contemporary classic, a mother tells her two children that they're all connected by an invisible string. "That's impossible!" the children insist, but still they want to know more: "What kind of string?" The answer is the simple truth that binds us all: An Invisible String made of love. Even though you can't see it with your eyes, you can feel it deep in your heart, and know that you are always connected to the ones you love.  This heartwarming picture book for all ages explores questions about the intangible yet unbreakable connections between us, and opens up deeper conversations about love.

​​When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief By Marge Eaton Heegaard - (Drawing Out Feelings
​This book was designed to teach basic concepts of death and help children understand and express the many feelings they have when someone special dies. Communication is increased and coping skills are developed as they illustrate their books with their personal story.

Badger's Parting Gifts: 35th Anniversary Edition of a picture book to help children deal with death by Susan Varley
Badger is so old that he knows he must soon die, so he does his best to prepare his friends. When he finally passes away, they are grief-stricken, but one by one they remember the special things he taught them during his life. By sharing their memories, they realise that although Badger is no longer with them physically, he lives on through his friends.

Features a helpful reading guide from Child Bereavement UK that provides tips for reading Badger’s Parting Gifts with children and helping them better understand grief.

​Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney
How can we answer the many questions young children have about death? Looking for a meaningful way to explain to neighbourhood children the death of a five-year old friend, Doris Stickney adapted the graceful fable about the waterbug that changed into a dragonfly. First published under the title "Death" in 'Colloquy' (December 1971), the story was revised and expanded in 1982 to become the current bestselling Waterbugs and Dragonflies.​

HELPING WITH GRIEF BOOKS FOR PRE TEENS

Milly's Bug Nut by Jilly Janney​
Milly knows that when people die they can't come back, not in the way we want them to.  But this doesn't stop Milly wishing a secret and very important wish.

Milly's Bug Nut is the story of a family finding their way through bereavement and of Milly who finds an unexpected answer to her heart's desire.  Jill Janney, the author of Milly's Bug Nut, wrote this story for her own children after the death of their father.

HELPING WITH GRIEF BOOKS FOR TEENS

Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love by Earl A Grollman​
If you are a teenager whose friend or relative has died, this book was written for you. Earl A. Grollman, the award-winning author of Living When a Loved One Has Died, explains what to expect when you lose someone you love.​

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