Books About Grief

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Kids and teens who've experienced the death of a loved one or pet may find comfort -- or a starting point for discussion -- in a book about the subject. From picture books for the youngest readers and prereaders to edgy young adult novels, these selections touch on a variety of situations, including the loss of a parent, grandparent, sibling, friend, classmate, or animal, as well as the devastation and confusion that come in the wake of teen suicide. For more stories about tough moments in life, check out our Top Picks for Coming-of-Age Stories and Books to Talk About.

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Boats for Papa Poster Image

BOOK

Boats for Papa

age 3+

Tender, moving story about boy and mom dealing with loss.

Jessixa Bagley Picture Book (2015)

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City Dog, Country Frog Poster Image

BOOK

City Dog, Country Frog

age 3+

Touching tale of dog-frog friendship depicts cycle of life.

Mo Willems Picture Book (2010)

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Koko's Kitten Poster Image

BOOK

Koko's Kitten

age 3+

Amazing true story of pet loss helps kids understand grief.

Dr. Francine Patterson Animals (1985)

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The Goodbye Book Poster Image

BOOK

The Goodbye Book

age 3+

Comforting story about grief, loss, and finding joy again.

Todd Parr Emotions (2015)

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Abuelita's Gift book cover: Julieta and Abuela, both in white flowing dresses, dance together

BOOK

Abuelita's Gift: A Día de Muertos Story

age 4+

A beautiful tale of remembrance, Mexican culture.

Mariana Ríos Ramírez Picture Book (2024)

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Drawn Onward book cover: Young boy with sword and shield breaks through the frame with mini-dragon-like creature flying behind him

BOOK

Drawn Onward

age 4+

Boy works through his grief in daring, dazzling adventure.

Daniel Nayeri Picture Book (2024)

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Ida, Always Poster Image

BOOK

Ida, Always

age 4+

Heartrending, hopeful story of farewell to dying friend.

Caron Levis Emotions (2016)

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Ocean Meets Sky Poster Image

BOOK

Ocean Meets Sky

age 4+

Boy remembers his grandfather in magical, visual tale.

Terry Fan , Eric Fan Picture Book (2018)

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Book cover: Two young boys stand on a rock above a blue lake with a bright sun shining

BOOK

Our Lake

age 4+

Beautifully illustrated story gently navigates loss.

Angie Kang Picture Book (2025)

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Tess's Tree Poster Image

BOOK

Tess's Tree

age 4+

Sweet story of grief and healing is pitch perfect.

Jess Brallier Emotions (2009)

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The Dead Bird Poster Image

BOOK

The Dead Bird

age 4+

Classic about kids burying bird gets vibrant new art.

Margaret Wise Brown Picture Book (2016)

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The Invisible Leash book cover: White girl with her ghost-like image of her cat and and brown-skinned boy with a ghost version of his dog sit looking at the moon

BOOK

The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet

age 4+

Boy finds connection to deceased dog in warm grief tale.

Patrice Karst Picture Book (2019)

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Where Are you Brontë book cover: White-haired man draws picture of dog on drafting table, with paint brushes, art pencils, empty dog bed nearby

BOOK

Where Are You, Brontë?

age 4+

Man misses dog but loves him always in sweet grief tale.

Tomie dePaola Picture Book (2025)

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A Stone for Sascha Poster Image

BOOK

A Stone for Sascha

age 5+

Beautiful art in wordless tale of loss and passage of time.

Aaron Becker Picture Book (2018)

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A Walk in the Woods book cover: Sketches over a watercolor painting show a Black boy in a red cap walking alone in a wooded area

BOOK

A Walk in the Woods

age 5+

Stunning, artful, emotional take on loss and healing.

Nikki Grimes Picture Book (2023)

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BOOK

Cape

age 5+

Heartrending, important story about love and loss.

Kevin Johnson Picture Book (2023)

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The Gift of Eid book cover: A mother in a hijab holds her daughter’s hand before a heart-shaped window that frames a minaret

BOOK

The Gift of Eid

age 5+

A heartfelt tale of loss and love around a Muslim holiday.

Shifa Saltagi Safadi Picture Book (2025)

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Bluebird Poster Image

BOOK

Bluebird

age 6+

Striking, vibrant tale of friendship, bullying, and loss.

Bob Staake Picture Book (2013)

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Dark-haired girl rides behinda rider in a hooded cape of dark green feathers on a large green horse across a night sky with crows to the left

BOOK

The Invisible Parade

age 6+

Girl meets three ghosts and Death in artful grief tale.

Leigh Bardugo Picture Book (2025)

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The Poet's Dog Poster Image

BOOK

The Poet's Dog

age 6+

Talking dog helps stranded kids in gentle book about grief.

Patricia MacLachlan Literary Fiction (2016)

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