If you are looking for ways to help explain death and grief to children, try these picture books published in 2024 and 2025. These are gentle approaches covering various living things in ways that people of all ages can understand.
As of this writing, all of these titles are available at the Davenport Public Library. The descriptions are provided by the publishers.
Bird is Dead by Tiny Fisscher, translated by Laura Watkinson, illustrated by Herma Starreveld
An honest and simple exploration of death and grief for kids 4 to 8. With playful illustrations by a therapist-turned-artist, Bird is Dead uses humor to make death a more approachable topic.
Bird is dead. Yesterday he was alive. How do the other birds know? On your back + feet up = dead. Some of the birds cry a little. And that’s alright. Crying together can be nice. When it’s time to give Bird a funeral, they reminisce about him, and then have tea with worms (or cake, if you don’t like worms).
In a straightforward but warm way, this picture book of collaged birds can facilitate discussions with kids about:
- What happens when someone dies
- How to understand their feelings of loss and grief
- How everyone can experience grief differently, and have a variety of emotions when something tragic happens
Sensitive and humorous, Bird is Dead provides kids and adults with a space to talk about death on their own terms. – Greystone Kids
The Fire Fox by Alexandra Page, illustrations by Stef Murphy
An uplifting, magical book perfect for sharing at bedtime that will leave children feeling warm, cosy and loved.
Freya and her mum have gone to a little cabin to get away for a while. The light has gone out of their lives since Freya’s dad passed away. Freya isn’t sure about going sledging, but when she meets a magical fox in the snow, she can’t help but follow him into the forest – and on to a thrilling adventure.
A heartwarming bedtime story inspired by the Finnish Saami myth of the revontulet, or fox fires – the sparks that fly from the fur of a mystical fox to become the Northern Lights.
The Fire Fox is a gloriously illustrated, beautifully written story about the nurturing light of love that can’t be dimmed, written by debut author Alexandra Page and illustrated by the exciting talent Stef Murphy. This enchanting picture book with its touching story of sadness, hope, love and joy begs to be read again and again. – Pan Macmillan
The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla
A powerful story perfect for opening up conversations about loss
What does it feel like to lose someone you love? For one little boy, it’s like he has a hole in his life. It’s in the bottom bunk, where his little brother, Matty, used to sleep, and it’s on his brother’s chair at dinner. It follows him everywhere until the day he decides to really explore it. Inside the hole he confronts his grief—the sadness, the anger, and the truth of how much he misses Matty. His friend is waiting when he climbs out, and when she asks, “Do you want to tell me about your brother?” he’s surprised to find that talking about Matty is a comfort—and helps fill his hole with good memories. – Nancy Paulsen Books
Loose Threads: A Story about Me, Mom, and Dad written and illustrated by Airien Ludin
Mom, Dad, and I have the happiest days together, full of delicious meals, arts and crafts, and goodnight hugs. One day, though, Mom gets sick. She will never get better. Like a ball of yarn, I unravel and get tangled up in my emotions. But when Dad and I talk about the sadness, the knots slowly loosen a bit. And in time, sharing our grief frees up some room for beautiful memories, old and new.
A comforting book about loss, love, and strength. For children ages 5 years and up. – Clavis
Popi’s All Souls Song by C.K. Malone, illustrated by Shelly Swann
A gorgeously illustrated story about loss, community, and bringing comfort to others.
Every year on All Souls Day, Mara and her grandparents visit homes in their neighborhood to bring comfort and a song to those mourning the death of a loved one. But this year, Mara and Nene have lost Popi. As Nene leads Mara through their yearly ritual, Mara compares her own grief to that of each neighbor they visit. Then she catches sight of the frozen tears on Nene’s face.
Setting aside the bitterness icing her heart to help her beloved grandmother, Mara rekindles Popi’s song and brings her community together to honor him.
Popi’s All Souls Song is a poignant, timeless story with luminous art, drawing readers into the realization that no person’s loss or grief is bigger or more important than anyone else’s. And when we bring comfort to others, we experience comfort ourselves.
Backmatter includes an author’s note with a brief history of the All Souls Day holiday and traditions associated with the day. – Beaming Books
Under Anna’s Umbrella by Amanda Driscoll, illustrated by Luisa Uribe
When a loved one dies, grief can isolate us as if we’re hiding under an umbrella of sadness. This touching and wise story will comfort the readers who need it most.
Anna never goes anywhere without her umbrella. Not since the stormy day of her father’s funeral. Under her umbrella, she feels safe—safe to be angry and sad. She refuses to put away her umbrella no matter the weather, both outside and in. And then one rainy day she notices a boy getting drenched, and when she invites him under the umbrella with her, things begin to change.
This heartfelt story explores how grief, like an umbrella, protects us, but also blocks light from our lives. However, with time and healing and help from a friend, we can lower our umbrella to see the sun. And maybe even a rainbow. – Rocky Pond Books
Where are you, Brontë? by Tomie DePaola, illustrated by Barbara McClintock
This touching story about love, loss, and remembrance in the wake of losing a beloved pet is the final completed book written by beloved creator Tomie dePaola, with art by award-winning illustrator Barbara McClintock.
Where are you, Brontë?
The day you left me, I knew I would miss you.
And I did. Every day, every night.
But then, I knew you were right here, still with me, in my heart forever.
Children’s book legend Tomie dePaola tells the emotional and deeply personal story about overcoming his grief after the loss of his beloved dog, Brönte. – Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
