Children naturally have questions when someone they love dies, and it is a tall order for adults to know what to say! Julia Alvarez’s book “Where do They Go?” is a gentle, poetic look into exploring loss-related questions. As always, the illustrations are breath-taking. Don’t miss this one on our shelves!
When a child loses a parent, it can leave their remaining caregivers in a state of limbo. How do you know what to say to your child when they are hurting? When Mom or Dad Dies by Daniel Grippo is a wonderful resource that empowers caregivers to open the door for conversation with young children about loss, feelings of sorrow, and healing.
When Author Pat Schweibert wanted to pen a resource to help children who are experiencing the loss of their family’s pregnancy, she beautifully titled her book, We Were Gonna Have a Baby, But We had An Angel Instead. This amazing resource explains to young children who were expecting a baby to join the family how to instead grow a spiritual relationship with their sibling. The book meets children where they are at, even acknowledging that “a baby would have been more fun.” This book is a great support for a bereaved family.
You are in for a treat with this whimsical yet enthralling book! Turned Upside Down by Teana Tache is actually two books. . .when you finish one side, just flip the book around to start the next story! This incredible resource helps children foster their spiritual connection to their special person who has died, by showing how signs and symbols from our loved ones can feel like a unique form of communication.
When someone that we love dies, the feelings of longing and homesickness can be overwhelming at times, for children and adults alike. In Julie Muller’s children’s book entitled Till We Meet Again, the reader explores how to connect with your loved one through memories and rituals, which can enhance feelings of togetherness even when our special person isn’t physically here anymore. This beautiful book encourages readers of all ages to recognize the everlasting bonds of love!
The Thing about Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin is a fun read for both children and teens! Suzy Swanson is just trying to navigate middle school. When her friend Franny dies, Suzy is desperate to figure out why, and she has an inkling the jellyfish had something to do with it! Join Suzy on her journey of imagination, learning, and healing.
The Scar by Charlotte Moundlic tells the story of a little boy who wakes up one morning to find that his mother has died, and he tries desperately to keep the essence of his mother in the house – by closing all of the windows! This little boy isn’t sure how to relate to the other adults around him, and DEFINITELY doesn’t want them opening the windows! That is, until his grandmother relates to his sense of loss and longing and encourages different ways that he can form a relationship with his mother that lasts beyond a lifetime.
Steve Herman’s “Dragon Book” series is an exceptional way to teach children about their feelings. In Herman’s book “The Sad Dragon,” a boy’s pet dragon has experienced loss, and he is feeling mad, sad, and scared! Join our young narrator as he helps his dragon cope, all while teaching your children the best way to express themselves!
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is a book that any bereaved child will connect with! When Jeremy and Liza’s mom shares that all of our loved ones are attached to us by an invisible string made of love, they suddenly feel more connected than ever before! Whether your children are missing someone who died, or just missing their friends and routine, this book reminds us that love binds us no matter what our circumstances!
When a group of children find a bird laying on the ground with its eyes closed and no pulse, they know something special needs to be done. In Margaret Wise Brown’s The Dead Bird, we see the wisdom of children shine through as they bury their bird and say goodbye, all on their own. Children truly are amazing!