Grief Resource Books
- Jennifer Rowe
- 50 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Grief is something no child (or adult) should have to face alone.
But when loss touches a young life, stories can become a gentle bridge between the weight of emotions and the words to express them. Picture books about grief help children understand what’s happening, name their feelings, and see that love can remain even after someone is gone.
These stories don’t rush healing or try to “fix” grief. Instead, they make space for sadness, memory, and hope to exist side by side. They offer comfort in times of confusion and give children permission to feel everything without shame or judgment.
Whether you’re supporting a child through the loss of a loved one, helping them process a big change, or simply want to prepare them for life’s hardest moments, these picture books and grief resources provide gentle guidance, empathy, and connection.
*Some of the book recommendations on this page may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you - if you choose to purchase a book through one of these links. I only recommend books and resources that I genuinely believe can support your growth, healing, or personal development. Please note that these recommendations are not endorsements of any specific author, viewpoint, or method, and I encourage you to explore what feels right for your unique journey.
Picture Books for Processing Loss
A compassionate story helping children navigate trauma and find ways to cope.
A hopeful tale of community support and healing after disaster.
A gentle metaphor for grief and the space left behind when someone dies.
A moving story about honoring the memory of a sibling.
A tender exploration of loss and remembrance through a child’s eyes.
A heartfelt look at friendship, loss, and holding on to happy memories.
A poetic, symbolic conversation between a grieving boy and a wise gorilla.
A quiet, meditative reflection on nature, memory, and healing.
A story about finding ways to remember and honor those who have passed.
A warm, nostalgic tribute to time spent with a beloved grandparent.
Gentle Guides to Grief
A metaphor-rich picture book that validates grief’s presence and process.
A tender reminder that love remains even after loss.
A comforting vision of reunion and ongoing connection.
A gentle metaphor for the cycles of life and death.
A candid, kid-friendly look at the realities of death.
A powerful reminder that sometimes the best comfort is simply listening.
A hands-on way for children to hold onto memories of loved ones.
A touching friendship story that gently introduces the concept of death.
A straightforward, age-appropriate introduction to loss and grief.
A bright, accessible way to talk about saying goodbye.
An honest, comforting explanation of life cycles.
A celebration of memory and enduring love.
A beloved metaphor for life, death, and transformation.
Additional Notable Grief Books
A gentle conversation about faith and life after death.
A poetic vision of peace and beauty after life.
A moving guide to living with grief while honoring love.
A compassionate rejection of the “move on” culture surrounding loss.
A fresh approach to living with grief.
Daily reflections to support grieving hearts.
Books Offering Grief Support for Children & Teens
A timeless metaphor for the unbreakable connections between loved ones.
Interactive activities help children work through grief.
Practical, honest guidance for teens experiencing loss.
Books for Grieving Specific Losses
A classic meditation on grief and faith.
Practical guidance for navigating widowhood.
Support for parents grieving the loss of a baby.
A raw, beautifully written memoir about stillbirth.
A groundbreaking look at the lifelong impact of losing a mother.
Understanding and coping with the loss of parents in adulthood.
A creative memoir about memory, grief, and identity.
Candid, often humorous essays about grief in the modern world.
Therapist-Recommended Workbooks & Tools
Daily practices and reflections for living with loss.
A structured program for moving through grief.
Thanks for taking the time to explore these grief resources.
Grief doesn’t have a timetable, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone.
These books, whether for children, teens, or adults, can’t erase loss, but they can offer comfort, understanding, and the reminder that you’re not alone in carrying it.
If you’ve read a grief resource that’s helped you or someone you love, I’d be honored to hear about it so I can share it with others who might need it. 💜
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