Books On Death And Grief For Children
As a death doula, I have the privilege of supporting children and families through some of life’s most poignant and challenging moments—death, dying, grief, and loss. My role is to provide compassionate support and create a safe space for open conversations about these difficult topics. I understand that children often experience profound emotions and questions when faced with loss, and my mission is to help them navigate their feelings and find healthy ways to express their grief. In this blog, I want to share valuable resources and book recommendations that can assist families in addressing these vital conversations with children, helping them understand that it’s okay to talk about death and honour their feelings. Children often want to have open honest (age appropriate) conversations and it is often far more distressing for a child to be excluded.
1. The Invisible Leash: A Story Celebrating Love After Loss by Patrice Karst
This heartfelt story explores the enduring bond between a child and a loved pet who has passed away. Through the metaphor of an invisible leash, the book illustrates how love remains a powerful connection even after death. It helps children understand that while they may experience physical separation, their emotional ties persist, providing comfort in grief.
2. The Invisible String by Patrice Karst
In this soothing tale, two siblings learn about the invisible strings that connect them to their loved ones, no matter how far apart they are. The book conveys a powerful message about love transcending distance and loss, providing reassurance to children that they are always linked to family and friends through love. It’s an excellent resource for helping children process feelings of loneliness and longing during difficult times.
3. A Guide to Grief by Cole Imperi
This book serves as a practical guide for older children coping with grief. It offers age-appropriate explanations and relatable scenarios that help young readers understand their feelings and navigate the grieving process. Such as what happens in the days, weeks and months after a loss. With supportive language and engaging illustrations, it encourages children to express their emotions and find healthy ways to cope with loss.
4. We Need to Talk About Death by Sarah Chavez
This informative book addresses the often-difficult topic of death directly, helping children and adults discuss their feelings about death openly and honestly. It covers various aspects of loss, such as green burial, the loss of a pet, various religious practices and offering insights into how children can process death and understand its significance. The practical insight and supportive tone make it an invaluable resource for families navigating conversations about death. It is digestible to read and beautifully illustrated.
5. A Kid's Book About Grief by Brennan C. Wood
This book provides a gentle introduction to the concept of grief tailored specifically for children 5-9. With simple, straightforward language, it helps kids recognize and understand their emotions after losing a loved one. Showcasing that grief is normal, healthy and ok. The book empowers young readers to talk about their feelings, share their experiences, and seek comfort in knowing that grieving is a natural and personal journey.
Navigating grief with children is a delicate journey filled with opportunities for growth, connection, and healing. As a death doula, I have witnessed the power of open dialogue and understanding in helping families cope with loss. The books mentioned in this blog serve as excellent tools for fostering essential conversations and providing comfort during tough times. Remember, it’s important to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and ask questions. By approaching death and grief with honesty and love, we can support our children as they learn to process their experiences, ultimately helping them embrace life’s journey with resilience and hope. These books help give the language and prompt questions in a safe age appropriate manner. It can allow the adult to tie back to the loss the family has experienced to help a child make sense of what has happened.
