Books about grief and loss for 5 to 8 year olds

This beautifully illustrated, simple book will engage young readers, and address the sorrow of any bereavement they experience.

Mog helps a new kitten settle into life with the Thomas family afer she passes away.

How will little Gerda cope when Orlo dies? An invaluable picture book to talk about love, death and making lasting memories. 

A sensitive and moving exploration of the relationship between a young girl and her grandfather.

Sherman is fascinated by the moon – all the more so because he knows someone who has actually been there, his Grandpa!

A heartfelt story which quietly and sensitively explores the the experience of grief through simple storytelling and beautiful artwork.

Merlin the dog desperately misses his friend Hobbs, and finds some comforting scent messages from him. A touching story about grief – perfect for anyone who’s lost a pet.

Jayde Perkin’s sensitive and thoughtful picture book about the way grief feels, and the death of a parent for a young child, is very well handled. It’s a calm and touching portrayal of the ways we can remember the ones we’ve lost.

When Badger dies, his friends are very sad, but one by one, they recall the special things he gave them during his lifetime. Now 35 years old, Badger’s Parting Gifts has been used by countless families experiencing bereavement to help talk about their feelings.

Unconventional subject matter for the very young is presented with gentle humour and a sense of great joy

A little girl helps her grandfather move on from his grief and look forward to fresh adventures. A poignant tale that acknowledges the sadness of losing a loved one but celebrates the pleasure of remembering those who have touched our lives.

Beautifully written and illustrated, this moving story is a sensitive way to talk about death with little ones. 

A welcome re-publication of Foreman’s timeless and evocative account of a boy’s relationship with life and death.

A subtle story about love and loss enhanced by delightful illustrations.

An inquisitive little girl, who is enchanted by the world around her, is badly shaken when she loses someone she loves.

The subject of bereavement is treated in an unusual way in Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, which deals with the death of the author’s own son.

A deceptively simple tale which explores the issue of bereavement for younger readers.