Stories about grief and loss for 0-5

Reading stories together can be a useful way to talk about sad feelings. This collection of picture books about bereavement contains some of our favourite moving yet uplifting stories.

  • Rabbityness

    by Jo Empson 

    2012 2 to 7 years 

    • Funny
    • Picture books

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

  • Goodbye Mog

    by Judith Kerr 

    2003 4 to 9 years 

    • Classics
    • Picture books

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

  • The Bear-Shaped Hole

    by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty 

    2025 2 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

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

  • Granpa

    by John Burningham 

    2003 4 to 9 years 

    • Picture books

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

  • Only One of Me: A love letter from Mum

    by Lisa Wells and Michelle Robinson, illustrated by Catalina Echeverri 

    2021 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books
    • Poetry and rhyme

    A mum facing terminal illness reassures her daughter that she will always love her, in this beautiful, tender rhyming book written by Lisa Wells – who was diagnosed with terminal cancer – for her children to remember her by.

  • The Laugh

    by Fay Evans, illustrated by Ayşe Klinge 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    A deeply moving picture book about grief and bereavement that will be sure to help children feel that someone understands what they’re feeling.

  • Goodbye Hobbs

    by Emma Bettridge, illustrated by Josephine Birch 

    2022 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    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.

  • When I’m Gone

    by Marguerite McLaren, illustrated by Hayley Wells 

    2023 4 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

    Heart-breaking and beautiful, while also accessible and practical, this picture book about grief and bereavement will be an invaluable resource for children who’ve suffered loss.

  • The Circles in the Sky

    by Karl James Mountford 

    2022 2 to 7 years 

    • Picture books

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

  • Grandad’s Island

    by Benji Davies 

    2015 5 to 9 years 

    • Adventure
    • Picture books

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

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