When a grandparent has died

Dear Grandma Bunny

Dick Bruna

From the classic Miffy Series, the late Dick Bruna shares the tale of Miffy saying goodbye to Grandma Bunny. The book covers the death of something important, saying goodbye and thanking Grandma Bunny for everything she did. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

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Grandad’s Bench

Addy Farmer

This is a beautiful, sensitively told story of love and loss and of a special relationship between grandfather and grandson.

Jake loves playing in Grandad’s workshop. One autumn day, Grandad teaches Jake how to chisel his name in a piece of wood, and afterwards they go to the park. Grandad shows Jake the tree that grew from an acorn he planted when he was a boy. Jake goes off to buy ice-creams and returns to find Grandad on the ground. The ambulance arrives. Mum and Jake go home without Grandad. Jake grieves for his grandfather all winter. But Grandad has left him his workshop and Jake wants to make something special. With Mum’s help, he does – a plaque for the bench under Grandad’s tree. It is spring; for the first time in months, Jake feels happy.

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Granpa

John Burningham

Adorable Granpa gamely nurses his granddaughter’s dolls, eats her pretend strawberry-flavoured ice cream, takes her tobogganing in the snow, and falls in step with her imaginary plans to captain a ship to Africa like all good grandfathers should. Winner of the Kate Maschler Award, this poignant tale of friendship and loss is one children will long remember.

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I've Never Met My Grandpa

Shannon Zigmund

A realistic story of a child’s curiosity about death and lost loved ones. This story paints a picture of a little girl’s curiosity to know her grandfather, who died before she was born. What was he like? Will she ever be able to meet him? Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years.

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Saying Goodbye to Nanny

Lorna Vyse

This book sensitively explores how the death of her nanny impacts on Ivy-Rose's life. It offers a realistic and honest account of serious illness and end-of-life care.  It is targeted at children aged 7-9 years but is suitable for other ages. 

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Stones for Grandpa

Renee Londner

This book follows the story of a young boy as he gathers at the cemetery with his family for the unveiling of  his grandpa’s gravestone, bringing stones to place on the grave, in the Jewish custom. Recommended for ages 5 to 9 years.

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Suzie Goes to a Funeral

Charlotte Olson

Join Suzie as she goes to Grandma’s funeral and says goodbye. Suzie can help explain to a child who may be anxious about going to a funeral for the first time. A simple story to help and show what they might experience on this day.

Buy from Suzie Books

The Window

All the other windows in the hospital look out on dull, grey buildings, but Daria and her grandpa can see the beach from the window in his room. Whenever Daria visits, she and her grandpa sit and watch crashing waves, flying kites, and happy families. Daria hopes for the day she and Grandpa will be able to visit the beach and build sandcastles together.

Accompanied by notes for parents and guardians written by Dr Sharie Coombes, child and family psychotherapist, on how to support children who are experiencing a bereavement. 

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