About death and grief Expand Always and Forever Alan Durant When Fox dies the rest of his ‘family’ are absolutely distraught. How will Mole, Otter and Hare go on without their beloved friend? But, months later, Squirrel reminds them all of how funny Fox used to be, and they realise that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories. Buy from Amazon Badger's Parting Gifts Susan Varley Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but when he does die, they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends’ memories of him. The new, 35th anniversary edition of the book features a reading guide from Child Bereavement UK that provides tips for reading Badger’s Parting Gifts with children and helping them better understand grief. Download our online information sheet Talking With and Supporting Bereaved Children with further notes and guidance, using examples and illustrations from the book. Buy from Amazon Goodbye Mog Judith Kerr Mog was tired. Mog thought, ‘I want to sleep for ever.’ And so she did. But a little bit of her stayed awake to see what would happen next. Mog keeps watch over the upset Thomas family, who miss her terribly, and she wonders how they will ever manage without her. Eventually the family are able to begin moving forward in their lives, but little Debbie says she will always remember Mog. ‘So I should hope,’ thinks Mog. And she flies up and up and up right into the sun. Buy from Amazon Goodbye Mousie Robie H Harris The story of a young boy dealing with the death of his pet mouse is handled with the sure touch of an author familiar with children’s tender emotions. Simply told by the boy, in a matter of fact tone with a dash of humour, he recounts his reactions to the death of his pet mouse. Buy from Amazon Hamza attends a Janaza Shabana Hussain Hamza’s usual fun Saturday is cancelled when his family receives the sad news that Uncle Sameer has died. Follow Hamza through the day as he learns about the various aspects of a janaza. This story is a gentle introduction to attending an Islamic funeral, told from a child’s perspective. It familiarises children with the etiquettes and some of the rituals surrounding a funeral and provides an opportunity for important discussions around death and the afterlife in an age-appropriate manner. Buy from Kube Publishing I Lost Something Very Special Husna Rahman and Anita Bagdi 'I Lost Something Very Special' tells the story of a little girl who shares some of her fondest memories as she tries to make sense of losing something very, very special. This book is centred around loss and grief for children aged 3-7 years old. Buy from Amazon I Miss You: A First Look at Death Pat Thomas This book helps children understand that death is a natural complement to life, and that grief and a sense of loss are normal feelings for them to have. For pre-school and early years. Buy from Amazon Love Will Never Die Clare Shaw Using clear but child-friendly language and large colourful illustrations, this rhyming book addresses the mixed feelings a bereaved child might go through. It offers support and understanding alongside interactive areas where the child can express themselves through writing and drawing. Buy from Amazon Michael Rosen's Sad Book Michael Rosen A very personal story that speaks to adults as well as children. The author describes feeling sad after the death of his son and what he does to try to cope with it. Buy from Amazon Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died Winston’s Wish Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on different aspects of their grief. Buy from Amazon No Matter What Debi Gliori 'I'm a grim and grumpy little Small and nobody loves me at all,' said a small fox. But that's not true and Small's mother is determined to prove that her love is limitless - no matter what! With sparkly foil stars and a small, sturdy board format, this is the perfect story to share with the very young. A beautiful, lyrical, loving book about setting big worries to rest. Buy from Amazon Pepper, Pooch and Little Caroline Jay, illustrated by Catherine Swan A picture book for 4+ year olds about the lifetimes of Pepper the hamster, Pooch the puppy and Little the tortoise, which offers a gentle introduction to life and death and the importance of the memories that link them. Designed to trigger discussion and help adults to support children as they think about life and death. Buy from Swan Jay Books Rabbityness Jo Empson This is the story of a very special rabbit. He enjoys doing rabbit things, but he also loves – well, un-rabbity things. His boundless creative talent is a source of joy and inspiration to the other rabbits. When Rabbit suddenly disappears, no one knows where he has gone. His friends are desolate. But, as it turns out, Rabbit left behind some very special gifts for them, to help them discover their own un-rabbity talents! Buy from Amazon Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Saying Goodbye to Hare Carol Lee This is an uplifting story written for children aged 5-9 years about death and dying. As young Rabbit witnesses the life, illness and death of his dear friend Hare, the story explores some of the emotional and physical feelings, and some of the questions children have at this time. The story is sensitively written to give a positive, thoughtful message about death and dying. It also includes guidance notes for adults supporting a bereaved child. Buy from Amazon Someone has died in road crash Mary Williams OBE and Caroline Chisholm Two young characters, who have been bereaved by a road crash, narrate the colourful book by giving caring and helpful tips. Tackling all the tough questions that children may want to ask, the book deals with the crash itself, funerals, police investigation and the possible emotions a child may experience. There is also an additional download with tips for adults on how to use the book with young children. Download from Brake Someone has died suddenly Mary Williams and Steve Fraser This colourful book, prepared in partnership with bereavement specialists, is for suddenly bereaved children and adults to read together. It helps children understand their strong feelings and gives suggestions to help them cope. It provides straightforward information about practical things that happen after a sudden death, such as a post-mortem examination. There is also an additional download with tips for adults on how to use the book with young children. Available to download from Sudden Someone I know has died Trish Phillips Innovative activity book with interactive features written for bereaved children to do by themselves or with adult help. For primary-aged children. Buy from Child Bereavement UK The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself Ali Redford Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication. Buy from Amazon The Invisible String Patricia Karst This story that teaches of the tie that really binds. Mums and Dads feel the tug whenever kids give it; and kids feel the tug that comes right back: the Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach anyway? Whether it is a loved one who has died, or a parent who is just in the next room, this book illustrates a new way to cope with a child’s fear of loneliness and separation. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we are never really alone. Buy from Amazon The Lonely Tree Nicholas Halliday This beautiful and moving story follows the first year in the life of a lone evergreen tree growing in the heart of the ancient oak woodland of the New Forest. The evergreen is befriended by the oldest oak who has lived for hundreds of years. When winter arrives all the oak trees must go to sleep, but of course evergreens never sleep. Finally, after a long, cold and lonely winter, spring brings both sadness and joy to the little tree. There is also a colouring book that accompanies this story, which you can also buy from Amazon. Buy from Amazon The Magical Wood Mark Lemon One cold and stormy day, the wind blew a terrible gale. The next day the tree family woke to find that Strongest Tree had fallen to the woodland floor and had sadly died. How would the tree family survive the seasons without the strength of Strongest Tree? Audiobook available for free from Lemon Drop Books The Memory Tree Britta Teckentrup Fox has lived a long and happy life in the forest. One day, he lies down in his favourite clearing, takes a deep breath, and falls asleep for ever. One by one, Fox's friends tell stories of the special moments that they shared with Fox. This gentle and comforting tale celebrates life and the memories that are left behind when a loved one dies. Buy from Amazon The Tenth Good Thing about Barney Judith Viorst A book looking about death from the perspective of a child. Though dealing with the death of a pet, it helps children deal with the reality of any death, including why we have funerals. This book does not have religious overtones, so it can be used by families with all different sets of beliefs. Buy from Amazon Tough Boris Mem Fox Boris von der Borch is a mean, greedy old pirate – tough as nails, through and through, like all pirates. Or is he? Buy from Amazon Waterbugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young children Doris Stickney Written from a Christian perspective, this acclaimed book can be used to help explain the concept of death to young children. The story illustrates that death is inevitable, irreversible but natural. Buy from Amazon What Does Dead Mean?A Book for Young Children to Help Explain Death and Dying Caroline Jay and Jenni Thomas, OBE A book for young children to help explain death and dying, based on the many questions that children ask. This book looks at questions such as why ‘Why can’t doctors and nurses make people better?’, and offers practical help for children, as well as guidance for parents and carers when a child is bereaved. Buy from Amazon When Dinosaurs Die – A Guide to Understanding Death Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown A comprehensive, sensitive guide for families dealing with the loss of loved ones, ‘When Dinosaurs Die’ helps primary aged children understand what death means, and how best to cope with their feelings. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When Something Terrible Happens: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief Marge Heegaard Terrible things can happen to children. Traumatic events in the lives of their families, their friends or in the world leave then feeling confused, insecure and frightened. There are floods, earthquakes, and sometimes people cause violence and trauma. This is a workbook designed to help children understand and deal with overwhelming feelings from loss and change. Buy from Amazon
Activity books and resources to support bereaved children Expand After a Murder: A Workbook for Grieving Kids Dougy Centre Through the stories, thoughts and feelings of other kids who have experienced a murder, this hands-on workbook allows children to see that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences. The workbook includes drawing activities, puzzles and word games to help explain confusing elements specific to a murder, such as the police, media and legal system. Buy from Amazon After a Suicide: A Workbook for Grieving Kids Dougy Centre In this hands-on, interactive workbook, children who have been exposed to a suicide can learn from other grieving kids. The workbook includes drawing activities, puzzles, stories, advice from other kids and helpful suggestions for how to navigate the grief process after a suicide death. Buy from Amazon Beyond the Rainbow: A Workbook for Children in the Advanced Stages of a Very Serious Illness Marge Heegard This book provides children and their caregivers a broad range of opportunities to express thoughts and feelings related to advanced stages of a life-threatening illness. The book has a warm interactive quality to it. Through the creative activities it offers, children can learn to communicate more openly about their illness, develop coping skills, express personal wishes, foster hope, and share thoughts and concerns about death. Buy from Amazon Beyond the Rough Rock: Supporting a Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide Di Stubbs and Julie Stokes This booklet offers practical advice for families in the immediate days and weeks when suicide has been the cause of death. It aims to give parents and professionals the confidence to involve children in discussions about the nature of a death by suicide. Buy from Amazon Finding Your Own Way to Grieve: A Creative Activity Workbook for Kids and Teens on the Autism Spectrum Karla Helbert A creative activity workbook for grieving children and teens on the Autistic Spectrum. The clear concise language will help adults communicate with children around the abstract concepts of death and grief. Buy from Amazon Grief in Children: A Handbook for Adults Atle Dyregov This fully updated second edition of “Grief in Children” explains children’s understanding of death at different ages and gives a detailed outline of exactly how the adults around them can best help them cope. Buy from Amazon Luna’s Red Hat Emmi Smid This book tells the story of Luna, whose mum died by suicide one year ago and she still finds it difficult to understand why. Dad talks to her and explains what happened, and together they think about all the happy memories they have of Mum. This book is designed to be read with children age 6+ who have experienced the loss of a loved one by suicide. It includes a guide for parents and professionals. Buy from Amazon Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine: Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died Winston’s Wish Offering practical and sensitive support for bereaved children, this book suggests a helpful series of activities and exercises accompanied by the friendly characters of Bee and Bear. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on different aspects of their grief. Buy from Amazon Ollie the Octopus Loss and Bereavement Activity Book: A Therapeutic Story with Activities Dr Karen Treisman This activity book has been developed by expert child Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Karen Treisman. The first part of the book is a colourful illustrated therapeutic story about Ollie the Octopus, with a focus on Ollie making sense of and processing the loss of his mum, Orla. This is followed by a wealth of creative activities and colourful photocopiable worksheets for children and the people supporting them to explore aspects of loss, grief, death, and bereavement, and how to find ways to understand and cope with them. Buy from Amazon Precious Time Lindsey Stukalov Stone This book helps children understand their feelings when a loved one is dying. The book is an interactive tool for adults to use as a guide to plan their own conversation or to be used in direct work with children. The book supports the child's mental health through an interactive, gentle and validating approach. Buy from Heart of Kent Hospice Red Chocolate Elephants: For children bereaved by suicide - Book & DVD Diana C.Sands Provides adults with the understanding and assistance to support primary school aged children experiencing the death of a family member to suicide. It is not intended for children to read on their own, but as an assisted reading activity with an adult, reading a few pages and taking the time to explore concerns. Provides a sensitive and appropriate means of engaging with children around the difficult question of death through suicide. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Someone Very Important Has Just Died: Immediate Help for People Caring for Children of All Ages at the Time of a Close Bereavement Mary Turner This short book tackles the sensitive issues of what to tell children, how far to include them in the events immediately after the death, and how to tend to their physical and emotional needs. The material is suitable for anyone regardless of their background and beliefs, and is supplemented with information on where to go to obtain longer term bereavement support. Buy from Amazon Supporting children when a baby has died Sands Booklet mainly for parents but useful for anyone who comes into contact with a child whose baby brother or sister has died before, at, or soon after birth. It includes information about the needs of older children and teenagers bereaved in this way. Available to download from Sands Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child Earl Grollman This guide to helping children cope with death includes an illustrated, read-along story, and discusses coping with a child’s anger, denial or guilt, and how to discuss funerals, cemeteries and grief. Buy from Amazon The Little Flower Bulb Eleanor Gormally The Little Flower Bulb tells the story of Jamie, his mum and his twin sisters, and of how Jamie comes to deal with the death of his father. Suitable for children aged 3-8, this beautifully illustrated book will be helpful for parents when talking to children bereaved by the suicide of a close relative. Buy from Amazon The Snowdrop Tree This charming story uses Forest School inspired activities to guide the child through their emotions. From subtle changes in the weather and environment on the pages to the personal adventure of the polar bear family. Each page has lots to look and talk about with activities explained and adult support prompts to guide the adult. Buy from Amazon When Someone Very Special Dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief - Workbook M Heegard This work book was designed to teach basic concepts of death and help children understand and express the many feelings they have when someone special dies. Communication is increased and coping skills are developed as they illustrate their books with their personal story. Buy from Amazon When your Partner Dies: Supporting your children Child Bereavement UK A short booklet which offers guidance for a surviving partner when parenting their bereaved children as well as coping with their own grief. It was developed with help from bereaved families and was originally funded by BBC Children in Need. Also useful for GP surgeries, Health visitors etc. Download a copy here
When someone is not expected to live (pre-bereavement) Expand As Big as it Gets Julie Stokes and Diana Crossley This booklet aims to help families cope with the serious illness of a parent or child. It provides a range of ideas for parents and carers so that they may feel more able to explain to their children what is happening. The booklet also includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.Buy from Winston's Wish Beyond the Rainbow: A Workbook for Children in the Advanced Stages of a Very Serious Illness Marge Heegard This book provides children and their caregivers a broad range of opportunities to express thoughts and feelings related to advanced stages of a life-threatening illness. The book has a warm interactive quality to it. Through the creative activities it offers, children can learn to communicate more openly about their illness, develop coping skills, express personal wishes, foster hope, and share thoughts and concerns about death. Buy from Amazon Fox & Goldfish Nils Pieters Fox knows that Goldfish is very unwell and is going to die. Before it’s too late he takes his friend on an epic adventure beyond the fishbowl. This story shows the importance of spending precious time with someone who is ill and doing things together whilst the ill person is still able to. This is important in building memories for a child, and for the person who is ill, of spending precious moments together. It would be particularly relevant and useful in preparing a child for the death of a special person in their lives. Buy from Amazon My Brother and Me Sarah Courtauld and Rebecca Cobb This picture books story deals with the issues around a sibling's serious illness, and stays in hospital, and how his brother copes with different emotions and feelings. Aimed at children aged 4-10 years. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Only one of me - A love letter from Dad Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Dad is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a father or father figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Only one of me - A love letter from Mum Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Mum is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a mother or mother figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Precious Time Lindsey Stukalov Stone This book helps children understand their feelings when a loved one is dying. The book is an interactive tool for adults to use as a guide to plan their own conversation or to be used in direct work with children. The book supports the child's mental health through an interactive, gentle and validating approach. Buy from Heart of Kent Hospice Standing on His Own Two Feet: A Diary of Dying Sue Grant Alexander had just begun his studies at university when he was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer. In this honest account, Alex’s mother traces the impact of the diagnosis on the whole family and outlines the issues that arose during diagnosis, treatment and terminal stages of her son’s illness. Includes an insight into how health care systems serve the terminally ill, the choices faced by families, and ways of providing the best possible care at home and maintaining the patient’s dignity until the end. Buy from Amazon The Secret C: Straight Talking About Cancer Julie Stokes Cancer in the family is hard for everyone. How can adults explain when they themselves are trying to come to terms with the implications of the diagnosis? This book offers simple, honest explanations of what cancer is and how it affects someone. It also gives short explanations of treatments such as radiotherapy. It will help adults to answer difficult questions children need to ask. Buy from Amazon What About Me? When Brothers and Sisters Get Sick Allan Peterkin When a child is seriously ill, siblings experience mixed emotions and hurt feelings, and wonder about the future. In this heartwarming story, the narrator, a confused young girl, expresses all of these concerns when her brother goes to the hospital for an extended stay. Buy from Amazon When your Mum or Dad has cancer Ann Couldrick and Graham Jeffrey A short book for younger children (7+) to teenage children. It has an introduction for parents but then explains cancer in a simple way children can relate to. It also covers many questions children ask, such as will the person die and what exactly happens, but tackles the answers with insight and honesty. Buy from Child Bereavement UK When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change Marge Heegaard This book aims to help families communicate and evaluate a child’s understanding and feelings about family change while teaching basic concepts of illness and healthy coping skills. Buy from Amazon
When a parent has died Expand Am I Like My Daddy? Marcy Blesy Join seven-year-old Grace on her journey through coping with the loss of her father while learning about the different ways that people grieve the loss of a loved one. In the process of learning about who her father was through the eyes of others, she learns about who she is today because of her father’s personality and love. This story is based in the United States but relevant to all. Buy from Amazon I love you, Sunshine Addy Farmer and Darren Gate 'I love you, Sunshine' tells the story of how one dad dies by suicide and how it affects his eight year old daughter, Milly, and the rest of her family. It is a story of bereavement but it is also a story of love. It is intended as a way for all families bereaved by suicide to know that they are not alone; to build resilience through understanding; and to help take small steps forwards. The story has been informed and developed through conversations with bereaved parents and with feedback from bereavement support practitioners at Child Bereavement UK. The charity has provided the important parental guidance notes to go alongside Milly’s story. These notes also point the way to support networks for families bereaved by suicide. The book is intended for distribution and sale to bereavement charities, to school counsellors and to anybody who might find it a useful resource. Available from www.addyfarmer.com where 5% of sales will go to Child Bereavement UK. Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute? Elke Barber & Alex Barber Alex is only three when his father has a heart attack. All on his own, Alex manages to get help but his beloved Daddy dies at the scene. Explains sudden death to pre-school children using words and illustrations they will understand. Buy from Amazon It's Okay to Feel Happy David Peart It’s Okay to Feel Happy is about a little girl who is finding it difficult to know if she can be excited, pleased or look forward to things now that her mummy has gone. Although she struggles with her loss, she soon learns that her mummy would want her to still enjoy her life. Buy from Amazon Mum’s Jumper Jayde Perkin If Mum has gone, how do you carry on? Missing her feels like a dark cloud that follows you around or like swimming to a shore that never comes any nearer. But memories are like a jumper that you can cuddle and wear. And Mum's jumper might be a way to keep her close. Buy from Amazon My Dad and Me Kirsten Rees and Emma Block. Created with input from two brothers supported by Child Bereavement UK. A lovely, downloadable, illustrated booklet in which children can write, draw, remember and talk about their memories of their dad. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK Ollie the Octopus and the Memory Treasures Dr Karen Treisman In a magical underwater forest lived a colourful and loveable Octopus called Ollie, who loved swimming with his friends and spending time with his mum and dad, Orla and Orson the Octopuses.Until one day, when Orla started to get very sick. The doctors did everything they could to help her, but very sadly, Orla died. Ollie had so many thoughts and feelings spinning around in his head, and his heart was hurting -- what can Orson and Ollie's friends do to help? Buy from Amazon Only one of me - A love letter from Dad Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Dad is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a father or father figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Only one of me - A love letter from Mum Lisa Wells, Michelle Robinson and Tim Budgen Only One of Me - A love letter from Mum is a gentle and comforting book to share with a child when a mother or mother figure is not expected to live. Beautifully illustrated throughout, the book also includes an empty spread at the back for a family to share messages and a photo. Also available in Welsh. Buy from Graffeg Publishing Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK What Happened to Daddy’s Body? Elke Barber & Alex Barber Using ideas very young children can understand, this sequel to “Is Daddy Coming Back in a Minute?” sensitively and honestly explains what happens after death. It helps children to understand cremation, burial, and spreading the ashes. It reassures children that it is okay to be sad, but it’s also okay to be happy. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
When a sibling has died Expand A Star for Bobby Helen Keenor A Star for Bobby talks directly to young children, using language and illustrations they can understand, about the death of a brother or sister, explaining why sometimes these things happen and how this may be making them feel. When the author’s baby son died shortly after birth, she wanted to explain to her two-year-old daughter what had happened in a way a little child could understand. Buy from Sands Always my Twin Valerie R. Samuels Always My Twin is for young children who have experienced the death of their twin sibling before birth, after birth or as a young child. The book tells the story through the eyes of a young girl whose twin sister dies shortly after birth. She begins her story with sharing the womb with her twin, the joy of her family anticipating the arrival of twins, the family’s pain of losing one of their precious babies, the funeral, and her own expressions of grief for her twin’s death. It also talks about ways she and her family remember her twin. Buy from Amazon Andrew’s Rainbow A book for children born into a family after the death of a sibling. Available from the Scottish Cot Death Trust Benny's Hat Juliet Clare Bell Benny’s Hat deals quietly with the huge subject of a sibling dying, from the viewpoint of the sister. It shows how children and young people might deal with serious illness and death differently to adults. The story gives adult readers examples of how to support children when a sibling is not expected to live, not only from the section for parents at the back, but also by watching Friz’s parents’ reactions to her behaviour. Buy from Amazon I Miss My Sister Sarah Courtauld Illustrated by Holly Surplice, this book is recommended for children aged 4-10 years old. The beautiful and expressive colour illustrations help to guide the child through the different emotions they may encounter following the death of a sibling, as well as the different categories of grief over a period of time. Awarded 'commended' in BMA Patient Information Awards 2010. Buy from Child Bereavement UK My Baby Big Sister: A Book for Children Born Subsequent to a Pregnancy Loss Cathy Blanford My Baby Big Sister was written for children who were born subsequent to a pregnancy loss or infant death. This book aims to help with the confusion these children often experience when they learn about the baby who died before them. This book does have some religious overtones at the start. Buy from Amazon My brother has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of their brother, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their sibling. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust My sister has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of their sister, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their sibling. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Remembering My Brother Ginny Perkins and Leon Morris In 1993, Chris Reed died. The author of this book worked with his family to put this book together which aims to show the importance of talking about grief and loss and remembering with love someone important who has died. It relates ordinary family events alongside an account of the family’s visit to Chris’s grave. Buy from Amazon Rory’s Star Lynda Bathgate This book has been written to help parents explain the death of their baby or child to their siblings. Available from the Scottish Cot Death Trust Stewart's Tree - A Book for Brothers and Sisters When a Baby Dies Shortly after Birth Cathy Campbell Ellen’s new baby brother Stewart has been “lost”. Ellen looks in all the cupboards for Stewart, and even in the washing machine – but then her family help her understand that Stewart has died and isn’t going to come back. Together they plant a tree for Stewart, so they will always have a place to remember him. This book for children aged 3+ helps explain sibling loss shortly after birth, and provides guidance for adults written by qualified clinicians. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK Where are you Lydie? Emma Poore Warm and beautifully illustrated picture book for children about sibling loss and bereavement to support families through the grief of baby loss. Buy from Emma Poore
When a grandparent has died Expand 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. Buy from Amazon Grandad's Ashes Walter Smith This beautifully illustrated picture book for children aged four to eight tells the story of four children who embark on an adventure to find their Grandad’s favourite place, they are faced with plenty of challenges on the way. Told with gentle humour, this is a charming story for children and an ideal resource for parents or professionals to read with a child as a way of broaching issues surrounding loss or bereavement. Buy from Amazon 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. Buy from Amazon My Grandma Died: A Child's Story about Grief and Loss Lory Britain A young child talks about the emotions felt after Grandma’s death. Includes a list entitled “Things I can do when someone I love dies.” Buy from Amazon Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK 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 When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
When a friend has died Expand The Hare-Shaped Hole John Dougherty Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever and whenever you looked, you would find them together until quite unexpectedly, the end came.When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back. It seems like hope is lost, until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly Bertle begins to feel a little bit better. Buy from Amazon Isaac and the Red Jumper Amanda Seyderhelm Isaac is heartbroken when his best friend Freddie dies. His house freezes. And his red jumper turns grey with grief. His friends try to console him, and it’s only after Isaac receives a special visit from Freddie that he understands love and friendship last forever, and are alive in spirit. Buy from Amazon My friend has died Dr Jennifer Kelly If your child has sadly had to face the death of a friend, then this booklet is designed to help you talk with your child about what has happened. It offers support in a simple that can help children as they adjust to life without their friend. It can also be used as a basis to encourage discussion and to raise any questions they may have. It may also help them to voice their feelings. Free to download from Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust Remembering Dianne Leutner, Joan Gorman and Daniel Postgate. Part book, part scrapbook Remembering was created to help keep a child’s memories alive after the loss of someone special and to give children a place to return to whenever they wish. Buy from Child Bereavement UK Remembering Lucy: A Story about Loss and Grief in School Sarah Helton This touching short story will help children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher’s guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies - for under 7s Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies - for ages 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This leaflet has been prepared with the help of bereaved families. It aims to help children when they have been bereaved. Also essential for A&E, Intensive care units and professionals who support families. Download for free or buy from Child Bereavement UK
Special educational needs Expand Remembering Lucy: A Story about Loss and Grief in School Sarah Helton This touching short story will help children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) aged 3+ understand feelings caused by death and loss, and the illustrations help convey the complex experience of bereavement in a simple and clear way. Included is a teacher’s guide to talking about bereavement, grief and loss, making this the ideal aid for teachers and support staff at SEND schools and colleges. Buy from Amazon Finding Your Own Way to Grieve Karla Helbert A creative activity workbook for grieving children and teens on the Autistic Spectrum. The clear concise language will help adults communicate with children around the abstract concepts of death and grief. Buy from Amazon Let's Talk About Death Down’s Syndrome Scotland A booklet about death and funerals for young people and adults who have a learning disability. Includes some simple text on why people die, what happens at funerals and possible grief reactions. Photographs support the text. Download from Down's Syndrome Scotland When Dad Died Hollins and Sireling This book take an honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. The approach is non-denominational. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability. Buy from Books Beyond Words When Mum Died Hollins and Sireling This book takes an honest and straightforward approach to death and grief in the family. The pictures tell the death of a parent in a simple but moving way. “When Mum Died” shows a burial. The approach is non-denominational. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability. Buy from Books Beyond Words When Somebody Dies Hollins and Sireling Using pictures, the book tells the story of Mary who is very upset when someone she loves dies. She is encouraged by a friend to go to regular bereavement counselling sessions, which help her to feel less sad. John also loses someone he is close to. He is given comfort and companionship by friends and is shown learning to cope better with life. Suitable for young people and adults with a learning disability. Buy from Books Beyond Words