About death and grief Expand A Shelter for Sadness Anne Booth A small boy creates a shelter for his sadness, a safe space where Sadness is welcome, where it can curl up small, or be as big as it can be, where it can be noisy or quiet, or anything in between. The boy can visit the shelter whenever he needs to, every day, sometimes every hour, and the two of them will cry and talk or just sit, saying nothing. A poignant and heart-warming picture book exploring the importance of making space and time for our own griefs, small or large. Buy from Amazon About Hedgehog Dani Seatter Whether children have experienced the death of a beloved pet, a family member or a significant bereavement with a parent or sibling, this book is the perfect way to help young children explore their feelings by creating a safe environment from which to do so. Buy from Eco-Able 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 book also 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 Feeling All My Grief: A secular grief book for young children about death, loss, and healing Kim TS This book reassures kids that it's okay to feel sad, angry, scared, worried, confused, or a mix of feelings when someone we care about dies. When we give ourselves time to heal, we can soon make space for gratitude, happiness, and love as well. Buy from Amazon Gone Michel Streich "My fluttering, chirping, hopping bird was gone. Its body was still there, a silent, feathery shape, but all life had left it." Long or short, every life on earth comes to an end some day. But what happens when we die? Michel Streich’s book is an honest and beautiful guide for curious children about life’s biggest mystery. Buy from Thames & Hudson 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 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 Life is Like the Wind Shona Innes and Írisz Agócs Introducing the concept of death, Like is Like the Wind offers a gentle and direct approach to the emotional issues children face. Written by clinical child psychologist, Shona Innes, the book encourages young children to talk about their feelings with others. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years. 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 our shop 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 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 Someone has died in a 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 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 Copper Tree: Helping a Child Cope with Death and Loss Hilary Robinson When Olivia's teacher, Miss Evans, dies, the children at her school are encouraged to think of everything that reminds them of her. The Copper Tree is about love and legacy and will help children understand that while sadness is an inevitable part of grief, death is not necessarily the end for what is left behind can be everlasting. Buy from Amazon The Invisible String Patricie 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 Kissing Hand Audrey Penn This heart warming children’s classic helps children manage separation anxiety, which young children who are grieving often experience. Recommended for children aged 3 to 5 years. 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 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 Rabbit Listened Cori Doerrfeld When something terrible happens, Taylor doesn't know where to turn. All the animals are sure they have the answer. The chicken wants to talk it out, but Taylor doesn't feel like chatting. The bear thinks Taylor should get angry, but that's not quite right either. One by one, the animals try to tell Taylor how to process this loss, and one by one they fail. Then the rabbit arrives. All the rabbit does is listen, which is just what Taylor needs. Buy from Amazon also available in Polish and Welsh 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 children under 7 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies | For children aged 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When the Sun Fell Out of the Sky: A Short Tale of Bereavement and Loss Hollie Rankin This beautifully illustrated, therapeutic picture book tells the story of Stan the Giraffe. Stan loves the sun and to feel its warmth on his long back; but one day it suddenly and unexpectedly falls from the sky and disappears from his life. Stan experiences many different and difficult emotions throughout the story, reflecting the different ways in which people grieve. The story aims to normalise these feelings, which for children and those around them, can be frightening. This storybook has been written to support key adults in helping bereaved children to find a way to cope, manage and make it through their grief. The resource Supporting Children through Bereavement and Loss has been written to accompany the storybook, providing information, guidance and ideas for anyone supporting a grieving child, in school or at home. Buy at Waterstones 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 Where is Uncle Al? Eva Hibbs This book focuses on death before a child has been born with the story following six-year-old Lily as she embarks on a journey to know the uncle she never knew. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years. Buy from Waterstones Why do things die? Kate Danes This lift the flap, first questions and answers book is a beautiful and gentle look at the circle of life, using Christine Pym's gorgeous animals characters to explore the emotions and facts around death, with questions such as 'Is it ok to talk about dying?', 'What happens when someone dies?', 'Can I shout and cry and hide away?', and 'How can I stop feeling sad?'. Buy from Amazon
Activity books and resources to support bereaved children Expand A Child's Grief: Supporting a child when someone has died Winston's Wish This specialist book offers practical guidance and resources for any adult who is supporting a child after someone has died. It covers a range of topics, including talking to children (especially primary school age children) about death and the feelings, thoughts and behaviours grieving children may have. Buy from our shop Angry Arthur Hiawyn Oram This original anger management book has been helping frustrated children work through their anger and understand their emotions. Recommended for ages 3 to 5 years. 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 our shop 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 Kids' Helpful Guide: When a Loved One Dies by Suicide (Lessons in Loss) Deborah Brown This journal is packed with tailor-made activities designed to help children aged 7-11 manage the loss of a loved one to suicide. It offers a creative and supportive space for children to process their feelings.An accompanying an Adult Support Guide, providing support for the adult who may work with the child is also available to purchase. This guide offers insights and advice to help adults facilitate the child's use of the journal and provide additional emotional support. Buy from Amazon Life is Like the Wind Shona Innes and Írisz Agócs Introducing the concept of death, Like is Like the Wind offers a gentle and direct approach to the emotional issues children face. Written by clinical child psychologist, Shona Innes, the book encourages young children to talk about their feelings with others. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years. Buy from Amazon Little Elephant Visits the Hospice A children’s activity, information and emotional processing book designed with leading palliative care professionals and child psychologists to support children as they negotiate the palliative care system with someone special to them. Buy from musicinhospices.org 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 our shop 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 My Mum and Me Created with input from two sisters supported by Child Bereavement UK. A lovely, downloadable, illustrated booklet in which children can write, draw, remember and talk about their memories of their mum. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK Never Too Young To Grieve: Supporting bereaved children under five Winston's Wish This specialist book is designed for parents, carers, childcare professionals and other adults supporting children under five who have experienced the death of a parent or carer. It offers information and ideas as well as activities to help young children following a bereavement and covers a range of issues that may affect a child when their parent dies. Buy from our shop 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 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 Huge Bag of Worries Virgina Ironside This reassuring picture book is designed to encourage children to open up about their fears and anxieties to help manage their feelings during stressful times. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years. 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 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 our shop 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 Cuddles are Forever Justin Brown Ben and Seren had been wondering, and worrying, about something very important. When they find the courage to ask Mum the big question, they discover something truly magical.Cuddles Are Forever uses the wonder of science to explain how part of us never dies, and is perfect for children and adults who may be grieving for, or worrying about, the death of a loved one. 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 Golden Flowers for Little Dragon Ffion Jones This book follows a dragon family’s journey through loss and grief following the death of the youngest sibling, Little Dragon. Covering life before Little Dragon dies, his death, and then the period of time after his death, the book supports children preparing for or coping with the death of a sibling, including those with rare or undiagnosed conditions. By focusing on how Little Dragon’s brother and sister are affected by his illness and death, the book normalises confusing emotions that may seem overwhelming to a child faced with these circumstances. Buy from Amazon Ida, Always Caron Levis A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn't going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him--through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favourite spots. Buy from Amazon Little Elephant Visits the Hospice A children’s activity, information and emotional processing book designed with leading palliative care professionals and child psychologists to support children as they negotiate the palliative care system with someone special to them. Buy from musicinhospices.org 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 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. Buy from the author 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 our shop The Window Laura Gehl 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. Buy from Amazon
When a parent has died Expand Baby Bear & The Day His World Changed Sarah C Bentley Pappa Bear died suddenly in the woods. When the woodland friends and neighbours came to pay their respects, the expressions they used confused Baby Bear, so much so that he felt sick and ran into the woods.Luckily Owl flew by and helped Baby Bear and the family understand the words and expressions used at this time, alleviating the confusion and therefore allowing them to grieve. This beautifully illustrated story of Baby Bear & the Day His World Changed will help children and young people understand that many expressions and words are used, but they all mean the same thing. Someone has died… Buy from Amazon Ben's Book: The story of when my mum died Lorna Vyse Ben’s life is turned upside-down when his mum dies unexpectedly. With a funeral to face, as well as a new school on the horizon and his upcoming eleventh birthday, he struggles to make sense of what has happened and how to adapt to life without his mum. He finds a way to manage his grief with the help of his aunt and the notebook she gives him to write down his anxieties and any questions he has, which she answers fully and honestly. Recommended for ages 8-12. Buy from the author Ellie's Book: The story of when my mummy died Lorna Vyse When five-year-old Ellie’s mummy dies unexpectedly, her world changes beyond all recognition. The youngest of three siblings, Ellie struggles to understand where her mummy has gone, why she isn’t coming back and why the adults in her home keep whispering to each other. She looks to her aunt, who answers Ellie questions fully and honestly to help her make sense of what has happened. Recommended for ages 5-7. Buy from the author 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 addyfarmer.com where 5% of sales will go to Child Bereavement UK. I Want to Hug Mummy David Peart From the minute she wakes up, Sophie misses her mummy and wants to hug her, feel her stroke her hair and tell her how she’s getting on at school. Sophie loves her daddy very much but it’s not the same as having her mummy around. However, she learns that somebody you love that much is always with you. Buy from Amazon 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 Lost in the Clouds Tom Tinn-Disbury This sensitively written book explores grief and teaches children how to deal with their emotions surrounding the death of a loved one. Recommended for ages 4 to 6 years. Buy from Amazon Milly's Bug Nut Jill Janney Milly’s Bug Nut is the story of a family finding their way through bereavement and of Milly who finds an unexpected answer to her heart’s desire. Jill Janney, the author of Milly’s Bug Nut, wrote this story for her own children after the death of their father. Buy from our shop Missing Mummy: A book about bereavement Rebecca Cobb Award-winning Author, Rebecca Cobb brings to light the death of a parent from a child’s point of view, featuring the emotions of grief with an underlying positivity that reflects on treasured memories and being part of a family. Recommended for ages 3 to 6 years. 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 My Mum and Me Created with input from two sisters supported by Child Bereavement UK. A lovely, downloadable, illustrated booklet in which children can write, draw, remember and talk about their memories of their mum. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK Never Too Young To Grieve: Supporting bereaved children under five Winston's Wish This specialist book is designed for parents, carers, childcare professionals and other adults supporting children under five who have experienced the death of a parent or carer. It offers information and ideas as well as activities to help young children following a bereavement and covers a range of issues that may affect a child when their parent dies. Buy from our shop 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 Rafi's Red Racing Car Louise Moir This book aims to help young children come to terms with the loss of a family member to suicide. Through sensitive language, the character Rafi struggles with his emotions, finally learning they are all natural. Recommended for ages 3 to 8 years. Buy from Amazon The Little Flower Bulb Eleanor Gormally This book follows the story of Jamie, his mum and twin sisters as they come to deal with the death of his father to suicide. The illustrated book helps children understand suicide and parents talk with children about death. Recommended for ages 3 to 10 years. Buy from Amazon The Lost Boys Appreciation Society Alan Gibbons This novel is aimed for older children, exploring the teenage years from the character Gary as he navigates high school, first crushes and GCSE’s while coping with the death of his mum and grief felt by his family. Recommended for ages 9 to 13 years. Buy from Amazon 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 children under 7 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies | For children aged 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK Where is Uncle Al? Eva Hibbs This book focuses on death before a child has been born with the story following six-year-old Lily as she embarks on a journey to know the uncle she never knew. Recommended for ages 4 to 8 years. Buy from Waterstones
When a sibling has died Expand 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 Benny's Hat Juliet Clare Bell Benny’s Hat is a beautifully illustrated book that explores sibling death from cancer. The book offers guidance on supporting children through loss while explaining the emotions of grief. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years. Buy from Waterstones Golden Flowers for Little Dragon Ffion Jones This book follows a dragon family’s journey through loss and grief following the death of the youngest sibling, Little Dragon. Covering life before Little Dragon dies, his death, and then the period of time after his death, the book supports children preparing for or coping with the death of a sibling, including those with rare or undiagnosed conditions. By focusing on how Little Dragon’s brother and sister are affected by his illness and death, the book normalises confusing emotions that may seem overwhelming to a child faced with these circumstances. 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 When someone special dies | For children under 7 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies | For children aged 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download 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 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. Buy from Waterstones 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 Addy Farmer's website 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 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. Buy from Amazon 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. Buy from the author 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. Buy from Amazon 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 Laura Gehl 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. Buy from Amazon When someone special dies | For children under 7 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies | For children aged 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK
When a friend has died Expand Chester Raccoon and the Acorn Full of Memories Audrey Penn As part of the Kissing Hand series, Audrey Penn shares another insightful story about remembering a friend after they have died. In this illustrated book, Chester Raccoon and friends guides children on the journey of understanding death, keeping memories and celebrating their life. Recommended for ages 3 to 7 years. Buy from Amazon Ida, Always Caron Levis A beautiful, honest portrait of loss and deep friendship told through the story of two iconic polar bears. Gus lives in a big park in the middle of an even bigger city, and he spends his days with Ida. Ida is right there. Always. Then one sad day, Gus learns that Ida is very sick, and she isn't going to get better. The friends help each other face the difficult news with whispers, sniffles, cuddles, and even laughs. Slowly Gus realizes that even after Ida is gone, she will still be with him--through the sounds of their city, and the memories that live in their favourite spots. 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 Lucy - A story about loss and grief in a school Sarah Helton Written by the Back Pocket Teacher, Sarah Helton, helps young children with SEND navigate their grief after a friend dies. The book focuses on remembering a person and celebrating the life of a person who has died. Recommended for ages 3 and above. Buy from BackPocket Teacher 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 When someone special dies | For children under 7 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK When someone special dies | For children aged 7 to 11 Child Bereavement UK This PDF 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. Free to download from Child Bereavement UK
Special educational needs Expand A jumble of knotted thoughts Sarah Helton This sensory story explores feelings of grief and looks at how children with SEND can look after themselves when they are grieving. Recommended for ages 4 and above. Buy from BackPocket Teacher 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 I Have a Question about Death: Clear Answers for All Kids, including Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Special Needs Arlen Grad Gaines and Meredith Englander Polsky Death is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more so when they are autistic or have other special needs. This book is designed specifically to help children with these additional needs to understand what happens when someone dies, using clear illustrations throughout. Buy from Amazon Remembering Lucy: A story about loss and grief in school Sarah Helton Written by the Back Pocket Teacher, Sarah Helton, helps young children with SEND navigate their grief after a friend dies. The book focuses on remembering a person and celebrating the life of a person who has died. Recommended for ages 3 and above. Buy from BackPocket Teacher We All Grieve: Supporting bereaved children with SEND Winston's Wish In the past, the needs of bereaved children with SEND have not always been considered. We All Grieve looks at how children with SEND are affected by a bereavement, how those around them can support them and help to develop the child's understanding of death and loss. This book is designed for parents, carers, educational professionals and other adults supporting children and young adults with SEND who have experienced the death of someone close to them. It offers information, practical suggestions and ideas for activities, as well as where to find other support. Buy from our shop 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