Books for Death of a Loved One for Ages 0–3

Explaining death to a toddler is one of the hardest things a parent can face. These 45 board books and early stories use simple, gentle language to introduce the concept of absence, without pretending it's easy or trying to fix something that can't be fixed.

45 books

Babar #1

The Story of Babar

Jean de Brunhoff

For the child navigating a big change or transition. This gentle classic explores how one little elephant handles loss,

Ages 3–7

Let's Talk #3

Let's Talk About When Someone Dies

Molly Potter

This sensitive picture book uses clear language and engaging illustrations to explain death, bereavement, and the comple

Ages 3–7

Badger's Parting Gifts

Susan Varley

When old Badger knows his time is near, he prepares his friends for his absence. After he passes, his friends grieve, bu

Ages 3–7

The Original Peter Rabbit Books #1

The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter

For the curious child who sometimes struggles with listening, this classic tale gently explores the consequences of misc

Ages 3–7

The Bear and the Moon

Matthew Burgess

When a balloon floats into Bear's life, an unexpected friendship blossoms, leading to a magical journey of discovery, jo

Ages 3–5

Día de Muertos Números: A Day of the Dead Counting Book

Duncan Tonatiuh

For families looking to honor the memory of a loved one while teaching little ones to count in two languages through bea

Ages 0–4

My Grandpa Died

Maggie Scott

This illustrated picture book helps primary-aged children explore their feelings when a grandpa has died. It encourages

Ages 3–7

Where Did Baby Go?

SCR

A gentle, rhyming picture book designed to help young children understand and process the difficult experience of pregna

Ages 3–7

The Courtship, Marriage, and Pic-Nic Dinner of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren With the Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin

Anonymous

A classic nursery rhyme follows the joyful wedding of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren, followed by the somber tale of the bird

Ages 3–7

Death and Burial of Poor Cock Robin

H. . Stephens

A classic nursery rhyme follows the solemn funeral of Cock Robin as his bird friends gather to say goodbye. A gentle int

Ages 3–6

First Conversations #6

Goodbye: A First Conversation About Grief

Megan Madison, Jessica Ralli

For the child encountering loss for the first time, this gentle guide uses direct language to explain death and helps li

Ages 2–5

Waffles the Golden Retriever

Waffles the Golden Retriever Learns About Loss and Grief

Ashley Adams

For the child navigating the heavy feelings of losing a family pet or a loved one. Waffles the Golden Retriever offers a

Ages 3–8

Slumberkins

Sprite Helps Say Goodbye

Callie Christensen, Kelly Oriard

Help your little one navigate the difficult emotions of saying goodbye and processing loss with Sprite, a supportive gui

Ages 0–5

Ninja Life Hacks

Sad Ninja

Mary Nhin

For the child who is feeling blue or struggling with loss, this book provides a comforting roadmap for naming and naviga

Ages 3–10

She Lives In Our Hearts

Natalie L. Welanetz

For children processing the profound loss of a mother, this gentle guide helps little ones find comfort in memories and

Ages 3–8

Nick and the Grief Dragon

Heike Boecken

For the child navigating the heavy, unpredictable presence of loss. A gentle story that personifies grief as a dragon th

Ages 3–8

Grandpa's Promise

Iris Muñoz

For children processing the absence of a beloved grandparent, this gentle story offers comfort by showing how love and l

Ages 3–7

When Papaw Went to Heaven

Leah Harris

For the child grappling with the loss of a grandfather and looking for comfort in faith and the promise of a peaceful af

Ages 3–8

What Happened To My Poppy?

Alison Abou-Heif Ovenell

For the child coping with the loss of a grandfather. This therapeutic story provides gentle language to help young heart

Ages 3–7

The Invisible Thread of Love

Mary M. Ray

For the child grappling with the physical absence of a loved one, this comforting story explores the enduring, invisible

Ages 3–8

Mama Grace Goes Home

Unknown

For the child grappling with the loss of a grandmother and needing a peaceful way to understand why she is gone.

Ages 3–7