Books About Sadness & Grief for Ages 0–3

Sadness in very young children is uncomplicated and total. Something is wrong, and the feeling fills everything. These 69 books sit with that sadness gently, offering comfort without rushing toward a fix.

69 books

Llama Llama and the Bully Goat

Anna Dewdney

When Gilroy Goat starts teasing Llama Llama and his friends at school, Llama Llama isn't sure what to do. With his teach

Ages 3–7

The Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams Bianco

Experience the heartwarming journey of a velveteen rabbit who discovers what it truly means to be loved. This classic ta

Ages 3–7

The Undefeated

Kwame Alexander

Kwame Alexander's Newbery-winning words and Kadir Nelson's stunning art combine in this ode to Black American strength.

Ages 3–7

Llama Llama Feelings

Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama navigates the universal highs and lows of feelings like happiness, sadness, excitement, and anger, all while

Ages 0–3

The Day Django Lost His Smile

Andi Triyanta, ADRIANNA. LOTOCKY

When Django's big, happy grin vanishes, he feels confused and sad. Join Django and his forest friends as they search for

Ages 3–7

Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy and the Dazzling Jewels

Jane O'Connor

Nancy's jewelry boxes are overflowing, leading to a fabulous jewelry swap with her best friend, Bree. But when Nancy mis

Ages 3–7

The Heart and the Bottle

Oliver Jeffers

A girl's world is full of wonder until a profound loss leads her to put her heart in a bottle for safekeeping. This deep

Ages 3–7

Born on the Water

Nikole Hannah-Jones, Renée Watson

This powerful picture book in verse introduces young readers to the 1619 Project, tracing American history from the arri

Ages 3–7

Narwhal and Jelly Board Books #1

Narwhal and Jelly: Bubbles

Ben Clanton

When Jelly's bubble bursts, he feels a little sad. But Narwhal helps him see that the ocean is full of amazing bubbles,

Ages 3–7

Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy: Bubbles, Bubbles, and More Bubbles!

Jane O'Connor

Fancy Nancy and her class are excited for The Big Bubble Show, but when Bree gets sick, Nancy comes up with a spectacula

Ages 3–7

Drawn Onward

Daniel Nayeri

A grieving boy embarks on a lush, fantastical adventure to ask a profound question about his mother, offering comfort an

Ages 3–7

My First Comics #1

I'm Sunny!

Jennifer L. Holm

Join Sunny the sun in a delightful board book that introduces young children to the world of comics. When Sunny accident

Ages 3–7

Adelita: A Mexican Cinderella Story

Tomie dePaola

After losing her parents, Adelita is mistreated by her stepfamily. But with courage and a little help, she finds her tru

Ages 3–7

Baby Happy Baby Sad/Bebè feliz bebè triste

Leslie Patricelli

Explore the ups and downs of a baby's day in this charming Spanish-English board book. From towering ice cream to a lost

Ages 3–7

Llama Llama Time to Share

Anna Dewdney

When new neighbors come over for a playdate, Llama Llama struggles to share his beloved toys. After a mishap leads to te

Ages 3–7

The Feelings Book

Todd Parr

Todd Parr's The Feelings Book vibrantly illustrates the wide range of moods we all experience, from silly to brave. With

Ages 3–7

The Rabbit Listened

Cori Doerrfeld

When Taylor experiences something sad, many animals offer advice, but only the quiet rabbit truly understands what's nee

Ages 3–7

The Language of Doves

Rosemary Wells

On her sixth birthday, Julietta receives a special homing pigeon and a heartwarming, yet poignant, story from her grandf

Ages 3–7

Sweet, Sweet Memory

Jacqueline Woodson

Sarah misses her Grandpa after he passes, but through shared family stories and the enduring garden, she discovers that

Ages 3–7

Poky Little Puppy

Where is the Poky Little Puppy?

Janette Sebring Lowrey

Join the rascally Poky Little Puppy in this delightful, rediscovered sequel by his original creators as he searches for

Ages 3–7

Where Is Grandpa's Smile?

Maria Keane Pascuzzi

Abby notices her grandpa has lost his smile and embarks on a tender journey to find it, discovering it in the most unexp

Ages 3–7

Honey Bear #1

A Book for Honey Bear

Audrey Wood

Honey Bear feels down and can't stop sighing, so her doctor gives her a special prescription. This heartwarming story sh

Ages 3–7

R. Caldecott's Picture Books #3

An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog

Randolph Caldecott

Randolph Caldecott's timeless picture book presents a poignant elegy about a dog's demise, inviting young readers to ref

Ages 3–7

Turkey Pox

Laurie Halse Anderson

Charity is heartbroken to miss Thanksgiving dinner because of chicken pox and a snowstorm. But her resourceful Grandma,

Ages 3–7

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Fancy Nancy

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