There are some wonderful books out there to help to explain death to children, from toddlers through to young adults. This article offers ten suggestions for books about death for younger children.
Some are recommendations from the Poppy’s team, others have been suggested by clients and partners.
Books are presented in ascending age order. Suggestions are made here for the reading age of each book, but they are just a guide. We suggest you take a look yourself and make sure the material is right for your child.
We’ve shared links to a fellow B Corp, Bookshop.org. Poppy’s does not benefit from these links. Alternative suppliers are available.
Age: 3 years and up
This tender and funny read gets to the heart of one of the mysteries of grief – where did that person go? As the blurb says: “Grandma's not under the sofa, behind the flower patch, or even at their favourite spot in the park, so where is she?”
Buy Where Did She Go? at Bookshop.org
Age: 3-5 years
A moving, lyrical picture book about a young girl’s love for her granddad and how she copes when he’s gone, written by multi-award-winning poet and Waterstones Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho. A particularly poignant read for children who have lost a grandparent.
Buy If All The World Were… on Bookshop.org
Age 3-6 years
Award-winning author Rebecca Cobb explores the death of a parent from a child’s point of view. Cobb thoughtfully details the boy’s reaction to the loss of his mother, including all his different emotions from guilt to confusion. Her thoughtful and straightforward description of a child’s grief is poignant without ever slipping into sentimentality.
There’s also a helpful focus on how the boy is still able to continue living a normal life. Cobb emphasises that the memory of his mother is meaningful, and he’s still loved and secure. The illustrations are especially strong in this book and underline its evocative message.
Buy Missing Mummy on Bookshop.org
Age: 4 years and up
An award-winning book written by Katie Daynes and illustrated by Christine Pym. This colourful lift-the-flap book introduces concepts of death and loss through lovable animal characters and answers questions including 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 First Questions and Answers: Why Do Things Die? on Bookshop.org
Age: 5 and up
Proof that sometimes, simplicity is best: though this beautifully illustrated picture book is appropriate for younger children, people of all ages have drawn comfort from its pages.
As the blurb says, “memories are like a jumper that you can cuddle and wear”. This touching book is a resource that all the family could engage with together in the face of a loss.
Buy Mum's Jumper on Bookshop.org
Age: 5-7 years
Co-authored by Kate Sheppard and the child bereavement charity Winston’s Wish, this activity book is a wonderful resource for younger children to explore difficult feelings related to death or a bereavement.
Buy Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine on Bookshop.org
Age: 7 and up
Molly Potter is the author of this very practical illustrated guide about explaining death to children. There’s a helpful rundown on everything from the words we use to describe death, to what happens during funerals, to different beliefs about the afterlife, to cremations and burials. She shares what emotions children might expect to feel and explains how all of them are completely normal.
Potter also includes a specific section for parents and carers, with tips like using straightforward language rather than confusing euphemisms and making sure that children feel free to ask questions. This is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a book that’s thorough and accessible.
Buy Let’s Talk About When Someone Dies on Bookshop.org
Age: 2-6 years
Benji Davies’ restrained and gentle book doesn’t actually mention death at all. Written for very young children, it follows the story of Syd and his grandad who open a door in the attic and sail away together to a magical island.
As they begin to explore, Syd realises that his grandad doesn’t need to use his stick anymore. Later, just before Syd returns home, his grandad explains that he’s decided to stay behind.
The book introduces ideas about loss in a way that’s both subtle and easy to understand. It’s also a reasonably uplifting story, with lots of bright and cheerful illustrations. This would be a good starting point to begin talking with small children about their feelings.
Buy Grandad's Island on Bookshop.org
Age: 4-7 years
Susan Varley’s book begins with the lovely dependable Badger recognising that he’s very old and is going to die soon. Badger isn’t afraid of death, he’s just worried about how his friends will react and so decides to leave them a message.
Once Badger goes down the ‘long tunnel’, his friends begin talking about all the ways that he helped them — like teaching them to skate, tie neckties and bake gingerbread.
Eventually, they realise that these are Badger’s parting gifts and begin to feel happy again when they think of him. This is a wonderful book to help children start thinking about memory and grief, and how people who have died are still part of our lives.
Buy Badger’s Parting Gifts on Bookshop.org
Age: 4-8 years
A title in the beloved Dino Tales: Life Guide for Families series, When Dinosaurs Die: a guide to understanding death is a straightforward and comprehensive resources to explain death, dying and copying with grief and loss. When Dinosaurs Die answers questions that children may have, from ‘what does dead mean?’ to ‘ways to remember someone’.
Buy When Dinosaurs Die on Bookshop.org
Looking for books for older children? Check out our list of ten books about death for older children and young adults. To find out more, don't miss our expert panel's advice on talking about death and dying with children.
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