Books to help children deal with loss and bereavement

Community Care has compiled a collection of books written to help children deal with loss and bereavement. Some were recommended by experts, others were chosen by our followers on Twitter

Always and Forever

Written by Alan Durant, Illustrated by Debi Gliori, Published by Picture Corgi, £5.99 paperback

For age 3 to 6

What happens?

When Fox dies, Mole, Otter and Hare wonder how they can go on without their beloved friend. They come to realise that Fox is still there in their hearts and memories.

Why does it work?

“A wonderful and moving story that explains death gently” – BBC Parenting

As Big as it Gets: Supporting a Child When a Parent is Seriously Ill

Written by Julie A. Stokes, Diana Crossley and Di Stubbs, Published by Winston’s Wish, £5.99 paperback

For age primary to teen

What happens?

This book provides ideas for parents and carers so they feel able to involve their children in what is happening. It includes some suggestions about what parents might say to children and how to offer support.

Why does it work?

“Our care team are always being asked for resources to help clients tell their children and this is superb. It also crosses the gap between primary age and teens” – Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Badger’s Parting Gifts

Written and illustrated by Susan Varley, Published by Picture Lions, £5.99 paperback

For age 3+

What happens?

This is the story of a badger who realises that his old age will soon lead to death and helps his friends come to terms with this.

Why does it work?

“I was given this book at four after the death of my grandmother. It was instrumental to my acceptance of losing a loved one” – reader reviewer on Amazon

Beyond the Rough Rock: Supporting a Child Who Has Been Bereaved Through Suicide

Written by Di Stubbs and Julie Stokes, Published by Winston’s Wish, £5.99 paperback

For age primary to teen

What happens?

This aims to give parents and professionals the confidence to involve children in discussions about a death by suicide.

Why does it work?

“I ordered this book to help my eight-year-old granddaughter understand her father’s suicide. We did not have a clue where to start, but Beyond the Rough Rock gave us simple straightforward help. The way it answered questions we had was such a relief, as we were dreading this conversation” – reader reviewer on Amazon

Michael Rosen’s Sad Book

Written by Michael Rosen, Illustrated by Quentin Blake, Published by Walker Books Ltd, £5.99 paperback

For age 6+

What happens?

This book tells the story of Michael Rosen’s grief following the death of his son from meningitis. It explores how grief affects us and the fact that there are times when it is unavoidable.

Why does it work?

“A thought-provoking book for children who have experienced loss” – Alex, care leaver

Missing Mummy

Written and illustrated by Rebecca Cobb, Published by Macmillan, £10.99 hardcover

For age 3+

What happens?

Told from the point of view of a small child whose mother has died, this book explores the many conflicting feelings – from sadness and confusion to guilt and anger – that result from such a loss.

Why does it work?

Missing Mummy’s minimal text provides a really useful prompt to open up the conversations surrounding the many questions children may have when they experience the death of someone important in their life” – Ann Chalmers, chief executive of the Child Bereavement Charity

Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine

Written by Diana Crossley, Published by Hawthorn Press, £10.95 hardcover

For ages 5-10

What happens?

This offers an outlet for children to make sense of their experience by reflecting on the different aspects of their grief.

Why does it work?

“When completed it will be a wonderful memento that will help the grieving process” – Journal of the National Association of Hospital Play Staff

Silly Billy

Written and illustrated by Anthony Browne, Published by Walker Books Ltd, £5.99 paperback

For age 4+

What happens?

This is the story of Billy, a boy who worries about everything. Eventually, Billy manages to conquer his demons by sharing them rather than bottling them up.

Why does it work?

“It’s a good book for starting talking with children about things that worry them and who they’d like to share their worries with” – Katie, a social work student

Community Care‘s book reviews for all social work students and practitioners

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