Recommended Reads for Grief Awareness Day

Posted on 1 September 2023

Browse our suggestions for children’s books that sensitively handle the topic of grief.

Shelter for Sadness

A Shelter for Sadness by Anne Booth & David Litchfield

Sadness has come to live with me and I am building it a shelter. I am building a shelter for my sadness and welcoming it inside.

This poignant and heart-warming picture book explores the importance of making space and time for our own griefs, small or large.

The Cat Mummy

The Cat Mummy by Jacqueline Wilson

Verity adores Mabel, her tabby cat – not least because she belonged to Verity’s mum, who died in childbirth. So when Mabel dies, Verity is devastated. Remembering her lessons about the Ancient Egyptians, she decides to mummify Mabel and keep her forever.

The loss of a loved one is dealt with lightly and gently in this book from much-loved author Jacqueline Wilson.

Fox

Fox by Isabel Thomas & Daniel Egneus

In the frost-covered forest of early spring, fox is on a mission to find food for her three cubs. As they grow, she teaches them how to survive in the wild. Until one day, fox dies.

This evocative book unites story and science to explain this big concept to children who have lost a pet or a loved one.

Pog

Pog by Pádraig Kenny

After their mother dies, David and Penny move to her family’s old house in the forest. Dad says it’s a fresh start but it feels sad and empty without Mum. And there are noises in the attic…

This story explores grief in a highly original way, as two siblings process the death of their mother with the help of an unforgettable, magical creature: Pog.

Daddy's Rainbow

Daddy’s Rainbow by Lucy Rowland & Becky Cameron

Erin’s daddy sees the colour in everything. But what happens when the greyest day of all comes, and Daddy isn’t there any more? Can Erin learn to find colour in the world again?

This deeply sensitive picture book about the loss of a parent is the ideal starting point for conversations about love, loss and learning to live again.

Grandad's Island

Grandad’s Island by Benji Davies

At the bottom of Syd’s garden, through the gate and past the tree, is Grandad’s house. But one day when Syd comes to call, Grandad isn’t in any of the usual places. He’s in the attic, where he ushers Syd through a door, and the two of them journey to a wild, beautiful island awash in color where Grandad decides he will remain.

Sure to provide comfort to young children struggling to understand loss, this tale is a sensitive and beautiful reminder that our loved ones live on in our memories long after they’re gone.

Browse more books about grief:

You can find these books, and even more books on the Scholastic shop here.

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