1030 East Lincoln Highway Coatesville, PA 19320 Phone (610) 384-1091 Kevin Mountain, Supervisor Robert A. Harris, Director
CHILDREN'S STORY BOOKS ON DEATH AND GRIEF
G =
General P = Death of a parent GR = Death of a grandparent
GWhen Dinosaurs
Die...A Guide To Understanding Death - Unlike many books on death for
little ones, this one doesn’t tell a story. Instead it addresses children’s
fears and curiosity head on. It has great illustrations and two pages of “Ways
to Remember Someone.”
GBadger’s
Parting Gifts - Fox, Frog, Mrs. Rabbit and Mole go into mourning when
their wise old friend, Badger, dies. But then they start to remember all the
wonderful times they had with him.
GRNana Upstairs
and Nana Downstairs - A child’s cherished great-grandmother dies, and
he grieves deeply. But then he sees a falling star and imagines that it’s a
kiss from her.
GThe
Fall of Freddie Leaf - How Freddie and his companion's leaves change
with the passing seasons, finally falling to the ground with winter’s snow, is
an inspiring allegory illustrating the delicate balance between life and death.
GRWhat’s
Heaven - Written by a mother, answering her child’s questions
following the death of a grandmother.
PMolly’s
Mom Died and Sam’s Dad Died - Early Reader 8-10. These two picture
books by Margaret Holmes have gentle illustrations and reassuring text to help
young children understand the grief process. The books validate both the
negative and positive feelings and the behaviors that are typical for children
who have lost a parent. There is a caregiver section at the back of the book
that could help adults answer questions and deal with particular concerns.
P I Heard Your Daddy
Died and I Heard Your Mommy Died - These books are for the child ages
2-6 . It is a simple and helpful tool for family and caregivers to read to the
child whose parent has died. These books let children know it is okay for them
to cry, be sad and also happy and play. There are many ideas to encourage
discussion and to help the child to remember their parent.
GRAnimal
Crackers - Early Reader 8-10 , A gentle, sad story about a loving
playful grandmother who hides treats for her grandchildren. This story could be
used to help prepare children for future events as grandparents age, or to
encourage conversation after the death of a grandparent.
GRGreen Mittens
From Grandma - A gentle story of a child’s grief. Grandma knit special
green mittens. When she died, the little boy goes to his room and digs a green
mitten out of the drawer and keeps it in his pocket. The young child remembers
all the things he loved about grandma.