Top Children's Books About Death and Dying

The best Children's Books on Death & Dying includes The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (Book 1), The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld, Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant [Paperback] and many others as mentioned below.

1

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (Book 1)

  • Bestselling picture book with over 1.5 million copies.
  • Explores unbreakable connections between loved ones.
  • Ideal for coping with separation anxiety and grief.
  • Adopted by educators and social service agencies.
  • Perfect gift for various celebrations and occasions.
  • Includes vibrant illustrations and author introduction.
  • Recommended by parenting blogs and Oprah Daily.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.99
2

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld

  • New York Times Bestseller
  • Teaches empathy and kindness
  • Perfect for heartaches big and small
  • Beautiful illustrations by Cori Doerrfeld
  • Encourages active listening in children
  • Highly praised by major publications
  • Ideal for comforting those in need
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.80
3

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant [Paperback]

  • Heartfelt exploration of a dog's afterlife.
  • Comforting for those grieving a lost pet.
  • Illustrated by acclaimed author Cynthia Rylant.
  • Bright, bold paintings evoke warmth and affection.
  • Recommended by pet lovers worldwide.
  • Celebrates the bond between dogs and humans.
  • A timeless classic for all ages.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.27
4

Invisible Leash: A Pet Loss Story

  • Heartfelt story about losing a beloved pet.
  • Illustrates the concept of an Invisible Leash.
  • Encourages coping with grief and loss.
  • Tender artwork enhances emotional connection.
  • Part of the bestselling Invisible String series.
  • Perfect for comforting children through difficult times.
  • Engaging journey through grief and healing.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.89
5

The Invisible String: A Heartwarming Tale of Connection

  • Bestselling picture book with 1.5 million copies sold.
  • Teaches about unbreakable connections through love.
  • Perfect for coping with separation anxiety and grief.
  • Vibrant illustrations included in new hardcover edition.
  • Recommended by educators, therapists, and parenting groups.
  • Encourages conversations about love and connection.
  • Celebrated at births, graduations, and other milestones.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.41
6

God Gave Us Heaven by Lisa Bergren

  • Gentle story addressing tough questions about heaven.
  • Encourages comfort and understanding for young children.
  • Part of the bestselling God Gave Us series.
  • More than 5 million copies sold worldwide.
  • Illustrates a beautiful, tear-free vision of heaven.
  • Engaging narrative with Little Cub and Papa.
  • Promotes positive discussions about life after death.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.49
7

Everywhere, Still: Love Amid Loss

  • Heartfelt exploration of love amid loss.
  • Perfect for children experiencing grief or separation.
  • Illustrations honor emotions and memories beautifully.
  • Encourages open conversations about loss and love.
  • Hardcover with a foil-stamped dust jacket.
  • A comforting resource for navigating difficult emotions.
  • Helps maintain connections across distance and time.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.29
8

Ferris: A Heartfelt Middle-Grade Novel

  • Heartfelt middle-grade novel for ages 8-12.
  • Humorous coming-of-age story about family and ghosts.
  • Engaging narrative filled with warmth and whimsy.
  • Features relatable characters navigating summer chaos.
  • Captivating exploration of love and family bonds.
  • Acclaimed by Kirkus Reviews for its magical storytelling.
  • Perfect for children in grades 3-7.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.36
9

The Memory Box: A Grief Reflection Book (1 Count)

  • Award-winning story for grieving families.
  • Helps children express and manage grief.
  • Encourages creating a personal memory box.
  • Addresses loss in a sensitive, comforting way.
  • Recommended by educators and support groups.
  • Includes a guide for managing grief.
  • A companion journal for recording memories.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $10.37
10

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin

  • Debut novel exploring grief and wonder.
  • Instant New York Times bestseller.
  • 2015 National Book Award finalist.
  • Suzy investigates her friend's drowning tragedy.
  • Journey of imagination and self-discovery.
  • Themes of life, death, and hope.
  • Screen rights acquired by Oddlot Entertainment.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.99
11

Rainbow Bridge: Journey to Pet Paradise

  • Magical adventure for pet lovers of all ages.
  • Heartwarming story of companionship and loss.
  • Reconnect with beloved pets in a paradise.
  • Illustrations capture the bond between pets and humans.
  • Humorous characters add charm and joy.
  • Perfect for children and pet enthusiasts alike.
  • A touching tale of love and remembrance.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.78
12

When You Trap a Tiger [Newbery Medal]

  • A Newbery Medal-winning captivating tale.
  • Explores Korean folklore and family heritage.
  • Features magical tigers and enchanting adventures.
  • Lily's quest to save her grandmother's health.
  • Highlights the power of storytelling and courage.
  • Perfect for middle-grade readers seeking adventure.
  • Acclaimed by critics and readers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.18
13

How I Feel: Kids Grief Journal

  • Guided prompts to explore complex emotions.
  • Activities and meditations support emotional healing.
  • Flexible format for self-paced journaling.
  • Designed for kids aged 8 to 12.
  • Encourages writing and creative expression.
  • Helps preserve memories of lost loved ones.
  • Top choice for children's grief support.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.54
14

Tear Soup: Healing Recipe After Loss

  • A profound guide for navigating grief.
  • Shareable insights for families and children.
  • Encourages open conversations about loss.
  • Rich cooking tips for emotional healing.
  • A perfect coffee table addition.
  • 56 beautifully illustrated, full-color pages.
  • Winner of Theologos Book Award, 2001.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $21.95
15

I'll Be Your Friend Forever Book

  • Heartfelt message for grieving pet owners.
  • Beautiful illustrations depicting love and loss.
  • Includes various types of pets for inclusivity.
  • Dedicated page for your pet's name and picture.
  • Inspiration page for celebrating your pet's life.
  • Offers comfort and solace during tough times.
  • Perfect gift for anyone who has lost a pet.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.15
16

The Invisible Leash: A Pet Loss Tale

  • Heartwarming story about losing a beloved pet.
  • Illustrated by award-winning artist Joanne Lew-Vriethoff.
  • Teaches coping with grief in a gentle way.
  • Explores the concept of the "Invisible Leash."
  • Part of the bestselling Invisible String series.
  • Encourages emotional connection and healing through love.
  • Perfect for children and pet lovers alike.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.66
17

Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant [Paperback]

  • Joyous celebration of cats' afterlife journey.
  • Written by acclaimed Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant.
  • Gentle, playful rhymes for young readers.
  • Beautiful illustrations depicting a peaceful cat heaven.
  • Explores themes of love and loss for pets.
  • Reassures children about their cats' afterlife.
  • Perfect companion to the bestselling DOG HEAVEN.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.39
18

The Grace of Wild Things [eBook]

  • Inventive reimagining of Anne of Green Gables.
  • Explores found family and the power of imagination.
  • Features magic, witches, and unexpected friendships.
  • Grace seeks to master 100½ challenging spells.
  • Bond forms between Grace and the witch.
  • Facing monsters from the witch's past intensifies stakes.
  • Perfect for fans of magical adventures and fantasy.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $1.99
19

I Can't Believe They're Gone: Kids' Grief Support Book (1)

  • Gentle guidance for kids coping with loss.
  • Touching storybook about grief and hope.
  • Endorsed by psychologists and healthcare professionals.
  • Teaches stages and expressions of grief.
  • Empathetic Bear helps mouse family navigate emotions.
  • Promotes understanding of feelings and remembrance.
  • Encourages healing and connection during tough times.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.68
20

I Miss You: A Grief Journey for Kids

  • Gentle introduction to the concept of death.
  • Helps kids express complex emotions about loss.
  • Written by a qualified psychotherapist and counselor.
  • Encourages open discussions on grief and bereavement.
  • Appealing illustrations engage young readers effectively.
  • Includes helpful advice for parents and teachers.
  • Part of a larger mental health book series.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.39
21

Understanding Loss: A Child's Guide [1 Pack]

  • Gentle explanation of death for young children.
  • Reassures feelings of sadness are normal.
  • Illustrations to support understanding and comfort.
  • Helps parents communicate during grief.
  • Encourages maintaining love and connection.
  • Note for parents with additional guidance included.
  • Suitable for toddlers aged two to three years.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.27
22

Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise Book

  • Heartwarming tale of loss and friendship.
  • Adventure across America in a school bus.
  • Unique characters join Coyote's remarkable journey.
  • Explores themes of grief and healing.
  • Parents' Choice Award Gold Medal Winner.
  • Captivating story by acclaimed author Dan Gemeinhart.
  • Perfect for young readers seeking adventure.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $8.29
23

I'll Be Your Friend Forever Book

  • Heartwarming message for grieving pet owners.
  • Beautiful illustrations enhance emotional connection.
  • Includes various pets beyond the common ones.
  • Dedication page for your beloved pet's memory.
  • Inspiration page to celebrate your pet's life.
  • Comfort and solace during difficult times.
  • A timeless tribute to enduring friendships.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
24

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes

  • Based on the true story of Sadako Sasaki.
  • Celebrates courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
  • A poignant narrative for young readers.
  • Encourages messages of peace and hope.
  • A timeless classic for all ages.
  • Engaging storytelling with emotional depth.
  • Inspired by Japan's historical events and tragedies.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $6.98
25

Lifetimes: Explaining Death to Children

  • Beautifully explains death to children.
  • Helps understand loss of loved ones.
  • Illustrations enhance emotional connection.
  • Encourages open conversations about life.
  • Suitable for all ages, including parents.
  • Promotes understanding of life cycles.
  • A cherished resource for families facing loss.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.00
26

When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers

  • Helps children cope with pet loss.
  • Written by beloved Fred Rogers.
  • Encourages sharing feelings of grief.
  • Offers reassurance about natural grieving process.
  • Promotes fond memories of lost pets.
  • Part of the First Experience series.
  • A sensitive introduction to death for children.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.43
27

Where Did TJ Go?: Kids' Grief Book

  • Helps children understand grief and loss.
  • Story of a child's lost sibling, TJ.
  • Encourages conversations about feelings and emotions.
  • Illustrated beautifully to engage young readers.
  • Offers comfort and hope to grieving families.
  • Written by bestselling author Annie F. Downs.
  • Explains what children might experience in heaven.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $16.19
28

When Dinosaurs Die: Family Death Guide

  • Helps children understand death and grief.
  • Offers comfort during difficult times.
  • Addresses common questions about death.
  • Engaging dinosaur characters guide discussions.
  • Part of the popular Dino Tales series.
  • Over 1.5 million copies sold worldwide.
  • Encourages open conversations about loss.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
29

Simon Sort of Says [Newbery Honor Winner]

  • Newbery Honor Award-winning novel by Erin Bow.
  • Explores themes of trauma and resilience.
  • Set in the unique National Quiet Zone.
  • Humorous and hopeful storytelling approach.
  • Includes discussion questions for deeper understanding.
  • Features an interview with the author.
  • Ideal for middle-grade readers and book clubs.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.29
30

Lost Pet Blues: Love Puppies (Book 2)

  • Adorable dogs and magical adventures await!
  • Join the Love Puppies on a new mission.
  • Help Caleb find his missing pet, Maximus.
  • Encourages social emotional learning through fun stories.
  • Magic and kindness make anything paw-sible!
  • A delightful read for young animal lovers.
  • Celebrate friendship and teamwork with every chapter!
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $5.57