Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Bookish Wisdom earns from qualifying purchases. This doesn't change our picks or your price.
Quick answer: The best books for kids about death and grief include Ida, Always, The Goodbye Book, Grandad's Island and twelve more titles chosen for story quality and age fit. Each pick below has a short description, a suggested age range and a reason it belongs on the list, with a comparison table to help you choose quickly.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison Table
| Book | Author | Ages | Why it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ida, Always | Caron Levis | 4-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| The Goodbye Book | Todd Parr | 3-7 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Grandad's Island | Benji Davies | 3-7 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| I Miss You: A First Look at Death | Pat Thomas | 3-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Badger's Parting Gifts | Susan Varley | 4-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Grandpa Green | Lane Smith | 4-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| The Memory String | Eve Bunting | 5-9 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Lifetimes | Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen | 4-9 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Always and Forever | Alan Durant | 3-7 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| The Thing About Jellyfish | Ali Benjamin | 10-14 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| The Memory Box | Joanna Rowland | 4-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Saying Goodbye to Lulu | Corinne Demas | 3-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Harry & Hopper | Margaret Wild | 4-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| The Rabbit Listened | Cori Doerrfeld | 3-8 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
| Big Cat, Little Cat | Elisha Cooper | 3-7 | It explains loss gently and leaves room for questions |
How We Chose These Books
We looked for real, widely available titles that match the theme and the age range, and we favored books with clear storytelling and strong reputations with parents, teachers and librarians. Age ranges are suggestions, not rules, so you know your reader best. Previewing a book before you hand it over is always a good idea, especially for sensitive topics.
The 15 Books
1. Ida, Always by Caron Levis
Two polar bears, Gus and Ida, live in a city zoo, and when Ida gets sick, Gus has to say goodbye. Based on a true story, it handles loss with tenderness. Recommended ages: about 4-8.
2. The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr
A little fish is alone after a loss and finds ways to feel again. Todd Parr's bright pictures make grief approachable. Recommended ages: about 3-7.
3. Grandad's Island by Benji Davies
Syd visits his grandad's faraway island and learns that love stays with him. Recommended ages: about 3-7.
4. I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas
Pat Thomas explains death in simple language and answers common questions. A helpful guide for parents and young children. Recommended ages: about 3-8.
5. Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley
When Badger dies, his friends remember the things he taught them. A gentle book about coping with loss. Recommended ages: about 4-8.
6. Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
A boy tells the story of his great-grandfather's life through the garden he shaped, even as his memory fades. A beautiful book about memory and love. Recommended ages: about 4-8.
7. The Memory String by Eve Bunting
Laura keeps a string of buttons that holds memories of her late mother and learns to accept her stepmother. A heartfelt book about grief and family. Recommended ages: about 5-9.
8. Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen
Bryan Mellonie and Robert Ingpen explain that all living things have a beginning, an ending and a living in between. A calm, factual book about the cycle of life. Recommended ages: about 4-9.
9. Always and Forever by Alan Durant
Friends find comfort in sharing memories after Fox dies. Recommended ages: about 3-7.
10. The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
After her friend drowns, Suzy becomes convinced a jellyfish sting was to blame and tries to prove it. A thoughtful novel about grief and science. Recommended ages: about 10-14.
11. The Memory Box by Joanna Rowland
A child fills a box with memories to keep a loved one close. Recommended ages: about 4-8.
12. Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas
A girl mourns her dog and finds comfort in memories, and slowly opens her heart to a new puppy. A gentle book on pet loss. Recommended ages: about 3-8.
13. Harry & Hopper by Margaret Wild
Harry learns to say goodbye after his dog dies suddenly. Recommended ages: about 4-8.
14. The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
After Taylor's tower of blocks is destroyed, animals offer advice, but only the rabbit listens. A lovely story about being present with someone who is hurting. Recommended ages: about 3-8.
15. Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper
An older cat teaches a kitten, then is gone, and the circle of life continues. Recommended ages: about 3-7.
Tips for Choosing and Sharing These Books
- Read it first. A quick skim lets you spot anything that might need a conversation.
- Match the book to the child. A reader who loves jokes may prefer a funny pick, while a quiet reader may prefer a gentler story.
- Read together. Pausing to ask what a character might feel or do next turns a story into a conversation.
- Visit the library. Borrowing a few titles from this list lets you find the ones your child returns to.
- Revisit favorites. Children often ask for the same book again and again, and rereading builds confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book for books for kids about death and grief?
Ida, Always by Caron Levis is a strong place to start, and every book on this list is a good option.
What age are these books for?
The books on this list are written for roughly ages 3 to 14, and each entry shows its own suggested range.
Should I read these books aloud?
Many of them work well read aloud, especially with younger children, and older readers may enjoy reading them independently.
How do I pick the right one for my child?
Start with your child's interests and reading level, then choose one or two titles from the table above and see which one they ask for again.
Related: 15 Best Books on Grief