Feb 12 2026 Children’s Books and Other Resources About Death and Dying
Ages:
AdultReading books about death and dying with children can be a safe way to explore complex emotions, help them understand the concept of mortality, and serve as a launching point for important conversations with trusted adults.
When choosing books, consider the children in your life — their level of understanding and maturity, and their reading level. Most children’s books are written for a specific age range. Yet, you may find that a young children’s book meets the needs of older children for the direct and straightforward way it addresses the topic of death — that transcends ages.
Some of the following books explicitly include Jewish traditions and ideas, while others are more universal in their approach.
Note: Descriptions are taken directly from the publishers’ or authors’ websites.
Children’s Picture Books About Death
The Goodbye Book, By Todd Parr (ages 3–6)
Through the lens of a pet fish who has lost his companion, Todd Parr tells a moving and wholly accessible story about saying goodbye. Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them.
When Dinosaurs Die, By Laurie Krasny Brown, Illustrated by Mark Brown (4–8)
To children, the passing away of a loved one can be especially perplexing and troublesome. This is true whether the loss is a family member, friend, or pet. Here to offer advice and reassurance are the wise dinosaurs from the bestselling Dino Tale series. This succinct and thorough guide helps dispel the mystery and negative connotations associated with death, providing answers to kids’ most-often asked questions.
I Have a Question About Death, By Arlen Grad Gaines & Meredith Englander Polsky (5–11)
Death is a difficult topic for any parent or educator to explain to a child, perhaps even more so when the child has an Autism Spectrum Disorder or other Special Needs. The first book of its kind, I Have a Question about Death uses straightforward text and images and is designed specifically to help all children understand what happens when someone dies.
Children’s Books About the Death of a Parent/Grandparent/Loved One
Sitting Shiva, By Erin Silver, Illustrated by Michelle Theodore (3–5)
A little girl grieves the loss of her mother, but she can’t grieve alone. When her friends and family arrive at her house to sit shiva, laden with cakes and stories, she refuses to come downstairs. But the laughter and memories gradually bring her into the fold, where she is comforted by her community.
Nana Upstairs, Nana Downstairs, By Tomie dePaola (3–7)
Tommy is four years old, and he loves visiting the home of his grandmother, Nana Downstairs, and his great-grandmother, Nana Upstairs. But one day Tommy’s mother tells him Nana Upstairs won’t be there anymore, and Tommy must struggle with saying good-bye to someone he loves.
French Toast Sundays, By Gloria Spielman (4–8)
When Mina’s beloved Grandma dies, nothing feels right anymore. People come to visit. Mina just hides up in the big old oak tree. But the stories she hears about Grandma bring her slowly back down until at last Mina feels ready to smile again.
A Flame Burns On, By Richard Ho, Illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami (4–8) Each year, a girl and her mom light a yahrzeit candle on the anniversary of an uncle’s passing. Even though she was young when he died, her memories of him shine bright and clear: all the times they went camping, read together, and how he was there for every birthday.
The Remembering Candle, By Alison Goldberg, Illustrated by Selina Alko (6–8)
Grandpa died last November. Now, one year later on the anniversary of his death, a boy and his family light a yahrzeit candle to remember him, and it will burn all night and all day tomorrow until sunset. The boy and his family spend the next night and day remembering Grandpa and sharing stories with each other. Shortlisted for the National Jewish Book Awards
Stones for Grandpa, By Renee Londner, Illustrated by Martha Aviles (5–9)
A little boy and his family gather at the cemetery for the unveiling of his grandpa’s gravestone, bringing stones to place on the grave, in the Jewish custom. They tell stories that help the boy deal with his loss, reminding him of the wonderful memories he has of his grandpa.
The Turquoise Butterfly, By Dale V. Atkins, PhD, Illustrated by Amelina Jones (4–12)
Every summer, Victoria travels to Grandma Sylvia’s house for an exciting adventure. Grandma embodies the spirit of a vibrant butterfly, but Victoria is often filled with bubbling nerves, which leaves her scared and confused. Throughout Victoria’s journeys over several summers, she navigates the winds of change with Grandma by her side. The Turquoise Butterfly explores our vulnerabilities and unique strengths in this multigenerational, heartwarming tale.
When a Grandparent Dies: A Kid’s Own Remembering Workbook for Dealing with Shiva and the Year Beyond, By Nechama Liss-Levinson, PhD (7–13)
The death of a grandparent is often a child’s first encounter with grief. Why did this happen? What should I do? How do I feel? When a Grandparent Dies helps children to participate in the process of mourning, and to overcome the awkwardness that can often accompany the traditional grieving rituals and events.
Where is Grandpa Dennis, By Michelle Shapiro Abraham, Illustrated by Janice Fried (6–10)
The daughter [in this book] is named for her grandfather [though she] never knew him. Her mother uses pictures and verbal memories to sketch out why Grandpa Dennis was such an important person in the family.
Will I Ever Be Happy Again, By Rabbi Avidan Milevsky (2–8)
Designed for Orthodox-observant families
When a special person dies, it can be confusing for the children who were close. Will I Ever Be Happy Again? combines a child-friendly explanation of the post-death Jewish rituals with activities that encourage children to express their thoughts in words and pictures, helping them cope with their loss.
Additional Recommended Resources
Book Lists:
Podcasts
- NPR — The Dog isn’t Sleeping: How to Talk with Children About Death
- Park Avenue Synagogue — How We Talk About Death and Dying
- The Dougy Center — Let’s Hear it for the Kids: Grief in Their Own Words
Videos
- BimBam — How to Talk to Your Kids About Death
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood — Blue Fish is Dead
- Sesame Street — Big Bird Learns About Death
Banner photograph courtesy of Unsplash
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